Increasing Three Point Hitch Lift Capacity

Bobvt · Feb 5, 2004

Is anyone aware of a third party source for an add-on hydraulic cylinder which will increase 3 pt. arms lift capacity? I know that some tractor manufactures have this as a option (mine doesn't).

Bob

jinman · Feb 5, 2004

Bob, my tractor already has enough lift power to lift my front wheels if my FEL isn't full. How much more lift power do you need? I'm not sure how you'd do it without stressing the tractor. Would the hydraulic cylinder go against the ground and push up? ...this is a new one on me. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

PineRidge · Feb 5, 2004

Bob what is the lift capacity of your Mahindra and what weight are you trying to lift?

JerryG · Feb 5, 2004

Several of the larger tractors have auxiliary rear lift cylinders.

sweettractors · Feb 5, 2004

increase 3 pt. arms lift capacity? 

Bob--If you just needed a little more lift capacity? Is there a possibility of changing the lift arms to a shorter length, thus increasing lift leverage? I have had people tell me that they have done this and that it does help to degree. I would think you would need to keep a eye on the clearance on the rear tires and implements--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *2 Stores Approx 1 Hour South of the NFM Show in Louisville*

jinman · Feb 5, 2004

( Several of the larger tractors have auxiliary rear lift cylinders. )

I'm all ears, Jerry. Tell me more if you can. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I read Bob's profile and he has a Mahindra 6500 which is pretty big already. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

JerryG · Feb 5, 2004

I'm no JM III, /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif but I'll see what I can find.

HayDR · Feb 5, 2004

Mahindra lists the Lift Capacity at 3968 Lbs. That usually means at the lift point. So say if you had a 3 point 10' rotary cutter that would be 2000 Lbs or less. The weight center would be 3'- 4' behind the hitch mount but it still should lift that size cutter. The tractor may be a little on the front end. The only implement that I can think of this tractor could not lift is a 10' drill. There would be some safety issues with the tractor lifting more weight than normal lift capacity. If you can not lift what you want with that tractor you need a bigger tractor.

jmc · Feb 5, 2004

A hydraulic top link would do it, sort of, by rotating the load. And secondarily, if it rotates enough to get the load closer to the tractor, then the bottom links could lift more.

Bobvt · Feb 5, 2004

My tractor is a Mahindra 6500. I use it primarily to skid logs out. With Fel, winch, loaded tires & other stuff it weights in close to 11,000 lbs.

While the tractor is probably capable of pulling out a good 12,000 lb hitch ,the the 3 pt isn't capable of lifting the load. (Given I only have 45 hours on the tractor, I have limited my hitches to around 8,000 lbs. I am babying it by using 2nd gear, but it would have no problem pulling 10 thousand pound hitch in 3rd gear.

With a 8,000 pound hitch, the the lift arms will only come up a third of the way. Usually on the way out of the wood, the uneven ground or down hill slope (lessen weight on winch) will allow the arms to rise to full height. Often, when I let the clutch out, the pulling torque from the hitch will cause the the arm to completely drop.

The tractor is capable of pulling a significantly larger load then 8,000 lbs,, but I need to increase the lift capacity. Zetor, which was may more expensive 1st choice, has a lift capacity of nearly 6,000 lbs ( mine is 4,000). The external parts of the 3 pt. hitch on the Mahindra is as stout as it is on the Zetor. The only issue I can see is the stress on the rear axle.

I know Zetor offers an auxcillary cylinder, which increases lift to 7,000 lbs. If I can't find another source, I'm going to see if the Zetor attachment can be fitted to my tractor.

Bob
Bob