Height Indicator for 3PT (Quick) Hitch

RBA50 · May 4, 2018

This ain't rocket science. 2 pieces of flat stock and a few minutes time with some simple tools will make the brackets. Drill three holes (1 for the mounting point, 1 for the chain to go thru, and one at the end of the slot). None of the dimensions are critical, you can drill both pieces at once of you want. Then use a hacksaw to connect the holes for the slot. Add paint if desired and bolt it on. If you have the drills and hacksaw the cost will be a few cents each. If you have some scrap steel, free.

WranglerX · May 5, 2018

RBA50 said:
This ain't rocket science. 2 pieces of flat stock and a few minutes time with some simple tools will make the brackets. Drill three holes (1 for the mounting point, 1 for the chain to go thru, and one at the end of the slot). None of the dimensions are critical, you can drill both pieces at once of you want. Then use a hacksaw to connect the holes for the slot. Add paint if desired and bolt it on. If you have the drills and hacksaw the cost will be a few cents each. If you have some scrap steel, free.

About to resort to that.... Brackets don't seem to be available separate (lots of i-net search - no success)...

Dale

bcp · May 5, 2018

I made my own. Big hole on one end for top link pin. Small hole on the other end for quick link. No banjo hole needed.

Bruce

WranglerX · May 5, 2018

bcp said:
I made my own. Big hole on one end for top link pin. Small hole on the other end for quick link. No banjo hole needed.

Bruce

Think I got it...

quicklinks__04977.1264458658.1280.1280.jpg

????

Dale

bcp · May 5, 2018

Yes, one at each end of the chain.

Bruce

WranglerX · May 5, 2018

Ok.... But the quick links always seem to have threaded portion just large enough (by few thousands) I can't get it through the chains I have.... Chain/Quick Link gods hate me....

Dale

bcp · May 6, 2018

I've had that problem on some chains. I found a chain in the store that worked well with the right sized quick links, so I bought about 4 feet.

Bruce

WranglerX · May 7, 2018

Think I may have found or I am inspired to use this concepts as solution...

Might use this concept to attach to quick hitch...

With solutions above I don't have to go and get 7/8 (min) hole saw or drill bit (or reamer)...

Seems reasonable but will have to fab up something for "eye" on tractor though...

electrogalvanized-superstrut-struts-zab201eg-10-64_145.jpg

I know, its for unistrut and only about $1.50 but nearest one is about 40 miles away..... But I have some angle iron and drill bits up to 11/16...

Also something I don't understand after looking at a jillion check chain images on i-net, if "chains" are dedicated to check/stay chain use why is there anywhere from 6 inches to 4 feet of loose (excess chain) flopping around to get caught in PTO or on other stuff.... With 3 PH you are never going to need more chain than when in full droop (doubt serious with proper installed chains it will affect amount or limit amount of lift)..... For me, Murphy's Law is in full force, if I leave excessive chain and even with ends secured (bailing wire back to itself) and PTO guards in place, PTO will eventually grab chains no matter how safe I try to be..

Dale

Xfaxman · May 7, 2018

:thumbsup:

I like this, don't think I have seen a cable clamp used on a chain before. Looks very strong:

lennyzx11 · May 8, 2018

If KennyG is still around here, I bet he could come up with some keyhole brackets.

WranglerX · May 8, 2018

Xfaxman said:
:thumbsup:

I like this, don't think I have seen a cable clamp used on a chain before. Looks very strong:

View attachment 553080

Staring at picture.... Taking this a little further....Why not a 1/4 or 3/8 ring in cable clamp to attach quick link to.... Could be on quick hitch end or actually used on tractor end if the is a flat space or bracket to bolt to...

OR there is another direction with quick links.... Lifting eyes bolts...

Dale

Xfaxman · May 8, 2018

My preference would be to leave the chain attached to the brush hog and have the tractor end easily adjustable to set the cutting height to whatever is needed.

WranglerX · Jun 1, 2018

To close out this thread...I decided to go with Check or Stay Chains whatever term is appropriate...

Picture #1 is of upper bracket secured to part of under frame that actually supports ROPS..

Picture #2 is of same bracket but different angle for detail... Bolt is 3/8 inch grade Grade 8...

Picture #3 is of a 5/16 inch "U" bolt (from cable clamp) anchoring lower part of chain to Quick Hitch, decided to make chains universal to anything on QH...

Picture #4 is another detail of lower anchor, again its a 5/16 "U" bolt from cable clamp. In center of QH I used a rod coupler cut down to where it just fit between side of QH and threaded one side of "U" bolt into it and tighten it as a nut, them put another 5/16 bolt in to coupler from outside of QH in effort to transfer some of the load to outer side of QH and hopefully not distort it to much under strain/usage...

Quick links ( 1/4 inch) are rated to not exceed 880 pounds so I think they will do... If i have any failures I will upgrade to stouter quick links and chains or whatever hardware necessary.... Remember this on a SCUT and probably highest load on QH may be about 500 pounds (rotary mower?)