Down pressure on 3 pt?

[RickB]

Most 3 point hitch lift links (those are the parts that connect the rockshaft arms to the draft links) are designed to work in extension only, not compression. The seemingly simple act of replacing single acting external lift cylinders with double acting, or any other modification requiring the lift links to work in compression will only serve to bend them when the applied downforce exceed the lift links compressive strength. Plan on that happening sooner rather than later.

The limitations on rear axle traction when downforce is applied to a fully mounted implement are severely underrated in this discussuion.

Summary; 3 point systems don't have downforce because the practical advantages of having it are outweighed by the practical disadvantages. Most ground-engaging tools are designed to penetrate when properly adjusted. Those that don't are generally lighter, cheaper brands with little or no functional design engineering.

 

[Reg]

Same here in OH. A caution to any new rake owners on stone drives/lanes...
Count your tines and note any broken ones before and after the job. You would be amazed at how hard it is to find a broken tine under stone you have just raked.. The tines on my Woods rake are black from the manufacturer as are the replacements. A cheap can of red spray paint shot on the tines makes them easier to find sometimes. It even helps in a pasture if your spreading out horse apples or cow paddies. Ron

An even EASIER way to find them is to buy your wife a NEW car.
ONE trip down a gravel driveway, they'll POP RIGHT OUT (-:

PS On the subject of a skid steer to 3 pt adapter to use implements on the front - & drive backwards.
I have done it a few times with a rake as well as a blade. I find that if I float it while stationary on level ground, then lock it to center the weight of the
FEL and implement are "about right", i.e. the inch or so of slack is a good starting point for leveling.

 

[pacerron]

An even EASIER way to find them is to buy your wife a NEW car.
ONE trip down a gravel driveway, they'll POP RIGHT OUT (-:
.

That's for sure and likely break something...
My wife worries more about a horse stepping on one and having it flip up and cut a fetlock.
In any of these grading methods a good set of adjustable mirrors are a real friend if your old and don't want a stiff neck the next day!