3 pt hitch hook-up

PineRidge · Apr 11, 2004

Forgot to mention that I keep a short piece of pipe in my toolbox. It fits over the pins on the implement and gives you a bit of extra leverage needed for slightly aligning the implement whenever necessary. Work wisely, save your back. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BubbaJr · Apr 11, 2004

Hi Billy,

The one thing I did that helped my implement mount/dismount more than anything else, was to make dollies for all of them. Since then attaching anything has become almost effortless. And the nice thing is that you can make them out of scrap wood and some wheels from TSC for very little money. Do a search for dollies, and you will find a variety of designs.

Have fun, and be careful. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

KiotiJohn · Apr 11, 2004

( The one thing I did that helped my implement mount/dismount more than anything else, was to make dollies for all of them.) I took some old pallets and casters I had around the house and made dollies out of them. Then when I need to, I use the dollie while that implement is on the tractor. Having the castors on the pallet comes in handy in many ways. John

normde2001 · Apr 11, 2004

Excellent idea about the pipe, Mike. Never heard of nor thought of that, should be a handy thing to have.

beenthere · Apr 11, 2004

Billy
For me, the easiest hook-up is using the quick tach (I-match from Deere, or other brand) for hooking up 3 pt attachments. Takes essentially all the tugging and pulling out of lining up the toys. Not the cheapest but, when you can, give it a serious look in the near future. Now that I have one, I won't do it any other way unless forced to.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

zuiko · Apr 11, 2004

I do draft links/top link/PTO like everyone else here. I use pat's easy change and it makes it a whole lot easier. One of my implements weighs close to 1100 lbs so theres no way I can fiddle with that by hand. I also keep my implements on a dirt floor so dollys wouldn't really work very well.

MossRoad · Apr 12, 2004

Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Well, I use to do it the same way everybody else did. One lower link, some horsing with a prybar on the second side, then the top link and driveshaft... I hate 3pt hitches! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Consider the quick hitches, easy hitches, fast hitches, etc... they have got to be better than the old way.

I finally found the ultimate solution to the 3pt hitch!(link goes to 200K video). /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif That's a 15 second implement change without getting off the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Of course, a new tractor is probably a bit extreme, so you should really consider the quick hitches if the 3pt is really giving you problems. The other suggestions about setting the implements on flat, hard surfaces and dollies are also very good solutions. Sometimes, driving across the yard for 10 minutes to find a flat spot will still save you time in the long run VS setting it down on uneven or soft ground.

Again, welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Soundguy · Apr 13, 2004

( One of my implements weighs close to 1100 lbs so theres no way I can fiddle with that by hand. )

Thats what long prybars were meant for! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Soundguy

DannyD · Apr 13, 2004

I got real good at doing just that with my forklift, when I worked for a living at the warehouse.

cisco · Apr 13, 2004

Golly, must be dozens of prior threads on this same topic (pays to check such - saves waiting for replies to come in).
Anyhow, the usual & per prior replies is as follows (and if you've not backed up the tractor to the implement in relative alignment to the pins - what follows won't work):
1. pull out sway bar pins to allow lifting arms can move freely
2. align non-adjustable lifting arm to implement pin first
3. align the adjustable lifting arm next (crank up or down on an adjustable cylinder crank as needed; lean against or pull on rear tire if a bit off in a forward/rear direction; if tractor is too heavy and you've a FEL, put the lower lip of the FEL blade on the ground and then you can move the tractor a few inches either way using the FEL control - the latter wonderful idea is NOT mine - posted by another on this forum)
4. connect top hitch IF it doesn't get in the way of your access to the pto connection
5. connect pto (make sure it's lubricated - the heavy ones can really be a bear to seat on the pto shaft)
6. raise implement, center behind tractor, put in sway bar pins

Yup, level ground and implement dollies are wonderful, but I ain't got either (yet - - - building garage now).
When in trouble, a crowbar is magic (so is a large hammer)