MX5 Connection to iMatch

[LadyHorseFarmer]

Hi. My new MX5 was dropped in the lawn yesterday and I was happy to see it. Now my question is, where do I hook on the iMatch top hook?

The MX5 has a 3 bar frame at the top. One connection is lowest and connects to the back support bars. Then there is a second bar (which looks lilke it could be where the iMatch connects). Above that is the pin for normal 3 pt top link. I couldn't see anyway that I could hook on to that because there is not enough clearance between that and the slightly wider bar right below it.

Your assistance is appreciated. I can post a picture in a bit (after I take care of a horse with a hoof problem).

Now it stormed in the night and we got nearly 2 inches of rain. I don't think I will be mowing today but I would like to get the cutter put away at least.

 

[LadyHorseFarmer]

Re: MX5 Connection to iMatch *DELETED*

Post deleted by LadyHorseFarmer

 

[LadyHorseFarmer]

hmm... it doesn't want to let me upload the picture.

I will try a link to my own site:
http://www.saddletrails.com/tractor/mx5.htm

 

[GreenMtnMan]

My 4310 with iMatch and MX5 was delivered a few days ago. I haven't had a chance to actually cut with the MX5 yet, but I did hook it up and haul it into our barn. The dealer set ours up with a bushing over the center bolt, and the iMatch hooked right up to that one.

 

[wisconsinguy]

Hi

Yes you are right it should go on the second one that is just below the "normal 3 point top link pin". You also need a set of bushings for the lower pins, I like the ones made by Speeco and sold at Fleet Farm for about 10 bucks a pair, they are a bushing that fits over the lower pin, about 4 inches long and a larger knob on the end. That lower top pin should should be slotted and you should be able to move it, this allows the mower to move up and down when going over rough ground. You may have to adjust your top link with the mower in the cutting position so that you have some free play in that link in each direction. Boy it is harder to explain this then to do it. I hope I did not confuse you more, If so just ask some more questions.

later
Phil

 

[Jim_Fisher]

LadyHorseFarmer,

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Above that is the pin for normal 3 pt top link. I couldn't see anyway that I could hook on to that because there is not enough clearance between that and the slightly wider bar right below it.
)</font>

If you pull the top link pin toward the tractor as far as it will go, is there sufficient clearance?

The top of the hitch needs to move back and forth in order to allow the mower to follow the contour of the ground being mowed. I doubt that there would be enough movement if you hooked to the part immediately below the top link pin.

I ordinarily set the mower to the desired cutting height on level ground, using the adjustable stop on the three point hitch control lever, then adjust the top link so that there is about an inch of free play. I don't use a quick hitch, so I am not familiar with any interference that it might cause.

Don't forget to move the drawbar as far front as it will go (put the pin through the hole just in front of the hole to which you pin a drawn implement) prior to hooking up.



Jim Fisher

 

[LadyHorseFarmer]

Thanks for your responses. I just wanted to be sure to grab hold of the cutter correctly.

Phil, you are correct. That bottom link moves. I understand that this is to allow the cutter to float a bit over the ground.

I have asked my dealer why I didn't get any bushings with the iMatch quick hitch because the tractor manual indicates that bushings are included with the unit. he said he will be sure to get them to me. That was a couple of weeks ago though, so I will have to go pick them up.

Do you leave the bushings on each implement or move them around with the quick hitch? I have a Fleet Farm very close by and will check out the Speeco bushings also.

Thanks again. I am sure soon I will get the hang of this and put some hours using my tractor instead of just adding and removing implements. I can't wait to clean up my pastures. I never really knew how much care 17.5 acres of pasture was going to take. I am hoping my new JD products help make it fun and easy.

 

[wisconsinguy]

You will need a set of bushings for each implement. The Speeeco ones are held on with a rolled pin, so just line up the hole and hammer the pin in flush, make sure the rolled pins are with the bushings when you buy em, they seem to get lost easily. Don't worry about the ones that come with the Imatch as they are not worth much and lay on my work bench, guess they would be ok for a paper weight. They are only about an inch wide and held on with a "ring pin" I would think on would smash the pin everytime you try and hook up, The speeco ones give you a few inches to work with, much easier to line em up. Don't give up, once you have everything set up to work with the Imatch you will be able to back up and pick it up without getting off the tractor,

later
Phil

 

[Skeptic]

I will take the iMatch adapters off your hands if you don't want them /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I built a trailer hitch that fits in the iMatch. Finding lift arm pins and top link pins to fit the iMatch was a challenge.
I did buy some SpeeCo bushings for the lift arm pins that I welded on for my trailer hitch. I didn't see any that would allow me to size out to 1 1/4 inches off a 7/8 pin, like the JD one for the iMatch Top Link pin. But, I have some ideas to try yet.

Shari
4310 MFWD eHydro, 430 FEL, 47 Backhoe, LX5 Cutter, 550 Tiller, iMatch, and now a home made trailer hitch.

 

[wisconsinguy]

Hi

Sorry I have no top link bushings just the lower ones that came with the Imatch. Did you try JD, I would think they would have them or be able to order them since all their implements have them on them. We have a local farm store here that has a good selection of pins and bushings, the lower ones are not a problem to find.

later
Phil