Newbie 3 point question

PaulInMi · Dec 22, 2000

I took my 3pt mower off my new tractor today for the first time, in Michigan it wont see any use for another 4-5 months.
What am I supposed to do w/the lift arms? Am i supposed to tie them or something when there is no implement attached, or does everybody just let them swing. They seems to rub against the tires.
Thanks in advance. Happy Holidays.
PaulInMi

Anonymous Poster · Dec 22, 2000

Do not let the lift arms swing it will tear up the tires

get a bungy and hook it between the arms to hold them together this keeps the arms from chewing up the tires.

Bird · Dec 22, 2000

Paul, when you have an implement on the 3-point, doesn't it have some type of restraint to keep them from swinging too far to one side, i.e., turnbuckles, flat bar, chain, or something similar. It doesn't hurt for them to swing some, but you sure don't want to let them swing into the tires.
The bungee cord idea will work just fine.

Bird

Thomas · Dec 22, 2000

Paul,
Most dealer have a {geeze what do you call that item} same setup as you would hook up your mower to your 3pt,but it instead tow bar etc...they don't cost much and may serve as a also bumper.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

PaulInMi · Dec 22, 2000

Bird- It does have a sort of stabilizer on it, but I,m not sure if thats what is supposed to keep it from swinging...maybe I could post a picture.

Thanks for the speedy responses.

How about the top-link? Leave it on or take it off?

Edited by PaulInMi on 12/22/00 06:54 PM.

tsha · Dec 22, 2000

I don't know what kind of tractor you have, but on my B2150 the parts book shows a bunge hooked to little hoops on the inside of both lift arms. This keeps tension on the turnbuckles while there is no impliment on the back, plus when it is time to hook something up all you have to do is spread the arms apart. If you are working by yourself that might be tricky.

tsha · Dec 22, 2000

Tie the top link up or if you won't have an impliment back there for a while take it off to keep it out of the way. Also, when you are backing up to hook something up tie the top link up so you don't tear things up.

Bird · Dec 22, 2000

Paul, I always leave my top link on (just for convenience; you can take it off if you're not going to have any implement on the 3-point). On my B7100, I kept that top link pointed up and out of the way with a bungee cord. Now the B2710 has a clip to snap it into to hold it in the same position. I guess when I get the hydraulic top link, I'll have to go back to the bungee cord because it'll be too big in diameter to fit that clip, I think.

Bird

JackIL · Dec 23, 2000

Paul, Since you have the loader mounted and apparantly will leave it on over the winter to move snow, you will need some kind of rear ballast box or implement such as a heavy rear blade for overall tractor stability. Even if your rear tires have liquid or cast ballast installed, that won't reduce the load on the front axles when the loader is attached. Most manufacturers recommend an implement or box on the 3 point to reduce the front axle load and make steering easier when using a loader.

PaulInMi · Dec 23, 2000

jackIL
Thanks for the tip, when my new box blade gets delivered I,m gonna put that on for rear ballast. I guess I just wanted to take it off to see how it came off.
Happy Holidays.