2216 3 point lower links

[Brandonasat]

Hi all, I recently purchased a 2008 2216 HST tractor. It is my first tractor so I am a rookie when it comes to a lot of this stuff. I bought a box blade and after hooking it up to the 3 point hitch, it seems to me like the lower links are too short. They end up very close to the rear tires if I lift up the implement, and will even rub the tires if it sways. After doing a little research and finding some pictures of these tractors, it appears that my lower links must have been replaced at some point. They look shorter, and there are no holes for a stabilizer (something else I am missing).

I looked up the price to replace the lower arms from Mahindra and they are $500 a piece (ouch!) and the stabilizer assembly is $150 a piece. What I would like to know is if it would be possible for me to use any Cat 1 lower links, such as the ones sold at TSC or Rural King? Or if I have to buy the specific ones for my tractor?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Brandon

 

[clevalley]

I would most definitely say the box blade is WAY too close to the rears... I would not operate it because if you lift and one of the scarifiers hit your tire you could tear a chunk out of it.

I would imagine removing a lower link and going down to TSC would be an option to compare it against what they have on the shelf to see if you can get one longer... but it would be nice to find what the original length was to ensure you were not going out too far and to measure the holes for the stabilizers.

Online is another option - Lift Arms for Compact Tractor 3 PT Hitches

Another option would be a quick hitch or PATS Easy Change System on the end of the lift arms which will add about 3 - 4 inches - Pat's Easy Change System - TractorByNet.com Store - but this still may not be enough.

 

[jeff9366]

tractor data.com opines the Mahindra 2216 has an industry standard Category 1, Three Point Hitch.
TractorData.com Mahindra 2216 tractor information

If you shorten your Top Link the body of the Box Blade below the draw pins will rotate away from the tractor, increasing clearance.

You are missing Lower Link stabilizers, which are essential. In your Photo #2, what may be stabilizer attachment lugs are visible to the rear of Lifting Rod attachment on the Lower Links. On Kubotas, stabilizer attachments points are on the OUTSIDE of Lower Links, so it is possible your Lower Links were installed upside down by a klutz.

Purchasing generic stabilizers at TSC or Agri Supply should be relatively simple if you measure carefully before going to the store. I prefer rigid Lower Link stabilizers but your Mahindra may use less desirable chain Lower Link stabilizers.
UNIVERSAL CHECK CHAIN STABILIZER TRACTOR 3 POINT HITCH | eBay

WILL SOMEONE POST A PARTS DIAGRAM, WITH PARTS NUMBERS, FOR MAHINDRA 2216 STABILIZERS??????


I am not keen on non-factory Lower Links. Kubota's have both horizontally and vertically oriented pin adjustment holes for increasing/decreasing vertical implement lift, which would likely be absent on generic Lower Links. (See my Photo #1+ #2 below.) I would discuss with a Mahindra dealer whether or not Mahindra factory Lower Links have these pin-accepting adjustment holes. Or a knowledgable Mahinda 2216 owner will chime in with a comment and hopefully a photo.
*OEM* Mahindra 1458514231DG LH Lower Link | eBay
Lower Link Arm, Tractor Link Arm, Link Arm | Agri Supply

It is unusual that Lower Links are replaced as the steel is thick/strong, however not totally unheard of.

Stout heart. The world is not lost.

Insert the Lynch Pin, which secures the Box Blade on the draw pins the opposite way, so gravity will assist retaining Lynch Pins if the bale opens. As you have the Lynch Pin inserted now, it can easily fall out due to gravity. Not good.