Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up?

   / Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up? #43  
I just checked the web site for carter's EZ Hitch system.... I looks like it will accomplish the same things as Pat's and way cheaper... Think I'll order some next week... Thanks for the tip.
 
   / Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up? #44  
I like dollies for my inside stored implements. Those outside are easy with telescoping lift arms on NH TC40 DA and CCM hydraulic top link. Definitely best on level ground. If not level, hook lower pin first then raise the 3-pt to level out the pins.
 
   / Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up? #45  
All of my implements are on homemade custom dollies. They are inexpensive to make (and fun, LOL). I take the cars out of the garage, move the tractor from its single bay to the double bay where the cars were, and roll the chosen implement to the 3ph. Good casters make it possible to allign pins and arms easily and quickly, pulling or pushing the implement with one hand while adjusting the 3ph arm with the other.
 
   / Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up? #46  
You can buy all kinds of stuff to make it easier, but if you just get mean with the hardware and push it around it will go on and off very quickly. I find it helps if I lower my 3 point to the elevation of the lowest pin and start there, put the boots to it if I have to. Then I go to the other side and raise the arm with my hand to line it up. Sometimes I grab the lugs on the tractor tire and roll it back and forth to help line things up. If that doesn't work I grab the end of the implement and just horse it around a little. Half an implement is a lot easer to push around than the entire thing. The box blade and tiller are the worse ones, they just seem to weld themselves to the ground.

I just got back from the barn after putting my finish mower away for the winter. I had to get my 7 foot rear blade out in preperation for the coming snow season. It was behind my 6 foot tiller so I had to move that and get it out of the way. I don't know what kind of dumb a** would have put it there, the friggin tiller is heavy! Oh thats right, that would be me...:eek:

I dropped the 72 inch mower in the east end of my silver barn, then I went and got the tiller out of the lean to and put it in the east end of the silver barn next to the mower. Then I connected my 7 foot grader blade and put it in the east end of the red barn against the wall dropped it there and went out in the field where I had left my 5 foot box blade and dirt scoop out in the weather. I hooked up the box blade and dropped it in the lean to where the tiller used to be and then I went and got the dirt scoop and put it next to the box blade. I did this in about 45 minutes of messing around (I did a little grading with the 7 foot blade before I dropped it in the red barn). All it takes is a little practice and a good pair of boots to help adjust things. If you don't like jerking around on 400-500# implements get a good long steel pry bar and take it with you. You can move the world with a 36" Stanley Fat Max and a little 6 inch square of plywood to stop it from sinking into the ground, all without breaking a sweat. Or if you are on a budget and have no further need for a good wrecking bar then a 4 or 5 foot length of 2x4 will work also. :D:D:D:D:D
 
   / Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up? #47  
I think the dollies to move the equipment around for inside storage are a good way to go. Would certainly enable you to store your implements in less space.


Kicking around my 1250 lb boxblade though is not an option. Leaving the seat without the brakes set is not an option either. With an I Match neither is necessary.
 
   / Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up? #48  
I use the dolly for everything I have. Harbor Freight had Furniture Dollys that were 24x36 or 12x18 on sale a year ago for $10 each. I wish I would have bought 20 of them but like a dumb A___ I only got 4 of each. I actually used them this summer to move a car up against the wall putting one under each tire.

You can not by 4 casters for $10 to make your own. I actually took apart a few of them to make a dolly for my Bush Hog and one of my 2 bottom plow because I needed something larger.

Chris
 
   / Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up? #49  
I use the dolly for everything I have. Harbor Freight had Furniture Dollys that were 24x36 or 12x18 on sale a year ago for $10 each. I wish I would have bought 20 of them but like a dumb A___ I only got 4 of each. I actually used them this summer to move a car up against the wall putting one under each tire.

You can not by 4 casters for $10 to make your own. I actually took apart a few of them to make a dolly for my Bush Hog and one of my 2 bottom plow because I needed something larger.

Chris



You are right that you can't buy 4 casters for $10 but luckily for me I have built service trucks for my business that use rollaway tool chest to make up the bodies. Since I have purchased about 30 rollaway tool carts I have at least 24 sets of heavy duty casters at my disposal. Here is a night shot of one of my trucks.
 
   / Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up? #50  
I use Pat's easy change and a hydraulic top link. I need to make the pvc pipe for a few implements though. JC

I made one out of a long 1/2 inch turnbuckle. Kept the reverse thread side...heated and bent a right angle out of the eye. Bought a piece of 1/2 inch threaded stock for the right hand side and bent a right in the end of it. The right angle ends fit right in Pat's receivers.

I just screw the turnbuckle in and out to adjust. Works great!
 
 

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