Difference between Limited CAT1 and CAT1

[jsaint]

I just purchased a new 2305 with the 62c MMM a week ago and I have been looking at 3ph implements. What are the differences between the Limited CAT1 3ph and a CAT1 3ph on a 2320 or larger CUT? I have seen many attachments that are spec'd for the Limited CAT1 3ph and noticed they cost more than the larger standard attachments. I was working on the yard today and noticed it was a pain using using a draw bar to pull some branches with the MMM attached. Everytime I lower the 3ph the mower deck drops. Would anyone highly recommend the independent lift kit?

Thanks,

Jason


P.S. This forum is great, I want to thank everyone for their comments. This helped me decide between the 2305 and a BX2350.

 

[newcountry]

This is how I understand it -- limited Cat1 just means your tractor can take most but not all Cat1 implements. The limited Cat1 implements ARE more expensive - and this is just my opinion - because they are targeted to a niche... those of us with sCUT and CUT tractors.

As to the MMM issue -- On my Kubota I have a setting on my cutting height indicator marked 'TOP'. This will lock the MMM up and allow my 3ph to raise and lower as needed. I do not know, but would think there would be a similar thing on your tractor.

Happy tractoring!

 

[jcmseven]

A limited three point hitch reflects mainly the lift height and rated capacity for lifting these implements at the lift arms. Frequently, the spacing between the arms is reduced, which occasionally renders larger implements useless. The real reason behind a Limited Cat 1 hitch is the SCUT tractor. These tractors can attach a set point as wide as many small CUT machines, but usually have lower machine weight and smaller tires, generally 26x12x12. If I recall (I could be wrong) the max weight is 420### 24" behind the link arms (please someone correct me if I am wrong) with the Lim Cat 1. This would eliminate many larger implements even though they can be mounted by the hitch on dimension alone. It also assumes that those heavier implements would not be liftable to the appropriate height by a smaller tired machine, thus the limited weighting. With Frontier equipment, for example, you might notice they make an "L" series for the 2305. These attachments are mountable to a machine with a full cat one hitch also, but are smaller in size and light enough to meet the weight criteria. The short message here is the limited cat one hitch is meant to allow a small tractor to share mounting points with a larger tractor, but concedes the tractor using one cannot and should not be participating with implements greater than 420##. This has been my biggest complaint about the 2305. It is a great machine, but its Lim Cat 1 hitch is a real detriment, as one has to buy "L" series implements that come in under its max weight and are smaller due to its reduced lift height rating. Go with the "L" series implements and you should be OK.

John M<

 

[JDFANATIC]

I just purchased a new 2305 with the 62c MMM a week ago and I have been looking at 3ph implements. What are the differences between the Limited CAT1 3ph and a CAT1 3ph on a 2320 or larger CUT? I have seen many attachments that are spec'd for the Limited CAT1 3ph and noticed they cost more than the larger standard attachments. I was working on the yard today and noticed it was a pain using using a draw bar to pull some branches with the MMM attached. Everytime I lower the 3ph the mower deck drops. Would anyone highly recommend the independent lift kit?

Thanks,

Jason


P.S. This forum is great, I want to thank everyone for their comments. This helped me decide between the 2305 and a BX2350.

Jason,

Welcome to the forum! When using the 3PH with the MMM attached, you can turn the height adjustment knob to the "lock" setting (make sure you raise it all the way up before turning the knob), and you will be able to use both. IMHO, I think the independent lift is unnecessary.

 

[VABlue]

True - the lock setting on the MMM height dial will keep the MM raised even when you lower the 3ph. But why not just remove the deck? It takes 5 minutes once you do it a couple of times, and you'll gain ~7" in ground clearance.

The 3ph lift rating on the 2305 is actually 681#. But yes, it is a smaller lift capacity because it's a smaller machine. The real difference you'll notice is lift height, though. Especially with items like post hole diggers, or a tall plow.

I bent the snot out of my drawbar skidding trees...

 

[jsaint]

Thanks for the info. JDFANATIC, What PTO Spreader do you use and would you recommend it?

Thanks again.

 

[art]

The catagory of the hitch has nothing to do with the lfting capacity! Yes as the size of the hitch catagory will make a difference in it's lifting capacity it is not what or any part of the rating.

Catagory four hitches will always raise more then catagory O-1 or limited catagory 1. Catagory three will raise more then two normally and two should out lift 1.

The catagories are by pin size diameter and the distance between them.

 

[chipsndust]

I just purchased a new 2305 with the 62c MMM a week ago and I have been looking at 3ph implements. What are the differences between the Limited CAT1 3ph and a CAT1 3ph on a 2320 or larger CUT? I have seen many attachments that are spec'd for the Limited CAT1 3ph and noticed they cost more than the larger standard attachments. I was working on the yard today and noticed it was a pain using using a draw bar to pull some branches with the MMM attached. Everytime I lower the 3ph the mower deck drops. Would anyone highly recommend the independent lift kit?

Thanks,

Jason


P.S. This forum is great, I want to thank everyone for their comments. This helped me decide between the 2305 and a BX2350.

Jason:
I have a 2305, and IMO, there are more useful things to buy for your tractor than the independent lift kit. As already mentioned, you can lock the mower deck in the raised position when lowering the 3PH. When I first got the tractor, I thought it would provide protection for the cooling fan and oil filter by leaving the mower deck on, but even with the deck locked in the highest position, I didn't have enough ground clearance. Even got high centered in soft ground once. It's not worth the inconvenience or risk of damage to an expensive mowing deck to leave it on, especially since it's so quick and easy to remove. (BTW, you should put the mower adjustment in lock even with the deck off, because otherwise the lift arms will lower with the 3PH).
JD rates the 3PH on the 2305 as limited category 1, because some implements require more height than the 2305 can provide. It's because of the height of the rear tires. All other specifications for Cat 1 are met. I have a 48" box blade, 5' bush hog, and a subsoiler. No problems with the BB or BH. The subsoiler just clears level ground when all the way raised. It hasn't happened, but I suspect if I exit a dip in the ground, it would hit in the raised position.
Enjoy your new machine.

 

[jsaint]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I tried the locked position and the deck still drops a little bit. I think the best thing will be to remove the MMM. Last Saturday I tried using my FIL's scrape blade to push some brush into the woods, it is a 72" heavy duty scrape blade. It was interesting, the 2305 had plenty of power lifting it but it also lifted the front end a little . I lost traction going up a steep hill. The mfwd worked great and I had no problem moving the brush 100 yards into the woods. Weights for the front will be the next purchase though .


Jason

 

[JDFANATIC]

jsaint,

I use a Leinbach 300# pto spreader that works great for my dry spreading. For liquids, I use a FIMCO sprayer. When you use the pto spreader, you need weight on the front (especially if there is slopes involved). I use 5 suitcase weights on the front bumper/hitch. You can also use the loader, but I find that it adds too much weight and often you need to use low range (slow).