How low do your category 0 3-point hitch lift arms go?

[SilverLakeFab]

I am starting to design a line of category 0 3-point implements, but can't find a machine locally to get one of the dimensions I need. On the Category 1 implements we build, the lower link pins are always 5" (on center) from the base of the implement. Would anyone out there with a category 0 3-point hitch on their tractor be kind enough to let me know how low your lower lift arms get to ground when fully lowered? I would be ever so greatful to anyone who would be able to send me the measurement from the center of the lower link arm ball to the ground when their hitch is fully lowered. On category 1 implements, we always make the lower link pins 5" (on center) above the base of the implement, but don't know what category 0 machines call for.

Thanks everyone!

 

[jenkinsph]

I find that the cat 0 hitches seem to be higher off the ground than the cat1 hitches. So far all of the cat 0 hitches I have measured lower to within 10 inches from the ground. Some of the cat 1 hitches I have seen are close to 7 inches from the ground.

 

[SilverLakeFab]

Hi Jenkinsph. Thank you for your input! If forgot to mention that the first implement I'm designing for the shop is a set of 3-point hitch forks, so I need to make sure I can make them sit flat on the ground.

Thanks!

 

[jenkinsph]

I would set the lower pins at 12 inches to allow for an uneven slope.

 

[SilverLakeFab]

Honestly, 12" sounds super high. Does anyone else have some feedback on that?

 

[M E Race]

My Yanmar lowers to 5.5in. on level ground. I am starting to build a set of forks for it,but will be using an electric jack cylinder for 3rd point so as not to have to tie into hydralics.

 

[CliffordK]

On my Wheelhorse D200,
It has hydraulic & Manual height adjustment.

With the hydraulics at the minimum.
Manual adjustment at max, down to about 6"
Manual adjustment at min, down to 3" to 4"

Of course, it would also depend a bit on the weight on the tires.

 

[RBA50]

The PowerKing I used to have with a Cat 0 would lower all the way to the ground.

 

[CliffordK]

I'll try to get the full dynamic range on the WheelHorse tomorrow if possible, although I have a bad tire on it so I will have to estimate some.

You don't want to force the users to have to do a lot of implement specific adjustemnts. Are you only using the tractor hydraulics to lift the forks, or do the forks also have their own hydraulics?

Assuming you're just using the tractor hydraulics, you would want to maximize the range of lifting by the tractor which may be somewhat limited on the small tractors.

If there is too much variability in tractor design (also affected by tire size) then you might choose to say put two mounting points on your forks, 6" & 10", or so. Possibly also two 3rd upper link options too.

 

[SilverLakeFab]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm thinking that the lower links pins will have three positions being 6", 8", and 10" on center from the ground. I was hoping that there would be happy medium as to minimize the selling cost of the forks, but if that's not the case, so be it. I'll do the same for the toplink mounting pin being 12" above the lower link pin holes on center. I'll post a picture of the design later this evening.

P.S.
Administrators, please don't pull my posting. I'm not advertising, I'm just sharing that I appreciate everyone's input.