GC 1705 and drawbar

[jrm21]

A little confused on using a drawbar with a GC1705. Don't have access to the machine now, so am unable to measure.

I have some "tow behind" implements, previously used with an ATV, that I would like to connect to my 1705. These items are both "hitch pin" connections (no ball). I have seen drawbars available that seem to connect to the arms of the 3-pt hitch.

Should I be using this type of connection? If so, what is the proper width drawbar to get?

Or is there a better/other way I should be doing this?

 

[sweettractors]

A little confused on using a drawbar with a GC1705. Don't have access to the machine now, so am unable to measure.

I have some "tow behind" implements, previously used with an ATV, that I would like to connect to my 1705. These items are both "hitch pin" connections (no ball). I have seen drawbars available that seem to connect to the arms of the 3-pt hitch.

Should I be using this type of connection? If so, what is the proper width drawbar to get?

Or is there a better/other way I should be doing this?

Try to get a stationery mounted drawbar. The cross drawbar on the 3 point could be unsafe if raised when towing a implement. If you decide to go with the cross drawbar, get one that can be locked in the down position. Ken Sweet

 

[jrm21]

Stationary being safer... makes sense (although I thought the ability to raise lower would be a benefit to accommodate different implements to get the right height).

Going the stationary route - does the 1705 have a hitch receiver? (I realize it's a crazy question but I don't have access to mine now and won't be there for a few weeks. I had hoped to get a drawbar before then so I can get some things done when I get there). If not, what do I need to connect a stationary drawbar? If I need to attach something to fit a stationary drawbar, will that need to be removed to use regular 3-pt implements?

 

[Ed of all trades]

I assume it is the same as my GC2400. It has a lawn mower hitch made from about 1/4 in metal. I have almost 400 hr's on my tractor and have yet to use that little cheesey thing. I built a hitch for the 3 point and like it until you start going down hill and the hitch gets pushed up. Ed

 

[Scut 4 Big Bucks]

Here is a pic of the rearend of my 1715.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Here is a pic of the rearend of my 1715.

View attachment 454746

It is the same as my GC2400. Ed

 

[jrm21]

Thanks for the pics. They helped a lot. It's tough not having access to the machine to see for myself, and none of the manuals give any information.

Depending on actual height, that hitch may work for me. My drag-behind implements have long bars and connect with a simple pin (no ball needed).

 

[kthompson]

I have used both and the fixed draw bar is the safe way to go. It also gives you the best clearance with the pin hitch for making sharp turns. I will use the draw bar on lift arms when moving trailer or such in yard but past that do not think a good idea. If you do have sway bars or chains tight, the tires hitting even the smallest bump with cause the tongue to swing and can cause a load to shift. If you use the lift draw bar be very careful loads can not shift while moving for if they do or you try to load or unload and the front end gets light (it will happen before you can think on it) it can drop like a lead ball on the rear end and if backing damage often happens and can damage to implement or such and injury to person or say a dog with you. Backing with a lift arm drawbar has tendency to push lift arms up therefore causing the rear end to drop. Lift arms are not really designed for backing, rather pulling. I have a 500 gallon sprayer on wheels with a 4 pound tractor and it will rock the tractor when stopping. If on lift arms would not feel safe at all.

 

[jrm21]

Good points. Based on previous posts, I was looking to go fixed drawbar over one on the 3pt. My original thought was to simply use the small hitch point already there (as seen in the photo someone else posted). I am headed to the the property where I keep the tractor and will look at it this weekend. My only concern is using that as a hitch point may not leave clearance when turning. Although there are long arms on the implements, I have a feeling they may not clear the tires on sharp turns.

I know I can get a long drawbar to remedy that situation, but where to connect it to? Is there a hitch receiver kit that can be easily installed on a 1700 series?

There are only two attachments I am concerned about, both of which I currently tow behind an ATV. One is a dump wagon. The other is an arena drag. Neither are overly demanding applications.

 

[irvingj]

I just put a ball into the hole on the plate just below the 3PH, and keep the 3PH folded up. Converted the one pin-type hitch I had to a ball type; all others (trailer, boat, camper) were already ball type. Ball hitch does not interfere with 3PH when I need to use that. Good to go.:thumbsup: