Drawbar Question

[extrakt0r]

New tractor owner trying to get it figured out. I went to Fieldmans today and picked up a draw bar. I need to be able to pull some down logs, etc. Nothing to major.

When I install it, I assume I am doing it right, but I feel like I am missing a piece as it just spins between the two point hitch. I would think it should be rigid and not spin, so I could put a hitch ball or something on there...

Am I missing a part, or is this normal?

 

[BethesdaEC]

Why don't you use the tractors draw bar located below the axle and put some ballast on the back for additional traction.

 

[extrakt0r]

I dont know actually. I read on here some people like to lift the front of the tree off the ground which prevents it from digging into the ground when dragged. This makes sense in my mind, so that is why I got that drawbar vs. using the tractor hitch.

 

[wrangler6831]

If your skidding logs with it, the way you have it is fine. It will spin around when you put tension on it. Only time you might need it rigid is if you have a ball on it and are pulling a trailer.

Rich

 

[extrakt0r]

Thanks Rich, wanted to make sure I was doing it right.

 

[SSdoxie]

Use caution pulling from the 3pt arms. The higher you raise the arms, more leverage the log will have to pull front of tractor off the ground.

 

[nfowler]

You can get a Draw bar stabilizer to correct this. See, for example, EMP Tractor Draw Bar Stabilizer for Category 1 Tractors, Model# 7350-1 | 3-Point + PTO Hardware | Northern Tool + Equipment

If your 3 pt hitch is like mine, though, it only can lift, it can't apply any down pressure. So, when your trailer tongue weight goes negative for the first time, you might be in for a surprise.

N. Fowler

 

[CurlyDave]

Keep your ROPS up, your seatbelt on, and your life insurance paid up when using that attachment.

Only the straight drawbar which attaches to the underside of the tractor will prevent a rear rollover if your tow hangs up on something.

The item you have should really be called something other than a drawbar, because it does not provide protection against a rear rollover if your tow hangs up. And, you don't have to have the arms raised for this to be a problem. The 3-pt hitch has no down pressure and the arms will raise all by themselves if an overturn situation develops.

 

[extrakt0r]

OK - I am trying to visualize how pulling a log could cause the tractor to "pop a wheelie" and flip backwards, but I am having a hard time.

Can someone explain this to a noob please?

 

[extrakt0r]

Nevermind, I think I got it.