Cat 1/2 Hook-Up Hard

[Spike56]

JD2355 Cat 1 and Cat2.
Having a lot of issues getting equipment connected to the 3-point. I have the sway blocks set for Cat 1, but when I go to hook up (3-point sprayer for example), if I do not position the tractor exactly right, I cannot get both lower pins on because one arm will hit the sway block/s. Extending the arms does not help either. Luckily, I can push the sprayer once I get one side on, but still, it is a pain. Heavier pieces, like my box blade.... can not manually push around. Of course, I eventually get it connected, but it is a struggle.
Considered "longer" bottom pins on the sprayer ?

I do not want to purchase a "quick connect" for the back end- I only own a few pieces of equipment. Anyone else have this issue ? Have not been around tractors all my life. Am I overlooking anything ?

 

[workinonit]

For years that's the only method we had to hook up implements. The telescoping draft arms makes hooking up easier but if you want to solve the problem you need to get a quick hitch, no matter if you want to or not. I never had one until I got my last tractor and I wouldn't have a tractor now without one.

 

[Spike56]

That's what I was afraid of... that is, the solution is a quick hitch.
I am uncertain if I get one, how / if it will effect the shafts on my seeder or post hole digger ? Maybe would be okay ?
Does anyone have a recommendation for a quick hitch ? The bottom pins on my tractor are Cat2, but all my implements are Cat 1.

 

[duramaxsky]

Post hole digger don't normally work with a quick hitch.

 

[workinonit]

Yes, a post hole digger is a different creature. It won't work on a quick hitch without modification that would affect the range of motion of the PHD.

 

[Have tractor did travel]

As you surmise, a quick hitch will move your implement away from the PTO, and you may need longer shafts.
I've found that leaving my implements on something hard and smooth - like a 4 x 4 - allows me to slide them to make the connections easier.
Pat's quick hitch seems good, but you'd want to get that accessory that holds the stabilizing arms apart. I bought a Harbor Freight quick hitch and found all of my implements needed to be adjusted in order to make it work. I finally sold the HF hitch and went back to fighting with my implements.

 

[jeff9366]

Three-point hitch specifications

Category	Hitch pin size		Lower hitch spacing	Tractor drawbar power
	upper link	lower links
0	17 mm (5⁄8")	17 mm (5⁄8")	500 mm (20")	<15 kW (<20 hp)
1	19 mm (3⁄4")	22.4 mm (7⁄8")	718 mm (28")	15-35 kW (20-45 hp)
2	25.5 mm (1")	28.7 mm (1 1⁄8")	870 mm (34")	30-75 kW (40-100 hp)
3	31.75 mm (1 1⁄4")	37.4 mm (1 7⁄16")	1010 mm (40")	60-168 kW (80-225 hp)
4	45mm (1 3⁄4")	51 mm (2")	1220 mm (48")	135-300 kW (180-400 hp)

Inure yourself to changing the sway bar settings when changing from Cat 1 implements to Cat 2 implements. There is a 6" difference in spacing.

 

[Tx Jim]

Alternative to quick hitch is Pat's QH. These Pat's adapters can be be utilized on both Cat l & Cat ll implements unlike standard quick hitch & don't require all implement centerlink attachment locations to be identical dimensions.

 

[Spike56]

Alternative to quick hitch is Pat's QH. These Pat's adapters can be be utilized on both Cat l & Cat ll implements unlike standard quick hitch & don't require all implement centerlink attachment locations to be identical dimensions.

I had purchased these last year. Ended up giving them away. The tips on my lower arms are "curved/angled" slightly and the Pat's just DID NOT fasten up good - good enough that I would trust them. I had to use all the shims that come with the kit, even so, they did not align very well. But, thanks for the suggestion.
I would rather have a "frame" style that has (3) connects to the tractor if I buy one at all.

 

[Spike56]

Three-point hitch specifications

Category	Hitch pin size		Lower hitch spacing	Tractor drawbar power
	upper link	lower links
0	17 mm (5⁄8")	17 mm (5⁄8")	500 mm (20")	<15 kW (<20 hp)
1	19 mm (3⁄4")	22.4 mm (7⁄8")	718 mm (28")	15-35 kW (20-45 hp)
2	25.5 mm (1")	28.7 mm (1 1⁄8")	870 mm (34")	30-75 kW (40-100 hp)
3	31.75 mm (1 1⁄4")	37.4 mm (1 7⁄16")	1010 mm (40")	60-168 kW (80-225 hp)
4	45mm (1 3⁄4")	51 mm (2")	1220 mm (48")	135-300 kW (180-400 hp)

Inure yourself to changing the sway bar settings when changing from Cat 1 implements to Cat 2 implements. There is a 6" difference in spacing.

Hi Jeff, thanks for the reply. I am not sure how to change the sway bar setting ? If I understand (doubtful for me), the only "setting" I have is for the "cat1 /2" Blocks you flip on the frame ? There is no bar going across from side to side. I have a bungie cord from one arm to the other to reduce any banging around.
So, if there is another adjustment....?
When fitting a Cat1 implement, the issue is, getting the alignment such that BOTH arms will go on and I can pin them. I get one side, then try to put the other lower arm on and it hits the sway block. Aligned perfectly, they both go on a Cat 1 pin (with a sleeve of course for Cat2) and hookup is okay. So, as mentioned, I have to shove the implement over to one side to get the other arm on.