LS XG3025 3-point lift Stabilizers

[fgsiii]

I bought my XG3025 with the frame mounted backhoe. So, I do not use the 3-point lift often but on the rare occasions that I do, I've not been able to figure out how the hinged stabilizers are supposed to work. I've searched this forum and numerous YouTube videos without success. The manual that came with the tractor does not mention it. The result is a swaying bush hog, box blade or other 3-point implements. Any information on how to get these stabilizers to actually work would be much appreciated.

 

[Eagle1]

The telescoping stabilizers?

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

What I do with mine is as follows:
1) remove the pins in the links.
2) attach implement to the 3 point arms and top link as normal. Then lift the implement a few inches off the ground.
3) eyeball "center" for the implement, push one of the links tight (snug) and install the pin in one of the holes which is "lined up". (If you look at the holes, they are staggered).
4) push or pull the implement towards the other side.
5) push the remaining link tight, and try to line up the pin in the same hole as the other side.
6) then I usually push the implement back and forth, side to side to check the "tightness" or "sway". If it's more than an inch of sway, then I repeat the above, until the sway is an inch of movement or less.

You definitely want to have some movement to prevent any binding or breaking something.

It's really easy once you get used to the sliding links. I now think they are way better than the turnbuckle style.

 

[fgsiii]

I have attached a photo showing the hinge on the stabilizer. When I have the piece of equipment centered and the pin in place and go to the other arm and stabilizer and try to place the pin in that stabilizer the original one just swivels at the hinge. I really don't know how to explain this any better but maybe the photo will help. Do your stabilizers also have a hinge on the end that attaches to the tractor?

 

[Eagle1]

You may just have to go back and forth until you have the sway you want. Caution those bent little ends with swivel bend rather easy with tractor power.
I think LS tractor Owner described the process pretty well.

 

[hodge]

Both LS and Mahindra use that design- the flat plate attaching to a short stud- and it's stupid. They only work under tension- compression moves the plate, as you're experiencing, and under significant load, it will bend and break the plate.
After you pin the first side, pull the implement toward the other side (creating tension on the stabilizer), and grab the other stabilizer body. Pull it toward the lift arm, keeping tension on the attachment plate. Pin the stabilizer, and you should have minimum sway.

 

[fgsiii]

Thanks all for the input. It's around 100 degrees outside right now so I'll wait until morning to try the suggestions. My old Ford 3000 had a flat piece of steel that went from the tractor to the end of one stabilizer and it worked just fine. This is progress I guess.

 

[fgsiii]

Well, I finally had partial success following the suggestions above. Got most of the sway out of it but still more than an inch remains. That's good enough for the little bush hog work I do every year. Overall, I really like the tractor, it's been 100% dependable and it accomplishes all the tasks I put it to, so classify me as a satisfied LS owner. Thanks again for all the inputs.

 

[Eagle1]

Happy you got it sorted. I would think an inch or so of sway is min you would want. I'd rather the implement swing some than bend things just because I (stupidly) drove into something...

 

[Gator6x4]

Thanks all for the input. It's around 100 degrees outside right now so I'll wait until morning to try the suggestions. My old Ford 3000 had a flat piece of steel that went from the tractor to the end of one stabilizer and it worked just fine. This is progress I guess.

The Ford 3000 also had a draw bar that the fixed stabilizer prevented from swaying or moving when something, like a hay trailer or wagon, a towable disk, harrow, stalk cutter, etc was attached to the draw bar. A lot of implements used were converted horse drawn implements and were in constant ground count when in use.

Attaching a rotary cutter to a old tractor was not something the inexperienced should attempt to do.