3 point hitch types

Kaliburz · Jan 21, 2005

Forgive me if this has been posted/asked. I tried to search, but could not find the info I needed. I've heard of lots of different 3pt hitch "category"'s. I know of Cat 0, 1, 2, and 3. I've even heard of Cat 1N (I think Deere uses this on their narrow 5000 series). I have tractors w/ Cat 1 and 2 hitches, so I know those well.....BUT

On the Deere site, it lists a "Category 1 limited" type of a 3pt hitch. Another site said this about the Cat 1 Limited- "a category 0 three point hitch (or a category 1 limited which is the same as a category 0 hitch)"

Can somone PLEASE tell me the dimentions of this so called Cat 1 Limited? I mean, I know the arm dimentions of the Cat 0 (they're suppose to be 20" apart (and Cat 1 is 26"). So is all a "Cat 1 limited" reall just "Cat 0 hitch w/ Cat 1 ball ends"??? Is that is???? Is it that simple?

And Cat 1N? What is the dimentions of his hitch set up???? With the 1 in the name, I imagine the ball ends are the same as other Cat 1... but w the "N" in the name, how far apart are the arms suppose to be....

Next question, what HP range is the Cat 1 Limited used on? I thought the Cat 0 was up to 20HP??? (Had a link bookmarked, but can't find it....) Cat 1 Limited is what, under 25HP???

I've seen all the equipment for sale on Northern tool for use w/ ATV's using 3pt trailers. And they are listed as Cat 1 stuff. And then Deere has this Cat 1 limited equipment line....

Damned engineers.... why can't they keep things "simple"....
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

The reason I ask all this is, I'm planning to make a 3pt hitch for a garden tractor (12HP). But, I want to set up the hitch to use the most available equipment. I could use Cat 0 balls/dimentions, but Cat 0 equipment is not as common I think. But Cat 1 equipment is plentyfull.....(but they are for 45HP tractor max, and tend to be heavier.) But I know that Cat 1 dimentions would too wide for a garden tractor. That's why I'm asking on what Cat 1 Limited and Cat 1N 3pt dimentions and HP ranges.....

Thanks. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

SeymourBota · Jan 21, 2005

I don't have the specific answer to your question, although I do own 3 different tractors w/ each size/type of hitch you mention:
cat. 0 on an older Honda 5518
cat. 1 limited on my BX2200
cat. 1 on a B2410

As long as you are mindful of the size and weight, I have found that on most implements like blades, lifting platforms, etc. you can replace cat. 1 pins with cat. 0 pins mounted facing inwards and use them.
By starting with the lift arms towards center, the problem of getting them outside of the pins is solved!!

Kaliburz · Jan 22, 2005

I've seen rear blades at the local dealer that have Cat 1 pins on the outside and then on the inside Cat 0.

Does you BX2200 manual show any specs on Cat 1 limited hitch pin distances????

Soundguy · Jan 23, 2005

From what I've seen... cat1limited is a cat 1 implement pin size.. but with cat0 spacing. TSC sells a 20# drawbar.. it is cat 1 pinns.. andobviously cat0 length. They also have an XB series of equipment.. smaller mowers and such made to fit the narrow rear space of these subcompact tractors that have enough HP to us ethe smaller cat 1 implements.. but have room clearance issues.

Soundguy

Kaliburz · Jan 23, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( From what I've seen... cat1limited is a cat 1 implement pin size.. but with cat0 spacing. TSC sells a 20# drawbar.. it is cat 1 pinns.. andobviously cat0 length. They also have an XB series of equipment.. smaller mowers and such made to fit the narrow rear space of these subcompact tractors that have enough HP to us ethe smaller cat 1 implements.. but have room clearance issues.

Soundguy )</font>

Thank you!!!

That is what I orginally thought a Cat 1 limited was, but needed 'verification'. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

I plan to make a 3pt hit for my mid 1980's Jacobsen Garden tractor, GT-12H (identical to Ford LGT120 from same era, as Jacobsen made tractors for Ford). And I think going w/ the "Cat 1 Limited" 3pt hitch is the right thing to do.

Yes, it is a lower HP tractor, but I think that having the options of equipment is better (beats changing out pin types I guess....)

Soundguy · Jan 23, 2005

I agree.. put the cat 1 eyelets on it.. and you can always bushing them up to use the smaller cat0 implements.

My yanmar 1700 uses the small tsc drawbar, and I changed it to using ford style lower lift arms instead of the short yanmar arms.. It helped with space issues quite a bit. I see some subcompact tractors with contoured and bent lift arms.. that actually come out and around the rear tires to make more space.

Soundguy

RalphVa · Jan 23, 2005

I did some research and have recently noticed that the local TSC posts the Cat 0/I dimensions. Width on Cat 0 is 20" between arms. Width is 26" on Cat I. Bottom pins on Cat. I are 7/8". Top pins are 3/4" on Cat I and 5/8" on Cat. 0.

Official ASAE specs for center-to-center distance from draft arms to top link is 15".

Checked all this out when I bought the stuff at TSC for my drawbar shown here. Wanted it to fit onto a QH in case I ever bought one.

Ralph