3 point Newb question

[mrlullabye]

So I just bought my Farmtract 360 DTC, took it to the farm, hooked up the finish mower and basically everything worked.

I do realize there is some art to setting up the 3 point that I have not masted so I have a few quick questions.

On the lower two links there are turn buckles attached to the rear axels. The turn buckles are mounted on what looks like 2 links of heavy chain, the chain appears to be engineered so that the turn buckles can pull but not push. On the finish mower the mating pin is about 4 inches long, so when the lower arms are slid over the pins on the finish mower they can float around a little. It would seem logical to me that you would want the turn buckles to push the lower arms inward so that they tend to ride on the close side of the pin rather then out by the retaining pin.

We were able to mow with it but the finisher was sort of following behind at a slight angle. The only thing I see that could be done is tighten the turn buckles so they hold the finish mower closer to straight. #1 that would put the arms out close to the retaining pins (logically weaker) #2 should the finisher be allowed to sway side to side? #3 is there something I just don't understand.

I had actually thought about getting a quick hitch because it would seem like holding all three links of the hitch in a ridid formation would make the hitch and tractor stronger. I don't really like the idea of those arms flopping about.

Also I was wondering, if the only option is to tighten the turnbuckles pulling the arms outward towards the retaining pin (logically weaker) is it routine to attach some sleeve or something to keep it further from the pin?

 

[dirt ditch]

1. On the lower two links there are turn buckles attached to the rear axels. The turn buckles are mounted on what looks like 2 links of heavy chain, the chain appears to be engineered so that the turn buckles can pull but not push.

That is how it is suppose to work.

2. It would seem logical to me that you would want the turn buckles to push the lower arms inward so that they tend to ride on the close side of the pin rather then out by the retaining pin.

That is why 7/16" linch pins have a flat side for the ball of the lift arm to rest against.

3. the finisher was sort of following behind at a slight angle. The only thing I see that could be done is tighten the turn buckles so they hold the finish mower closer to straight.

Loosen 1 turn buckle and tighten the other until it is even.

4. that would put the arms out close to the retaining pins

Yes, see #2.

5. should the finisher be allowed to sway side to side?

A little play is ok.

6. if the only option is to tighten the turnbuckles pulling the arms outward towards the retaining pin (logically weaker) is it routine to attach some sleeve or something to keep it further from the pin?

No, see #2.

 

[Soundguy]

Like dirtditch said.. adjust the buckles so the ams are out by the pins.. if it bothers you to have the arm balls at the pins.. put on a big fender washer on each side between the pin and ball... easy to find the big ones at farm stores. etc....

soundguy

 

[lake rat]

Lullabye, Dirt...& Sound: Thanks fellas!