Comparison Cost benefit of 3pth adapter for PT's

[PTWannaHave]

Hello all,

Instead of buying new implements from PT (especially if not purchasing all needed at once), it seems to me that using a conventional Three Point Hitch (3pth) adapter (fixed or motorized) on the PT might prove to be quite versatile and economical...

Let's use the snowblower as an example. The PT snowblower is approx. $3.2K, and an FFC brand starts at about $5K. A used, decent, local, 3pth unit can be had for anywhere between $500.-1.5K. A motorized 3pth adapter runs about $2K.

So, a local used snowblower and a new 3pth adapter would costs approx. $2.5K - $3.5K. And, you now have a 3pth adapter that can be used on all sorts of readily available, local, new|used implements from the CUT|Ag industry. Other advantages:

* can borrow implements from neighbours
* can rent implements for seldom performed jobs
* any 3pth implement from any manufacturer will fit

Things are significantly cheaper when looking at a fixed 3pth adapter for implements with no spinning parts...

Thoughts...? Anyone foresee disadvantages? (I realize that a motorized 3pth adapter would probably only be applicable to a PT-1430 and up...)

Been reading the forum for some time now, and this idea does not seem to have gained a lot of traction... To me, it seems like a reasonable alternative to guessing/buying all implements that you think you will need directly from PT when picking up a tractor.

Cheers,

 

[American Bulldog]

It appears that the implements are going to be spaced significantly farther away from the PT with the adapter. This will make it harder to control, and it may introduce lift problems with heavier implements, such as snow blowers. Also, 3ph implements are going to be much slower to attach.

 

[KentT]

Don't overlook the utility of PT's QA system, either, when it comes to using implements. I seldom go to a jobsite with only one attachment... it's usually three, though sometimes two.

For example, being able to change between a snowblower and a power-angle snow/dirt blade in about 30 seconds makes it both practical and easy to use the one that's best suited for that particular stage in the task (such as using the blade for final cleanup, after using the blower).

In comparison, I just helped my friend change his rough-cut mower to his finish-mower last weekend on a Kioti 3-PT. It was a 15 minute job, best performed by two people...

Several of us have PT QA plates welded on to non-powered 3-PT attachments. I have both a landscape rake and boxblade with QA plates on them...

Having one PTO motor driving multiple powered attachments is a whole different issue...

Also, by sizing the hydraulic motor to the desired RPM of the attachment (rather than assuming a fixed 540 RPM), you can eliminate interim gearboxes, right angle drives, chain drives, belt drives or other power tranferring devices. Similarly, you can mount the motor in virtually any position for directly driving the tool.

Finally, it allows the tool rotation to be quickly reversed if desired, by swapping hoses (assuming they have quick-connects) as needed to clear jams, stuck augers, etc. I have litle/no experience with a PHD, but I have had the fun of trying to hammer out the rocks stuck between tiller tines and its housing. Being able to quickly reverse the tiller would've saved a lot of blood, sweat and expletives...

 

[woodlandfarms]

I have a couple of 3 pt. And I have an adapter as well. I welded on attachment plates on my rake but have not welded on my box blade. I did not do the box blade because I like the tilt feature that I put on my 3pt adapter. Second, you can adapt hydraulic motors to conventional implements. Might be cheaper than buying a ported adapter.

My 2c anyway

 

[American Bulldog]

I looked at the link, and the GPM requirement of the 3ph PTO is really high, higher than the output of the 1460 even.

 

[J_J]

You are supposed to select the unit that will fit your situation.

One with welding skills can make one of those for much less money.

As you know, the hyd GPM's determine the speed of the hyd motor, so running the motor with what you have should be alright. just slower, and using it with an auger should be good. You only need about 120 rpm for the 24 in auger.

 

[PTWannaHave]

I looked at the link, and the GPM requirement of the 3ph PTO is really high, higher than the output of the 1460 even.

Hello American Bulldog,

Would the EZ-PTO-80 not work...? (The PSI rating is higher than a PT-1430, but the 10-17 GPM covers the PT-1430's 12GPM.)

I don't know enough about hydraulics to comment on the PSI difference, but the main idea of the thread is a cost benefit study assuming an adequate 3pth adapter.

Thanks to other responders as well; points well-taken!

 

[J_J]

Sure it would work. The 3000 psi is the rating for the components. The pressure developed by the pump and components using the fluid is what determined the system pressure, and a relief controls the max psi. The GPM's determine the speed of the motor.

My reliefs are set for 2750 psi

 

[SpringHollow]

The non-powered adapter comes in handy for occasional use equipment. I already owned a 3 PT lifting boom, rake, box blade, and rear blade. I seldom swap between them so having a quick attach 3 pt adapter works well for me.

Ken

 

[American Bulldog]

Sure it would work. The 3000 psi is the rating for the components. The pressure developed by the pump and components using the fluid is what determined the system pressure, and a relief controls the max psi. The GPM's determine the speed of the motor.

My reliefs are set for 2750 psi

Sorry the one I was looking at was 25 GPM. Yes the other will work. You are better off matching your maximum output gpms however.