draft control?

Doc_Bob · Apr 2, 2006

Another newbie question. I sort of understand what a draft control is, but I am not really sure exactly what styles (versions) they come in and what is "best" and what comes on the TC 35,40 and 45. Is one draft control (version, style)better than another?
Bob

beenthere · Apr 2, 2006

Can you explain what attachment you want to use draft control with? Or state what you think draft control is? Either/or will help with the answer.
Also, a search (if its working) should give you previous threads discussing the different 'forms' of draft control.

Doc_Bob · Apr 2, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Can you explain what attachment you want to use draft control with? Or state what you think draft control is? Either/or will help with the answer.
Also, a search (if its working) should give you previous threads discussing the different 'forms' of draft control. )</font>

Box scraper, bush hog, bottom plow. tiller. I did a search ("draft control") and found references, but nothing that would help a newbie. I think draft control is a device that keeps the device attached to the 3 ph from being jammed into the ground and busted.
Bob

IH3444 · Apr 2, 2006

I believe draft control starts with the TC48/55 Utility tractor model. I don't think it's available on the TC35/40/45 Compacts. So you don't have to worry about it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

beenthere · Apr 2, 2006

As posted, it may not be an issue with the size tractors you are looking at. Of the different attachments, the bottom plow (if like a moldboard plow) would be the one you listed that draft control affects. Position control would work for the others, I believe.

When plowing without draft control, and the plow starts to pull in hard ground, the tires begin to slip and dig in a bit, thus causing the plow to drop deeper and pull even harder. This will bog a tractor down pretty quick.
But with draft control, sensing that harder pull and/or slippage (or compression on the top link), the 3pt lifts the plow a bit to find the spot where it is easier to pull, thus automatically keeping max. depth and continuous pulling.
Really hard to control the plow depth manually with just the position control of the 3pt, but it can be done with some practical experience. When the going gets tough, then lift slightly to relieve the load and then slowly get the plow back down where the depth is where you want it.

Birdman253 · Apr 3, 2006

Draft control is available as a dealer installed option on these units. The kit lists for just a little under $500.

As far as which style is better, there is only one style available for a particular tractor. Usually either top link sensing, or lower link sensing. You don't get to choose, you have to use the one that your tractor is designed for. Really makes no difference, both work equally well.

jinman · Apr 3, 2006

Bob, if you are plowing with draft control, your 3PH senses the amount of drag on the plow and adjusts the depth you are plowing to keep this relatively constant. In consistent soil, that will keep the depth you are plowing the same even though the tractor may not always be at the same geometry to the plow. For instance, with standard position control, if the front wheels drop, the 3PH will tend to lift, raising the plow out of the ground. If the front wheels go over a bump, the 3PH will tend to drop and the plow will go deeper. Draft control will attempt to keep the 3PH in the same relative position to the ground rather than to the tractor.

In my opinion, unless you do a lot of plowing, position control is fine. Draft control is of no use when boxblading or mowing.

kossetx · Apr 3, 2006

Bob, Are you asking about the 3 pt lowering speed control or depth control? MP

Propertymaint · Apr 4, 2006

I second Birdman. Draft control is available for the TC40D. I priced it last year at $500 and some change. Another option I wish I ordered with the tractor. I opted for gauge wheels on the landscaape rake for $140 in lieu of the draft control. I rake out/dress a full skined softball infield and a couple of driveways. The infield is pretty easy because it is flat but I have a tough time sometimes dressing the driveway jobs. Seams like I'm constantly adjusting the hitch because if I don't it keeps digging in. I can usually do pretty well because I'm used to it but if I put someone else on the tractor they end up making a mess. An extra $500 for an option is nothing when your dropping $30K. The options are also a little cheaper when the tractor is ordered with them than purchasing the option after the fact. Best of luck.