3 pt hitch issue

[TJSlice]

I am still a tractor newb. I've got about 40 hours on the Branson 4720Ch.

Today was the day to dismount my backhoe, and install my 3 pt hitch for the first time. I was planning to start mowing this afternoon.

Everything was pretty straight forward, except I have run into an issue with the fixing pins for the stabilizer link. The fixing pins hit another part of the frame, which does not allow them to go all the way through, so I can't slide the locking pins through the hole.

I have tried all of the other fixing pins, and the ones I am using are completely flat on the end, and are the only ones that come even close to making it all the way through.

Am I doing something wrong?

 

[ericm979]

Are both sides the same? On my 3725 the pin goes through far enough to let me get the clip in, though it's tight in there.

It could be that there needs to be some adjustment made.

 

[TJSlice]

Yes, both sides are the same, with either pin.

 

[ericm979]

I just went out to the barn to double check. On mine the pin goes in just far enough that the hole is clear of the bracket so I can slide the clip in. I don't know for sure but I think that if the bolts that clamp that plate on to the bottom of the axle were loosened you would be able to move the plate a little. I'd ask the dealer first.

Also it seems like something the dealer should have checked.

 

[Texb]

I had the same issue. Just one pin. I used my bench belt grinder to take a little off the end, then round it a little.

 

[TJSlice]

Thanks for the input guys. I was reluctant to start grinding or cutting before I was sure it wasn't me.

 

[Hombre]

I had the same issue. Just one pin. I used my bench belt grinder to take a little off the end, then round it a little.

Just went and checked my 4020 and it's the same also. Good thing I did check as one of the pins was only about halfway installed and the clevis was missing. Loosened the adjusting link up (I have the post hole digger on right now) and tried to reinstall the pin, no go. Did the same as Texb, ground the end down a bit till it would fit far enough through to see the hole then stuck a big cotter pin through the hole using long needle nose pliers. Very tight quarters there. Not a good design at all. Strong as he!!, but not good.

 

[ning]

Mine (3520h) just barely fits. A real pain to get the clip in, no doubt.
Probably the one thing about the tractor that I actively dislike!

 

[TJSlice]

I ended up grinding the pins down on the end, and they fit no problem now. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[ning]

So yesterday I swapped 3pt for BH because I'd taken the BH off in a stupid place and so I needed to move it. Today, I put the the 3pt arms back on and accidentally made things easier.

I had pulled the pins on the stabilizing links previously, and when I carried the left arm stuff over to the tractor, the stabilizing link fell out.

*Idea!* I thought, why not attach the stabilizing link pin first?

Without the rest of the arm business crowding me, it was very easy to put that pin in, and the rest of the arm went on smoothly afterwards.

I'm looking forward to doing the same in reverse when I take the 3pt arms off for the BH install next time.