CatII to 3 point hitch - help needed

[dixie]

I recently purchased a used 2004 M5700 Kubota that had a backhoe attached and did not have a 3 point hitch only the catII hitch. I have a 6' bushhog and two other attachments that are 3 point. I would like to hear from the group what the best approach is to connect these 3 point hitch attachments to the catII hitch?

I called Kubota and they quoted me $2000+ for the parts to add a 3point hitch capability to a catII. I can't believe this kind of money for basically one top link, two vertical lift arms (side links), two lift arms, and two short pieces of sway chain, unless their is more that I am not aware of.

Would appreciate hearing from the group.

 

[bp fick]

Need to clear the fog here a bit. Cat 1 or Cat 2 or Cat 3 refers to the category or heft of a 3 point hitch. Cat 1 being the lightest and Cat 3 being the heavier.

So, you are looking for a 3 pt hitch. As to its category rating, that was determined by Kubota based on the strength of the pump, the anchor points, and the width of the space available.

Aftermarket will be somewhat cheaper than Kubota, who is understandably quite proud of their parts.

 

[MarkV]

Dixie, just for clarification, a Cat II hitch is a 3pt hitch for a larger pin size than a Cat I hitch. Larger implements use larger Cat II or even Cat III pins. It sounds as if you do not have any lift arms and the related pieces. Yes, they are expensive. You can use a generic top link, most tractor dealers sell them.

If I am misunderstanding and you do have lift arms that are for the larger sizes you can get bushings to adapt for Cat I implements.

MarkV

 

[dixie]

Thanks bp fick and MarkV,

I was not aware of what catI, catII,catII referred to. I do not have any hardware for a 3 point hitch. I will need to purchase or fabricate all the necessary parts. If I can find a aftermarket 3 point kit, that might be my best route.

 

[greg_g]

Got it. What you meant to say was that you're lookin' for a replacement 3 point hitch system for your Cat II Kubota. Well, there's plenty of Cat 0 and Cat I systems on the aftermarket, but not much in the way of anything stouter. I'm thinkin' you probably have little choice but to pay the Kubota piper.

//greg//

 

[B8FISH]

Have you asked the seller if the parts are laying around? They often get forgotten when the backhoe is involved. If they were removed to put the backhoe on (could have been years ago) they may still be in the original owners possession.

 

[jda1961]

i'd check on line for salvage companies who deal in used tractor parts, sometimes they part out different makes. check kioti to see what thiers is, most models these days are about the same type of arms. go to a dealer other than kubota and look at thier tractors on the lot and measure the length of the arms and you can just about guess if they'll work or not. 2000 bucks for the whole system is to high in my book, jeez are they gold plated?

 

[Slacker]

I'd check out some companies like this one:


3 point hitch

 

[bp fick]

Great Link, Slacker.

Dixie, these arms just aren't worth the OEM replacement price, imho. The arms Slacker linked you to is what would go on my tractor, or similar, before I'd spend that many dead presidents on the "official" ones, if I were in your shoes. Just sayin'

 

[greg_g]

I'd check out some companies like this one: 3 point hitch

As I pointed out above, most aftermarket TPH kits are Cat 0 or Cat I. That one in that link is the latter. Nobody in the aftermarket seems to sell anything heavier. I'm sure that goes a long way to explain why Kubota wants so much for theirs.

//greg//

 

[bp fick]

Shucks!

 

[GE222]

I'm sure Kubota wants big $$$ for their parts; however, their prices are probably right in line with any other manufacturer.

Off hand, I don't know their names, but do an internet search for tractor salvage yards, I'm sure one of them might have what you need that will either fit directly, or with some reasonable modification.

You might also end up with a combination of some used and some new parts.

You might need to get some pictures of the needed parts for compatibility.

 

[bp fick]

I would certainly pound the internet and phone lines for a "junk yard" that might have a set, BUT...they read the Kubota price lists too.

Might scour the internet and ebay for guys marketing Cat 1 stuff and contact them. I saw a guy on ebay selling kits for $400, but he didn't state the size, thus must assume Cat 1. Might ask them, for example. Ask them if they have a source for Cat 2 or better.

 

[SPYDERLK]

As I pointed out above, most aftermarket TPH kits are Cat 0 or Cat I. That one in that link is the latter. Nobody in the aftermarket seems to sell anything heavier. I'm sure that goes a long way to explain why Kubota wants so much for theirs.

//greg//

Shucks!

That is not a good shape for lift arms either. Arms should be predominantly straight, with the corrective crooks near the ends. Arms like those shown do not respond well to high forces... Pulling they want to straighten, pushing they want to pretzel, lifting they want to twist.
Im with you tho - the expense of the bonafide part is amazing. At that rate it would be a million dollar tractor. Maybe an appeal to Kubota would get you them at cost ... short of parting out your tractor to pay for another that comes complete to start with.
larry

 

[kenstrac]

I recently purchased a used 2004 M5700 Kubota that had a backhoe attached and did not have a 3 point hitch only the catII hitch. I have a 6' bushhog and two other attachments that are 3 point. I would like to hear from the group what the best approach is to connect these 3 point hitch attachments to the catII hitch?

I called Kubota and they quoted me $2000+ for the parts to add a 3point hitch capability to a catII. I can't believe this kind of money for basically one top link, two vertical lift arms (side links), two lift arms, and two short pieces of sway chain, unless their is more that I am not aware of.

Would appreciate hearing from the group.

It would help if you posted pic's of the rear of the tractor to see just how much is missing.

 

[300UGUY]

All the aftermarket 3 point kits that I have seen are for antique tractors. I might? be able to adapt them to your bota. Personally, I think the best idea is the right parts. Even a cat 1 aftermarket kit is $700+ and you have to add the hoses and a valve for that.

 

[dixie]

Here are two pictures of the two backhoe frame rails that are bolted to the underside of the tractor. Both pictures were taken immediately behind the rear wheels and looking forward towards the front of the tractor. Their is a factory bracket welded on each frame rail that jut out towards the inside of the rear tire then bend and faces straight back. I am wondering if these brackets are intended to be used for anchoring stabilizer bars that go to the lift arms? If they are the stabilizer bar won't be able to angle in towards the middle of the tractor because the rear of the backhoe frame would be in the way.

 

[dixie]

Here is the second picture of the factory welded bracket that is on the left side almost under or slightly rearward of the rear axle.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Here are two pictures of the two backhoe frame rails that are bolted to the underside of the tractor. Both pictures were taken immediately behind the rear wheels and looking forward towards the front of the tractor. Their is a factory bracket welded on each frame rail that jut out towards the inside of the rear tire then bend and faces straight back. I am wondering if these brackets are intended to be used for anchoring stabilizer bars that go to the lift arms? If they are the stabilizer bar won't be able to angle in towards the middle of the tractor because the rear of the backhoe frame would be in the way.

I think youre right. Similar to my Mahindra wBH subframe, but my bracket is situated further out and allows use of telescoping stabilizers. Those in your picture appear that they may be able to accomodate a chain stabilizer[tension element], but not a rigid tension/compression element like the telescoping item which has to stay straight. Where is the tractor attach point for each lift arm itself?
larry

 

[Opti-Mist]

Here are two pictures of the two backhoe frame rails that are bolted to the underside of the tractor. Both pictures were taken immediately behind the rear wheels and looking forward towards the front of the tractor. Their is a factory bracket welded on each frame rail that jut out towards the inside of the rear tire then bend and faces straight back. I am wondering if these brackets are intended to be used for anchoring stabilizer bars that go to the lift arms? If they are the stabilizer bar won't be able to angle in towards the middle of the tractor because the rear of the backhoe frame would be in the way.

Back to the reason the 3-pt components were removed. In some installations the 3-pt linkage would fit within the backhoe mainframe, in others they would not. In the case of your rig, it appears that the 3-pt linkage and the backhoe subframe would want to occupy the same space at the same time. Therefore, the subframes would have to be removed in order to install the 3-pt linkage and have it functional.