Hitch Ball on Loader?

[Gone Fishin']

Hi Guys,

Please forgive my apparent ignorance -- I'm still pretty new to the world of acreages and tractors. I'd like to be able to shunt my boat trailer with my GC2300. Although I've done so using the ball mount in the rear, I find it wreaks havoc with my back when I lift the trailer to the tractor's level (the trailer jack doesn't drop low enough to meet the tractor). The 3 pt hitch also tends to get in the way when you're trying to manipulate that amount of weight. Are there any potential issues with drilling a hole in the lip of the loader for a ball hitch? Will I be able to do so with a hand or hammer drill? Has anybody used this approach for moving trailers around?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Charlesaf3]

look at the 3pt hitch receivers. But understand the dangers

 

[CDsdad]

I wouldn't drill a hole in my loader for that. Too much tongue weight from the trailer could either pull the rear wheels off the ground or bow the bucket if you had enough counterweight on the back. The 3 point hitch receiver seems to be a better idea, but I personally have no experience using one with a bucket.

 

[RobJ]

Small trailers, regular tongue weight, few hundred pounds. Not a problem.

 

[asylum575]

I'm thinking about moving a trailer around too. I also would like to move my chipper, it weighs about 1500lbs on the trailer. I'm thinking about one of these. Easy on. easy off and no drilling the bucket

 

[MReeb]

I'm thinking about moving a trailer around too. I also would like to move my chipper, it weighs about 1500lbs on the trailer. I'm thinking about one of these. Easy on. easy off and no drilling the bucket

I'm not sure what forum I read it in, but some one on here had a problem with that style. It had pivoted sideways while under load and almost caused him to lose the trailer down a hill. I think one fix was to weld "wings" to it to give it more surface mounting area.

 

[RobJ]

I'm thinking about moving a trailer around too. I also would like to move my chipper, it weighs about 1500lbs on the trailer. I'm thinking about one of these. Easy on. easy off and no drilling the bucket

I like it but agree with MReeb, drill a 3/4" hole and let the set screw go through the bucket, that'll keep it in place.

 

[millhaven_nice_guy]

Check the project threads. There are several different variations of receivers for the standard 2" square tube hitches. Some people have mounted them on their buckets and others have made adapters that go on the three point hitch. Sounds like you may be a bit "light" in the tool department but, a 1/2" chuck drill would drill your bucket steel fairly easily as long as you have sharp bits. drill a 1/4" hole first then step up to the 1/2". Go slow with moderate pressure and use lots of lube.

 

[Bedlam]

Here is a link to someone who had troubles with this type of hitch.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/safety/117762-paynes-hitch-receiver.html

 

[Gone Fishin']

Wow -- thanks guys! I'm no closer to deciding on a solution, but you've really got me thinking. Sincerely appreciate all the input. Where's Doug on this one? He must have something rigged up...

 

[JerryG]

I'm with the group for adding a receiver to the bucket. That way you can use it for other things in addition to moving your boat.
[FONT=&quot]Receiver hitch[/FONT]

 

[buckwheat]

I welded a receiver tube to the top of the bucket. You can get pretty low with a 6" drop hitch. It works well for lighter trailers. Heavier or loaded trailers are still best handled with a receiver on a three point hitch.

 

[asylum575]

Thanks for the other thread. I must of missed it. I certainly don't want to experience anymore pucker factor than I have to. I like the welded tube. I also saw someone rig a hitch ball to the backhoe step on a BX24. The heaviest load I would haul with the tractor is probably my chipper. I need to bing it out back and there is a 20 grade to get it up there. Maybe, I'll just take the pickup back there. However, with a little help from my TBN friends, I may be able to convince the Mrs. that I need an ATV.

 

[amkfken]

I am moving/parking all my trailers including a 18ft car trailer using my GC2300 homebuilt ballast box that has a 2" reciever built in, just back up,raise the ball into whatever, have at it! Best trailer mover I have ever used.

 

[woody49705]

I am moving/parking all my trailers including a 18ft car trailer using my GC2300 homebuilt ballast box that has a 2" reciever built in, just back up,raise the ball into whatever, have at it! Best trailer mover I have ever used.

do you have any pics of this set up? sounds like a great idea
woody

 

[asylum575]

There is a thread in the Kubota owners group for a welded hitch receiver on a BX24 bucket. Thread has Pix

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...receiver-hitch-bx-fel-bucket.html#post1396505

 

[Charlesaf3]

I have the bolt on receiver that asylum posted a pic of. $70 or so on ebay. Been happy with it for light trailer and splitter, but I'd definitely read curly dave's payne thread before using it on slopes. It definitely wants to "turn" and if I could weld I'd put wings on.

I also wouldn't be surprised that if I tried to pull a heavy trailer with it I'd just pull the receiver right off the bucket. That bolt only has so much grip

 

[gc2310]

This idea looks like it work well.
Bad River 3-Point Hitch to 2" Receiver Adapter

 

[BX22inMO]

I'm not going to win any safety awards for this, but......

I took an old straightline ball mount and two BIG C-clamps and clamped it into the right side lower corner of my bucket.

Worked like a charm, and saved between 100 and 225 bucks, AND no welding.

I'm going to do this twice a year from front to back of the house through a field, and move them a few times to mow.

All I can say is it works really good.

Thanks for all you people talk about. I've picked up alot of info on this forum while lurking, not necessarily related to safety, but.......