HELP! Wife Just Cannot Hook Tractor Implements On

ronjhall · Apr 25, 2004

she just couldn't come up with enough strength to hold the PTO shaft while she tried to hook it into the PTO cylinder thingy that comes out of the tractor. 

I would be very conerned about your wife attempting to hook up a PTO shaft that she could not test to see that it was on far enough and locked properly to the PTO shaft. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

This may one of those task that are best put on top of the HONEY PLEASE DO list. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Nik · Apr 25, 2004

Just bought a Freedom Hitch. Although it is more expensive than other systems, it is simple to use. Alignment of tractor and implement is not as critical as the triangle shape will correct for some misalignment. As for the PTO hookup, I think you should make this a priority to take care of for your wife. I do all the PTO hookups for my wife and always double check that they are secure. For non-PTO implements, the Freedom Hitch makes hookup very simple and you do not even need to leave the tractor seat.

Golfgar4 · Apr 26, 2004

Do you have a good, level, hard place to park your attachments? If you have a concrete floor, you can build some dollies out wood (pallet material works well). That way, the implement can be rolled up to the back of the tractor, and you can make small adjusts to your 3pt to aid in hooking up the attachments. Like the others have said, it won't help with actually hooking up the PTO, but it will sure make hooking up to the top link and drwabars a lot easier for your wife and you! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

rambler · Apr 27, 2004

( Sometimes for hitch pins and link pins, a little "convincer" in the toolbox can really help. Some people say a "convincer" looks a lot like a hammer, but they are probably mistaken, because none of us would hammer on our tractor's link arms. ...would we? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif )

I find a 6' wooden 2x4 and a crowbar, possibly even the little ones that look like an overgrown bent screwdriver, are the 2 best things to have around when hooking up. You can pry a lot with the 2x4, and use the end to pound on things like a battering ram - very effective & forgiving on the iron. The bar helps line things up.

As to quick hitches, they help, but be sure all your implements have the _same_ dimentions on their hitch (top link esp) or you will have 'issues'.

The pto will remain a problem. And a safety issue of it doesn't get seated right. Personally, I don't like the 'newer neater' locking collar deals, the old fashioned spring loaded pin seems a lot easier & more visual to use & see.

--->Paul

Soundguy · Apr 27, 2004

( 'newer neater' locking collar deals, )

I'm not sure how new they are.. but my buddy had a ford 95X 4' rotary mower purchased new in 1985, and it uses a slide back, spring loaded colar design. Still.. I much prefer the spring pinlike you mention.. like on my KK.. less grease on my hand too.

Soundguy