Catagory 1, catagory 2 three point hitch difference?

[Airedale]

I am sure this subject has been discussed but I can not find anything with a search.

What I would like to know is the differences between catagory one and catagory two three point hitches.

I am thinking of getting into a larger tractor and most have catagory two three point hitches. What I would like to know is can I use my catagory one implements on a tractor with a catagory two hitch?

Thanks in advance,
Al

 

[RoyJackson]

The attached file (which requires Adobe Reader to view) explains the category differences. Suggest you save this file to your computer.

 

[bigdeer2000]

i also up sized in tractors from cat 1 hitch to cat 2. my cat 2 tractor came with bushings that slide over cat 1 pins to fit cat 2 hitch. bushings should be available at tsc or farm center. could also change pins on implements to cat 2 pins.

 

[Z-Michigan]

The short answer is you can still use cat 1 implements with a cat 2 hitch, as long as you have bushings. A few tractors, like my JD5105, even have hitch balls with different holes sized for both cat 1 and 2 draft pins.

A lot depends on the hp level. Going from 40 to 60hp may not seem like much but the 60hp tractor will probably pretzel ground-engaging cat 1 implements pretty fast. If it's something like a mower or a 3pt spreader that shouldn't be an issue. It looks like you have a Kubota B7500 - I don't think very many implements suitable for that are going to carry over to a utility tractor with a cat 2 hitch.

 

[Spiveyman]

I am thinking of getting into a larger tractor and most have catagory two three point hitches. What I would like to know is can I use my catagory one implements on a tractor with a catagory two hitch?

Yep... just went through this. I wouldn't switch out the draw pins or link pins to Cat 2. It's a pain to get the old one's off sometimes and then you can't use them with a Cat 1. Like bigdeer said, just get a set of bushings for your draw pins and a top link pin bushing. They slide right in the ball or over the pins and you are off and running. I'd get an extra just in case, but they work great. The only thing might be if you had an implement that you might want the extra strength of a Cat 2 pin - I'm thinking a rear blade or sub soiler?? That's the only reason I can think of to switch out the pins to the stronger pins over just using a bushing.

Happy tractoring, MORE POWER!

 

[em14]

Here is another explanation from Tractor Data: TractorData.com - Three-Point Hitch

If you want to know the history just Google ag tractor 3 point hitch standards or go to the Fergerson Museum.
Leo

 

[heymack]

Here's something interesting, my neighbor has a 60 something HP tractor with Cat 1 hitch system.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I have a New Holland TN75 (60 PTO HP) with both Cat.1 and Cat. 2 lift arm balls. I have both Cat. 1 and Cat. 2 implements. I never use the Cat. 1 balls, just use the bushings for Cat.1 hookups.

As stated by others, be careful using the bigger tractor with smaller implements. You can destroy them if you're not careful.

 

[Airedale]

Thanks everyone for your help.

Al

 

[Digs Gardens]

The attached file (which requires Adobe Reader to view) explains the category differences. Suggest you save this file to your computer.

Roy, Thank you for this article. It began to answer my question the best. I inherited a Kubota L3700SU tractor, with a Kodiak 5' Standard Duty mower. The pin on the mower is bent and I am trying to learn how to get a replacement for it. Maybe it is the one called the "draw pin" (lift pin?)? It is 5" long and 7/8" diameter. In trying to order a replacement I got hung up on Cat 1 and Cat 2 and other professional industry yada yada. The article you posted helped me get started in my understanding. Thank you. Laura R.

 

[jeff9366]

A 7/8" draw pin is Category 1.

Tractor Supply Company (TSC) and Rural King offer variations. Many draw pin venders on eBay.

Most heavier tractors have Category 1/2 hitches, allowing use of either size implement interchangeably. Not all; most.

MORE: TractorData.com - Three-Point Hitch

 

[kirkawilson]

If a pin is bent, check your stabilizer bar adjustment to make sure there is not excessive 'swing' from your attachment in the turns. I had to cut my bent pin off (with a saws-all) and replaced with a new one from Tractor Supply. Make sure the new pin is snug. I used an air wrench to tighten my new one and then adjusted my stabilizer bars for a tight, straight pull.

 

[Digs Gardens]

A 7/8" draw pin is Category 1.

Tractor Supply Company (TSC) and Rural King offer variations. Many draw pin venders on eBay.

Most heavier tractors have Category 1/2 hitches, allowing use of either size implement interchangeably. Not all; most.

MORE: TractorData.com - Three-Point Hitch

Jeff - thank you for the .pdf. All the info helps.
Laura

 

[Digs Gardens]

If a pin is bent, check your stabilizer bar adjustment to make sure there is not excessive 'swing' from your attachment in the turns. I had to cut my bent pin off (with a saws-all) and replaced with a new one from Tractor Supply. Make sure the new pin is snug. I used an air wrench to tighten my new one and then adjusted my stabilizer bars for a tight, straight pull.

Kirk - thank you for the response about your experience. Something to look forward to! I did find a replacement pin today, so will try to replace it then check the stabilizer bar. Laura

 

[rd_macgregor]

I had a pin break on one side of the snowblower. With one side of the blower not attached (briefly), the other pin is now bent; I bought a replacement for both pins, but haven't installed the one for the bent pin yet (hey, it isn't snowing anymore, so what's the rush?!).

 

[Digs Gardens]

I had a pin break on one side of the snowblower. With one side of the blower not attached (briefly), the other pin is now bent; I bought a replacement for both pins, but haven't installed the one for the bent pin yet (hey, it isn't snowing anymore, so what's the rush?!).

Seems like the kind of thing to keep a couple on hand. Thank you for the reply. Laura.

 

[stuckmotor]

Here's something interesting, my neighbor has a 60 something HP tractor with Cat 1 hitch system.

My 60 hp MF has changable hitch balls. I don't think I've ever used a cat 2 implement.