Is 3-point hitch really dangerous?

[Diamondback]

I have a 6X10 dump trailer (4700 lb load capacity) I'd like to pull with my L35 Kubota. The thought was to buy a 3-point hitch attachment, hook up and go. Have one concern I hope you guys can shed some light on.

Been a while back and I cannot find it now, but I remember a post here describing how a heavy trailer being pulled with this attachment may cause the lift arms to raise going down hill creating an unstable and dangerous situation. The logic seems sound so I have steered clear of this attachment because we have many steep areas on our property that must be negotiated.

I revisit this because a project I'm currently working on would go much faster using the dump trailer. So here's my questions:

1) Has anyone experienced this problem?

2) Any thoughts regarding solutions or alterations that would lessen danger?

Thanks, Diamondback

 

[Soundguy]

just get a set of drawbar stays. they are adjustable and attach to the toplink connection and the lift arm pins.. the prevent the 3pt drawbar from being lifted by the trailer ( don't lift the 3pt control as it will have enough power to bend the stays.)

soundguy

 

[crusty 1]

one thing I do know is not to have your trailer load heavier than the tractor.Years ago I was using a allis b to pull a hay wagon load,worked good till I started down hill,the load pushed me faster and faster.Lets just say it was lucky for me we only had to reload the bales.:laughingave

 

[hrcarver]

Why not hook it to the draw bar? Does it not have one?

Heavy loads can make lift arms act up.

 

[BobRip]

If the trailer lifts the back of the tractor, you will loose your brakes or at least some traction since you only have brakes on the back wheels.

 

[Soundguy]

proper trailer loading will help prevent that.

soundguy

 

[MMagis]

I too wonder why not just hook it to the draw bar? Much simpler option in my mind. Some people here feel the need to warn everyone about every theoretical problem, not matter how unlikely, even if they have no personal experience. 95% of accidents can be prevented by good old common sense. (example in this thread already) Don’t let them scare you too much. If it were up to some, we’d all be cowering away in the corner.

 

[Bedlam]

On mine I have a short chain thats able to connect to the drawbar, and the other end to the trailer pull part. and then ever so carefully with lowest idle possible I bring up the slack. Its then fine to use.
grab hooks make it adjustable.

 

[crusty 1]

I too wonder why not just hook it to the draw bar? Much simpler option in my mind. Some people here feel the need to warn everyone about every theoretical problem, not matter how unlikely, even if they have no personal experience. 95% of accidents can be prevented by good old common sense. (example in this thread already) Don稚 let them scare you too much. If it were up to some, we壇 all be cowering away in the corner.

Thats why I said to not do what I did,it was stupid to pull a wagon as I did.But we,ve all done things that after the fact we knew weren,t right and thats where common sense is born.Most farm accidents are very preventable but it,s that one lapse in judgement that gets folks in trouble.In the sake of trying to save a little bit of time by using a tractor too small for the task ,rather than a trip back for the right one.We,ve all been there and just wanted to point out my own mistake.I was lucky,and the lesson was learned:thumbsupave

 

[gyro433]

Diamondback,

I think what you are refering to is your lift arms raising if the trailer tongue becomes lighter than the back of your trailer. For one thing it could damage your 3 pt arm system. Some 3 pt hitch designs have an adjustable chain that ties to your drawbar and prevent the 3 pt arm to lift higher than you pre-determined setting height. We made one like that for my tractor.

See the previous link for info

www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/169581-3-pt-trailer-hitch.html

As far as safety, I think the weight distribution is more of a factor. With the chain system or the drawbar hooked up, if the trailer tongue creates negative weight (i.e. making your tractor rear end lighter), you will have in both cases a decrease of traction/braking action on the ground. If you 3 pt hitch has a system like the chain attachment to the drawbar and you adjust the arms so you have very little sway, with a proper positive tongue weight it should be ok as long as the weight of the tractor can handle the trailer load within the design limits.




I will try to take a pic of mine this afternoon with the chain on and post it.

Gyro