Rotary Cutter category 1 to category 2

dirtyheysoos · Jul 26, 2014

This is probably a stupid question, but, is there a way to put a category 2 three point on my tractor? I recently bought a wd45 in hopes of finding a mower as well. I found one and seemed happy until I went to hook it up and after doing some research I figured out that the mower is a category 2 while my tractor is one. I checked the horse power rating on the mower and the guy who sold it said it would fit. I looked at it and figured I would be able to modify the ball joints if it wouldn't fit. The PTO shaft fits, but I still can't connect to the hitch. I figured I could buy the arms, but searching the internet has turned up very little. It seems like I screwed myself with the mower? Is there anything I can do, if it matters, the mower is a John Deere MX7.

pmsmechanic · Jul 26, 2014

You could buy a quick hitch as most of them are Category 1 on the arm hookup and have Category two hooks. The cheaper way would be to go down to your local farm supply store and buy new pin-bolts. I'm talking about the part that is bolted onto the mower and that your three point hitch arms slide onto. You can buy them in either Category.

You can also try to find out if your tractor had Category two arms available from the factory. Check the parts manual. Chances of finding a pair would be slim but you never know.

You could also get Category 2 balls welded onto your arms. Again you should be able to find those at a farm supply store.

dirtyheysoos · Jul 26, 2014

I wondered about that, wasn't sure if I would be able to find them. I didn't know about the quick hitch

dirtyheysoos · Jul 26, 2014

the arms did seem about 2" short, the quick hitch may be the only way.

Bear Foot Farm · Jul 26, 2014

Just changing the pins will do it as long as the mower isn't overweight for Cat 1 pins

Any other option will involve welding or lift arm replacement

pmsmechanic · Jul 26, 2014

I know John Deere sells what I'm calling a pin-bolt but they will be cheaper at a farm supply store.

dirtyheysoos · Jul 26, 2014

what is the weight limit on category 1 pins? john deere's website lists it at 1332 lbs

gwdixon · Jul 26, 2014

One of these must work:

Tractor Supply Co. - Enjoy searching:draw pin

I wouldn't worry too much about the lifting capacity of the hitch unless the front of the tractor comes off the ground.

When I owned an Allis-Chalmers WD-45 the hydraulics were not the heaviest of duty and it still lifted everything fine but it had an aftermarket FEL.

mkreitler · Jul 26, 2014

Hi DIRTYHEYSOOS, The REASON the MX7 Mower or (ROTARY CUTTER) is CATEGORY 2 is because of it's weight at 1332lbs. So at that the only safe way is Cat.2 on your tractor whitch you can convert to cat.1 with bushings that go from cat. 2 to cat.1.The other thing is with that much weight on a WD45 you best have some sort of front end weight to compensate for the rear weight.Remember that a WD45 was a 45 HP tractor from the factory that is the reason why it has cat.1 on the hitch. Category two is for 50 HP up to 100 I think or there about. Also the min.HP requirement on a MX7 is 40 HP according to the John Deere suite. Hope this helps.