Attaching implements

HammerFour · Sep 28, 2005

I don't have any dollies ( or a smooth enough barn floor for them to work well either I think, the barn floor is dirt ) but I do use 4x4 posts to set the front edge of the rotary cutter on when I unhook it. That way it is easy to move around a bit as I go to hook it back up as it hasn't sank into the dirt ( they can also freeze down if it's cold enough, that really is a pain ).

I also set my box blade on a pallet for the same reason, easier to hook up without trying to drag it around in the dirt.

I can generally swap implements in 5 minutes or less. I do have Pat's easy change, that helps a bit as well.

Eric_Phillips · Sep 28, 2005

I just bought my first tractor this spring and had the same problems you are with the 3PH. I have learned pretty quickly how to change implements. Many here have said it comes with time and changes, don't worry that is true and it wont take years of practice. A couple of things I have found very helpful. WD40, does wonders on the pins and loosens the ball things on the end of the lower arms on new tractors. Raise the arms to just below the height of the implement when backing up. This helps alignment and getting the correct distance. The biggest problem I found was the geometry of the lower arm swing. I get the lower arm started on the pin but as it moves on the pin the effective length increases. Only one other person on here has come up with the same solution I have for this. Once I get the first lower arm started I attach the top link. I then lengthen or shorten the top link as needed. Sometimes you can watch the lower arm slip on the pin as you are adjusting the top link. I then go to the other side, use the height adjuster on that arm to get the arm the right height and then use the top link again to make the small adjustments. If you want to use the engine instead of the top link, pulling forward will cause the arms to slip on the pins. Backing up will cause them to slip off.

Good luck,
Eric

Michigan_Mike · Sep 28, 2005

I haven't done this with my cutter yet, but I picked up a set of car dollies from Harbor Freight, and put them under my disk harrow. Now all I need to do is get close, and roll the disk into place. (I must admit though, the wheels on these dollies will need to be replaced. They aren't exaclty round. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

Bob_Skurka · Sep 28, 2005

( I haven't done this with my cutter yet, but I picked up a set of car dollies from Harbor Freight, and put them under my disk harrow. Now all I need to do is get close, and roll the disk into place. (I must admit though, the wheels on these dollies will need to be replaced. They aren't exaclty round. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)
)

That really is a great trick to use those. Furniture dollies will also work. I have my smaller box blade on 2 Harbor Freight furniture dollies. My Herd Seeder is on a pallet that I cut down and put casters under. On my weight box I just welded H.D. casters right to the bottom of it.

Soundguy · Sep 28, 2005

( After about 30 minutes I had it on. I can do it now in 5-10 minutes.
)

I agree. I went from 20 minutes and about 3 tries backing up.. to just backing up and 5 minutes or so.

It's just an issue of practice, and good eyeball alignment, and holding your mouth correctly! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Soundguy

Michigan_Mike · Sep 28, 2005

I wish I could take credit for the idea, but I saw it here on TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

PineRidge · Sep 28, 2005

I actually trained the wife to hook up all the implements while I drink the beer. I think it's a fair arrangement and she agrees. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Mavrik02 · Sep 28, 2005

Lots of traffic on this post!

I just got my tractor a few weeks ago (BH, BB, Rake, and RFM). The BB, Rake, and RFM take about 5 minutes to get off and then another 5 to put on. I use the same method described by many already...backing up almost perfectly attaching the lower connections, the PTO and then the top link. The top link takes the most time because I'm always adjusting the length for the different attachments. No pry bar needed.

The BH takes awhile longer but I've taken it off and put it on twice now with only minor issues. It took me about 15 minutes last time I put it on.

Slamfire · Sep 28, 2005

I once parked by rotary cutter on an old trailer wheel that is a spare for my little 2 wheel cart. The weeds were high and I didn't notice the spare was there. The next time I hooked it up, I was amazed at how simple it was to get the lower arms hooked up because I was able to rotate the cutter. I put up a couple of marker pins to line up the wheel with the stump jumper when I want to unhook to use another implement. Another thing is if you can place your lower pins so you spread the lift arms apart to hook up saves a lot of energy also. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif