3 Pt Hitch - wanting to adjust length of lift link

jbwilson · Jan 10, 2014

I want to have the option of adjusting the length of my left side lift link to make it shorter in order to more effectively operate my rota tiller. I need to be able to raise the tiller a little bit higher so that I can back up over uneven ground. I only need an inch or so.

I have the Australian equivalent to the SC2400 (EA2400). I don't want to modify the attachment points on the rota tiller, so I have questions on 2 options that I am thinking of.

1) Buy an adjustable lift link, the same as what's fitted on the right side. Question - Will the right side link fit on the left side? If so can you tell me the Yanmar part no or point me in the right direction for a suitable non OEM part?

2) Drill a hole in the fork of the left link about an inch above the pivot hole where it connects with the lower link. I could then use the upper hole to connect the lift link to the lower link, hence reducing the distance from the lower link to the upper lift arm. Question - Can you see any problem with the change in geometry in the operation of the 3pt hitch? I am guessing not given that the right hand side lift link has a fair degree of adjustment, but I am not totally certain.

Another question related to this is whether the pivot pin connecting the lift link to the lower arm is press fitted on the lower link requiring a special tool to remove it or if it just requires a bit of persuasion to remove by just hitting it out with a block of wood and hammer.

Appreciate your responses. Thank you.

John

Gary Fowler · Jan 10, 2014

You can more easily and for no$$$ raise the tiller up by just shortening the top link a bit. Just a few rounds to shorten the 3rd link of the 3 point hitch will raise the implement a lot. If you have no more adjustment in your top link, a shorter one can be bought for $15-25 depending on the category and length, much cheaper than buying an adjustable lift arm.

jbwilson · Jan 10, 2014

Thank you. While shortening the top link raises the rear of my rota tiller it does not raise it at the point where it connects with the lower links.

John

Xfaxman · Jan 11, 2014

jbwilson said:
I want to have the option of adjusting the length of my left side lift link to make it shorter in order to more effectively operate my rota tiller. I need to be able to raise the tiller a little bit higher so that I can back up over uneven ground. I only need an inch or so.

I have the Australian equivalent to the SC2400 (EA2400). I don't want to modify the attachment points on the rota tiller, so I have questions on 2 options that I am thinking of.

1) Buy an adjustable lift link, the same as what's fitted on the right side. Question - Will the right side link fit on the left side? If so can you tell me the Yanmar part no or point me in the right direction for a suitable non OEM part?

2) Drill a hole in the fork of the left link about an inch above the pivot hole where it connects with the lower link. I could then use the upper hole to connect the lift link to the lower link, hence reducing the distance from the lower link to the upper lift arm. Question - Can you see any problem with the change in geometry in the operation of the 3pt hitch? I am guessing not given that the right hand side lift link has a fair degree of adjustment, but I am not totally certain.

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Appreciate your responses. Thank you.

John

Option 1 should work, but I have no experience with Yanmar tractors.

Option 2 sounds like the way mine is made. It was in the lower hole and I put it in the upper hole for more lift height.

jbwilson · Jan 11, 2014

Thank you. The photo is very reassuring. I'll go ahead and drill a 2nd hole about an inch above the 1st hole.

For info for other small tractor owners thinking of a rota tiller attachment - the PTO connecting shaft is very short and is at a fairly acute angle when the implement is fully raised. The inner and outer sleeve of the shaft overlaps only about 40mm or so when the implement is raised at its highest point. I guess that this will reduce the life of the PTO shaft - but this is far better than the risk of the shaft being too long and bashing the back of the transmission when the implement is lowered.

If the time comes when the PTO shaft needs replacing, I'll look into a PATs easy attachment as this will add about 4 inches to the extension of my lower links. This should appreciatively reduce the PTO shaft angle and allow more overlap with the inner and outer sleeve. I'll probably need to get a longer top link to accommodate the extended lower links.

John

Xfaxman · Jan 12, 2014

Check for clearance as noted on the picture, to get the hole in the right place. The link will bend if the new hole is too high.

You can grind some small grooves if needed.

jbwilson · Jan 12, 2014

Xfaxman - Thankyou for your advice and photo. I think my one inch is do-able with a small margin to spare but I'll certainly tripple check by raising and lowering the link and measuring the clearance between the U of the fork and the lower link edge before I commit to drilling.

John

Xfaxman · Jan 12, 2014

jbwilson said:
Xfaxman - Thankyou for your advice and photo. I think my one inch is do-able with a small margin to spare but I'll certainly tripple check by raising and lowering the link and measuring the clearance between the U of the fork and the lower link edge before I commit to drilling.

John

You are welcome.

Let us know how it works, so future info seekers can use your idea. :thumbsup: