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.

 

[raasd]

The problem comes from lifting the log too high and getting the attachment point above the axle. The problem is amplified when going uphill. Happened here this fall. An old farmer was dragging trees up a hill chained to the three point hitch. hitch got too high/stump stuck on something and the tractor wheelied over on him. He was 81 and probably couldn't react quick enough to clutch the tractor to bring the front end down.

I'm not the safety police and I have done this exact same thing chaining the tree to the center hook on my 3pt quick hitch. I always go very slow and keep an eye on the stump end. It is nice to drag trees with the stump a little off the ground. You just have to be very careful.

 

[jshwhite]

Completely agree on the safety issue. It does help to have a FEL - puts a lot more weight on the front to counterbalance.

With that in mind, check out this homemade hitch/drawbar. I built it completely out of scrap stuff laying around here. I love using it. Great for chaining stuff to and dragging. Really nice for hooking up trailers. No need to use the trailer jack - just lower the 3pt, back under the trailer hitch, lift the 3pt, lock the hitch, and away I go. It's one of the best things I ever spent my time to build - well worth it.

 

[Gordon Gould]

You might find it easier to hook up your logging chokers or chains if you turn your hooks around the other way so when they are hanging down they point backwards rather than forwards.

Looks like your good to go. Be careful.

 

[racekid]

Completely agree on the safety issue. It does help to have a FEL - puts a lot more weight on the front to counterbalance.

With that in mind, check out this homemade hitch/drawbar. I built it completely out of scrap stuff laying around here. I love using it. Great for chaining stuff to and dragging. Really nice for hooking up trailers. No need to use the trailer jack - just lower the 3pt, back under the trailer hitch, lift the 3pt, lock the hitch, and away I go. It's one of the best things I ever spent my time to build - well worth it.

I bought one like this. $125 at the tractor dealer. I think everything attachments also have them.

 

[oldballs]

I guess there are a lot of variables here. Some pictures seen on TBN show huge trees being drug thru dense woods.etc. But I guess a guy could be fooled even on fairly level clear ground. I have drug out a number of 30-40ft pines with my little Case 448 and chains, but it is usually on frozen ground in the snow and on fairly clear and level ground. There is no 3 pt on my Case. At the time I had no knowledge of the danger (before my TBN days)....kinda like using a chain saw for years before I knew about chaps.