3 pt hitch hook-up

wkasr1 · Apr 11, 2004

I just joined this forum after looking at it for several months. I know very little about tractors except I love to use my B7800 every chance I get. This board is my main source for information and I have learned a lot. Thanks to everyone here!
Now for my first question-- I'm having a little trouble changing implements. Is there a proper sequence for attaching 3 pt hitch items, also those using the pto? Thanks, Billy

Bird · Apr 11, 2004

Billy, I don't think there's a "proper" sequence, so long as you get everything hooked up. You just do it in the sequence that's easiest for you. But being a creature of habit, I always used what was the easiest sequence for me, and that was to hook up the lower or lift arms to the two pins first. I was usually able to back the tractor up to the implement pretty straight, but if I happened to be off a bit, I could hook up one lower link, then move the tractor very slowly forward or backward to line up the other one. Then I could raise (or lower) them very slowly to line up the top link, usually without re-adjusting the length of the top link. And then I shut off the engine and hooked up the PTO driveshaft (it's not necessary to shut off the engine, of course, so long as the PTO is turned off, but I just didn't take any chances).

PineRidge · Apr 11, 2004

The process that works best for me is to hook up the lower arms of the 3-point hitch first. I then attach the top link and adjust the implement so the it is plumb. Last I attach the PTO and make sure that it is locked on the spline.

Whoops, looks like I agree wth Bird on this one. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SacandagaBrad · Apr 11, 2004

I've found more important than sequence is the ability to store and switch implements on a flat, solid area or block up the implements on some blocks. The other thing I do is make sure there is enough play in the sway bars to give yourself some flexibility in moving the arms. Most of the time I hook up the arms first and then the top link, then make all of my adjustments. If the implement is not level with the tractor, you can always connect the fixed arm first, then adjust the height on the other side to get it to slide over the pin, then sqare up once all is connected. I don't hook up the PTO shaft until the implement is hanging plumb and ready to go, and I never hook up the PTO without shutting down the engine!

Not much in the way of secret tricks here, but hopefully it helps. I still find a 3PH implement easier to hook up than my old Gravely attachments.

Brad

jmc · Apr 11, 2004

wkasr1,

By centering the lower links (side to side) before backing up to the implement, I have less trouble with the stabilizers keeping the lower links from going on the implement pins far enough to get the retaining pin in. My tractor has a bungy cord that connects the lower links to keep them from flopping around when no implement is back there. When the bungy is connected, the lower links are centered.

I used to waste time rotating the PTO shaft until it appeared to line up with the male PTO spline. Later, I discovered that the male spline rotates freely on my tractor so its easier to press the PTO shaft onto the spline while rotating the spline until you feel them engage. It can be a three handed job if your shaft doesn't telescope freely.

John

RoyJackson · Apr 11, 2004

The only thing I'll add is to have a lever of some sort (2 x 4 a few feet long) or a sledge hammer handy to help shift that implement around a bit when getting the lower links hooked up.
One thing more...I always have the tractor key in my pocket when I'm hooking anything to the PTO.

BillyP · Apr 11, 2004

One thing I'll add, that can make your tractor implement attaching life easier, is invest in a set of telescoping draft links. I don't know if they are offered for your tractor but it would be worth checking into.

JerryG · Apr 11, 2004

When looking at the tractor from the back----
1) hook up the left lower link first, this link is the non-adjustable one.
2)Then hook up the right link, this is the adjustable link. As such you can adjust it to take up for unlevelness etc.
3)Then hook the PTO or the third link.

EastTexFrank · Apr 11, 2004

My, my, what creatures of habit we are!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I follow basically the same procedure as the rest, lower links first, top link second and PTO last. When I come to think of it, I do sometimes connect the top link before the PTO. Variety is the spice of life. I must admit though that I don't always shut off the engine before attaching the PTO driveshaft but it's always disengaged before I work around the backside of the machine. I must pay more attention to that in future. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif