OK - Goping nuts with 3PH Attaching/Detaching - Please help!!!

[rixtory]

Hi All,
Have a BX2200 Class 0/1 3PH. I have a weight box (full of rocks) that I put on and take off when using the loader. Problem is, It is a bear to get the 3PH lower arms on the weight box pins. I loosen the arms up and but can never get them lined up and on the pins. The weight box is simply to heavy for me to try to shift or shimmy to get the arms on.
The only way I can then get the arms to slide onto the pins is to draw them in is by using a wrench and tightening the adjusting links.

I have no problems putting my rear blade on, as I can easily drag/shift the blade a bit to get the pins lined up with the arms, and slide the arms on.

I spent many young years on a farm and never recalled this issue. Am I doing something wrong here? is there an easier way to get the arms on the pins of heavy, immobile objects?
Thanks
Rick

 

[firemanpat2910]

2 simple solutions.

1. the next time you want to take box off, set it on a dolly, pipes, or on a greased up small block of wood in the center. Any of these should let you pivot the box easily.

2. get a Freedom Hitch. I am pretty sure thats the name brand I use( I'll double check tonight) or simular type of hitch that uses interlocking triangles.
We have them on about half the implements, they are wonderfull. Just back up get the tractor triangle anywhere in the implement triangle and lift. When unhooking just pull the lever, from the tractor seat, lower and drive off.
These are more expensive than the other styles of hitches but IMHO they are worth it. We drop implements anywhere uneven dirt, in the woods, on a slope and come back next time with any of the 3 tractors and hook right up.

http://www.agrabilityproject.org/newsletter/winter_2002/3.cfm

is a link to a page that shows some hitches

 

[cast_and_blast]

I agree - some type of quick-hitch is the ticket. I have a JD and use the I-Match but there are others out there as well.

Dropping the ballast and putting it back on is, literally, about a 15 second effort. Back-up, align, pick-up ballast box, flip two levers, drive away. All from the seat I might add.

Scott

 

[1bush2hog]

Some good ideas by others already listed.

You may also want to keep a pry bar or 2X4 nearby - they can be good persueders also

When hooking up my winch, I sometimes get one side hooked up and then move the tractor to align the other side enough to get the 2nd pin in, hooking upthe top link and pto last

 

[roxynoodle]

If you have adjustable sway chains it can help to loosen them before hooking up.

 

[HomeBrew2]

Are the lower link ball joints nice a free? Mine were almost stuck solid which made the alignment have to be dead on ... till I fixed them with an 8# hammer.

 

[Highbeam]

I would go for a dolly. They make these dollys for cars that each hold one wheel at 1500 lbs. The dolley has swiveling wheels at all four corners. JCWhitney, summit, or another car parts catalog source should hae them at low cost.

If you are not on a hard floor surface though then it will be tougher. A quick-hitch system may be the only wayt to go.

 

[Pooh_Bear]

I have the same problem with my bush hog. Big heavy monster.
I never can seem to back up to an implement just right.
Most of my stuff I can shift one way or the other by hand.
But not the bush hog. I can't budge it by hand.
But, I found out if I keep a 6 foot T post nearby I can use it as a pry bar.
I can shift the bush hog anywhere I need it to go now. Easy to hook up.

Here's another tip I learned. I have solid sway bars.
Put the drag links on and the top link on and lift the implement off the ground.
Then put the sway bars on and the lynch pins in.
Makes it a whole lot easier to get the sway bars on.

Pooh Bear

 

[PineRidge]

If you park the weight box on concrete when not in use go the Harbor Freight and get yourself some stout castor's that can be permanently fixed to the bottom of the weight box. Hook-up will be a snap after that.

 

[texasjohn]

Pat's easy change system might be the ticket for you. I have one and it has solved all my hook-up problems.... be aware that top link length may need to be adjused if you get one... Here's his site.

http://www.greenwellmfg.com/

He advertises on TBN. Good guy.