Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed

   / Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed #1  

r8f1k

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2018
Messages
298
Tractor
Farmall 100, Allis Chalmers D14, International Super MTA, IH 560, Mahindra 4510, Gehl 4500, Clark CY45, JD 800, JD 60
I built a front 3 point hitch for my Mahindra 4510 and I added a 540 PTO powered from the crankshaft snout. I have been working on this project for quite a while. I built the 3 point hitch, the implement and the PTO components (not the gearbox itself). I feel that I have been looking at the same project for too long and a set of fresh eyes would help. I can't raise or lower both front lit arms elegantly. I can raise one side no problem, but it tilts the mower at a steep angle, not ideal. I am not opposed to adding or subtracting something from the equation. I would like to raise and lower the front lift arms, if possible, in a better way than I currently have. It would help to raise the purpose built mower that I currently have and, I hope, I could use it with other future implements. Attached are some photos of what I have. Any thoughts or ideas, I'm open!
 

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   / Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed #2  
Great work on the front 3 pt hitch and PTO.

I would like to see some pictures of the drivetrain if that's possible.

Have you looked at some picture of European tractors? Front 3 pt hitches plus PTO are very common on this side of the pond. Zuidberg and Laforge are very popular manufacturers. Maybe any of these could give you some ideas.

Most are built with short cylinders like this:

61269797_2309471525987784_2832265403948859392_o.jpg
 
   / Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed #3  
I have a plan but it involves more welding and fabrication.....
 
   / Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed #4  
Great work on the front 3 pt hitch and PTO.

I would like to see some pictures of the drivetrain if that's possible.

Have you looked at some picture of European tractors? Front 3 pt hitches plus PTO are very common on this side of the pond. Zuidberg and Laforge are very popular manufacturers. Maybe any of these could give you some ideas.

Most are built with short cylinders like this:

View attachment 681547

Theyre more common on this side of the pond than you think. Ive been running front attachments for over 10 years.
 

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Last edited:
   / Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed #5  
Theyre more common on this side of the pond than you think. Ive been running front attachments for over 10 years.

Yes but mostly on bigger tractors. At least 100+ HP.

While here, it's been used from 30HP and up.
 
   / Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed
  • Thread Starter
#6  
I had some real trials making the front PTO. First, I bought an Oliver 880 PTO gearbox, made a driveshaft and used an actuator to make it go. I kept getting an overheated gearbox and I kept burning up the clutches. I thought it was too much for the gearbox. So, I bought an electric clutch PTO via Alibaba. Made a new mount for the new PTO box, put it in and took it for a spin. Worked fine, then it too started to emit smoke. Well, the chances that both boxes were bad, were slim and none. The only thing that I had kept as a constant was my adapter from crank snout to the gearbox. I pulled the new gearbox and looked for damage. I thought I had just burned up the seals, but nope, 2 bearings were TOAST. The only thing I could come up with was that my shaft was not perfectly straight and it was putting a side or axial load on the input bearings. I contacted a shop that builds driveshafts, they built me a VERY NICE and ROBUST driveshaft. I replaced the bearings in the gearbox, installed a new shaft and it has worked fantastic to date.

I contacted both Zuidberg and Laforge, neither one wanted to help once I told them I had a Mahindra. Neither would even sell me a unit that was used, a second, or for another tractor. I was even willing to sign something indicating that I understood the company held no liability for my application. No go.

I'm thinking that my geometry is wrong and I need to lower my top link and/or lower my lift arm pivots. Thoughts?
 
   / Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed
  • Thread Starter
#7  
I can weld, I have a full machine shop at my disposal and I'm willing to try new ideas.
 
   / Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed #8  
Looks like you are only lifting one arm.

You need to add rockshaft an lift linkage to move both arms:

FrontHitchFeatures.gif
 
   / Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed #9  
Kinda like the picture Xfaxman posted You can run a pipe through the grill guard .Weld tabs on the ends for the linkage. mount the piston to the left side of the pto shaft and a tab on the pipe for the rod end of the piston ..
 
   / Front 3 point hitch modification and help needed #10  
Looks like you are only lifting one arm.

You need to add rockshaft an lift linkage to move both arms:

View attachment 681549

Yes! You could simply add another cylinder to the unsupported side but a rockshaft would be my first choice. Just like your rear 3 point, you will have equal lifting force using the cylinder you already have and if you use adjustable linkages, you can have tilt as well. Plumb both cylinder ports and add down pressure for use of other implements. Replace the top link with a cylinder and have trim too. Great project BTW!
 

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