Kicking the arms off of a 3 pt attachment

[TBAR]

Yep, a guy I work with did just that. The bucket tipped and landed on his leg breaking it and pinning him. He was alone and had to dig his way loose with his hands, then crawl 150 yards to the truck. His wife gave him the riot act for being out there alone and without a cell phone.


TBAR

 

[keeney]

The most difficult attachment I have is my cast-concrete weight block. I usually leave a small sledge sitting on the weight block to make it easy to attach and remove. It tends to stay there even when operating the tractor. I suppose I will lose it someday, but sure is a handy place to just leave it sit on top of the weight block.

- Rick

 

[beenthere]

This is the exact reason that I have the quick tach (I-match 4 me), but if there is ever a need to "kick", "beat", or "pound", it means that something is going to move when the arms come off.

I'd suggest blocking to support the attachment so the arms easily slide off the pins because there is no weight on them, as this will also make the attachment easier to "attach" when that time comes.
/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[PineRidge]

Admittedly I have never seen a Pats system in operation. However I would very eager to see someone using this system back up to 6 random implements that they have never connected to previously compared to a tractor with extend-able lower arms like the class III New Hollands have. I'm wondering who would have the edge. And how much time would be saved in the connection process of both. One never knows, I just could end up being Pat's biggest advocate. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Inspector507]

Ok Pine Ridge picture this......
I'll back up with the left lift arm in line with the pin, with Pat's system on, AND IF the sway control is loose enough I'll nudge the right lift arm into line and then lift the lift arms. Pins connected and I didn't even bend over /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
And if you are not 100% squarely lined up.......there is a "bar" if you will, that will let me continue to back ever so slowly, while one pin is lined up, I can nudge the implement back with the tractor, to line the second pin up. Lift the lever and presto.....connection made /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[PineRidge]

Sounds simple enough its a shame there is no way to see one of these units in a demo or even a short clip of the connect disconnect taking place. Is there any downside to the hitch system in your opinion?

 

[Inspector507]

Not so far /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Except having the lift arms spaced correctly for each implement
Disconnect is even easier. Place implement where you want it, lower 3PH lever, get off and raise the locks. Arms drop free, undo the top link and you get back on and drive away.

 

[GaryM]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Except having the lift arms spaced correctly for each implement )</font>

I'm considering making some guides for the draft arms with the Pat's system installed. I visualize some 1/8" steel flanges or plates welded to the pin mounts. These flanges would be about 5" high and attached so they angled in at the front, toward the tractor. As you back up the tractor the draft arms would hit the plates and be guided out to match the pin spacing. Then just lift the draft arms to capture the pins.

My description might not be good enough for you to see what I have in mind.

 

[JerryG]

Doc Richard talked about how many people damaged their feet from kicking things like their lift arms. I have never liked using a board or a hammer, because it damages the paint as well as dings the steel. The best thing to use is a dead blow hammer. They deliver all of the force with none of the damage to yourself or to your tractor.

 

[markct]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Admittedly I have never seen a Pats system in operation. However I would very eager to see someone using this system back up to 6 random implements that they have never connected to previously compared to a tractor with extend-able lower arms like the class III New Hollands have. I'm wondering who would have the edge. And how much time would be saved in the connection process of both. One never knows, I just could end up being Pat's biggest advocate.
)</font>

i agree with pine ridge, the extendable lower links are the nicest thing for hooking up stuff, i have a ford 8000 that has them , sure is nice, back up so that you are just a few inches in front of the implement, doesnt have to be perfectly square or level, then pull the little ring and the lift arm extends out and can be moved back and forth about 6 inches, and up and down about 6 inches, then slip them over the pins, put the lynch pins thru and get in the seat, back up a couple inches till they snap back into the lock position and drive away, i wish someone would make an aftermarket setup like that for compacts, that would be a worthwhile part without the downsides of pats system