Farmer495
Veteran Member
Good conversation. Let me ask you this. Some disc mower models I've seen have height chains with them. A short chain running from the tractor end of top link pin to one of the mower hitch pins. The purpose is for the chain to carry the weight of the mower while mowing and not the actual 3 point hitch. Have you used one? Ever thought you needed it?
The main advantage is for a tractor that the 3pt settles, it prevents the 3pt from dropping too far on it's own.
If your 3pt is strong and doesn't move, you might be able to run without it.
I still use the height chain anyways. I have multiple top link pin holes, I run the top link so it's on top and use another pin in lower hole for the height chain. I set the 3pt sway bars tight too.
I set the 3pt so the chain is taking some weight, but not all of it. If you try to have it carry all the weight it try to pull the mower slightly to the center of the tractor and the mower will balance on that 3pt arm. Doesn't really stop the mower from working, but it messes up the geometry of the hitch.
The chain also stops operator from lowering the mower too low and also makes it easy to make sure you set the mower the same height every time.
Worse case the mower drops too far and the PTO shaft hits the drawbar and does damage.