Chipper ATTACHING A 1400 LB. CHIPPER

[kenta]

I have 2 Kabota tractors. One is a M5400 that I have had for 5 years and has a loader and does the heavy work. I also have a B2910 with a front snow blower for Vermont winters. I put on a Curtis cab and plow or blow rather a 1/2 mile road. It works great. The question today is about the latest purchase. I traded my Valby CH200 chipper which weighs 1175 lbs. for a Valby CH222HF which weighs 1500 lbs. The reason for the change was the need for a hydrolic feed that makes the work go a lot easier and quicker. The 3 point hitch lifts 3000 lbs. so it handles it fine. The question is this: Does anyone have any ideas on how to make the hook-up and removal of this heavy chipper easier that bulling and jamming. I looked at Pat's product, but it said catagory 1 and this is definately a catagory 2 impliment. The chipper is stored inside on staymat and I considered a plywood base and dolly's, but I don't want to lose control of this beast. Two men can put it on and off, but sometimes I work alone and I am not so strong anymore at 62, but that's another story. Any ideas will be appreciated. I live on 300 acres in Vermont and maple sugar and log part time. Thanks, Kent

 

[Inspector507]

At one time Pat made a Cat 2 set. Nothing but a phone call wasted to see /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
888-243-4204

 

[DannyD]

I am pretty sure they still do. Check them or Nothern Tool, they sell the entire line of Pat's

 

[JimMorrissey]

Kenta,

Fellow Vermonter.....Consider a top & tilt package for your machine. It is expensive, but would be easy to control the arms and top link. Maybe it would be useful for your other tractor activities as well....

Jim

 

[KiotiJohn]

Call Pat Greenwell (Pat's EZ Change) toll free at:
Telephone
1-888-243-4204

 

[Jim_Fisher]

Kenta,

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Does anyone have any ideas on how to make the hook-up and removal of this heavy chipper easier that bulling and jamming. )</font>


Here's how I do it.

1) Position the tractor as close to where it needs to be as possible. If it is not in the correct position, take the time to place it in the right position. The tractor moves under it's own power and can be steered. The implement doesn't.

2) My draft links have a setting that allows them to have a certain amount of vertical movement. I use that setting since I don't always have a level place on which to drop a three point implement. Make sure that the sway control has the draft links at their widest position - at the very least wide enough to clear the pins on the implement.

3) Connect the PTO shaft.

4) Lift the hitch and align it with the highest pin on the implement.

5) Release the sway control and place a tarp strap between the draft links, so that it pulls them together.

6) Lift the lower of the two draft links so that it aligns with the pin on the implement. The tarp strap will pull it in against the pin and hold it there.

7) Rock the tractor back and forth gently. Moving the tractor forward will tend to pull the draft links together moving it backward will tend to push them apart. The tarp strap will help to pull the draft links together over the pins. Some folks use a little lubrication on the pins, such as WD40. I have found that as long as the balls in the end of the draft links are properly lubricated, I don't need any additional lubrication.

8) After the draft links have closed on the pins, drop the lynch pins into their holes and secure them.

9) Connect the top link, secure it, and adjust it.

10) Carefully lift the implement, center it, and secure the sway controls.

 

[kenta]

Thank you Jim Fisher. You gave me the 101 on impliment hook-up. You nailed all the points, but the best one was the tarp strap. I'm out there with a 20 lb come along feeling like an idiot and I could have done it with the strap. I can tell you have been around big impiments by the steps you gave me. They are right on the mark. I have been bulling and jaming for 30 years in Vermont doing more damage to my body that the woods. When it comes down to it. The old fashion way, with a little common sense always works. I am not afraid to ask for help. Remember that fellow tractor men. There is always someone out there that has done the job and willing to help. Thanks again Jim. I am out the door to buy a nice yellow tarp strap with those neat rachet sounds that mean they are doing the work. Thanks, Kenta

 

[Jim_Fisher]

Kenta,

You're welcome.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I am out the door to buy a nice yellow tarp strap with those neat rachet sounds that mean they are doing the work. )</font>

When I refer to a tarp strap, I mean a plain black rubber strap with an S hook in each end. I haven't used a ratchet strap to do this although I suspect that it will work as long as it will stretch a little bit.