Rookie 3pt question

[RoyJackson]

I got the rake hooked but the rake won't always follow the ground contour. It seems like I need to adjust something to allow the rake to lower more. Sorry I know it's a rookie question.

Any 3PH implement such as a rake won't follow the ground contour perfectly since the hook up (two lower links and the top link) is pretty rigid...unless there is a floating top link hook up on the implement. This is usually a "U" shaped bracket the pivots up and down on the implement.
If no floating link, the implement will follow the tractor''s movement...any up and down movement of the tractor (over uneven ground, for example) will also be the implement movement.
Also, most CUT 3PH setups don't have down pressure.
If you want the rake to follow the ground, disconnect the top link or replace it with a chain.
Doing this, the rake will follow the ground contours...might also dig in more then you want it to.
I don't have a rake, but have used them. If I ever buy a rake, it's going to have gauge wheels behind it.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Ok, I see what you mean now. I got it to work by adjusting the top link. Tomorrow I will change the stirrup pins to the low position and see how that works.

,,,,,,,,,You can also adjust the length of the lift links by lifting and turning that square adjuster with loop handles shown in your pic :

View attachment 462446

 

[dirtymartini]

,,,,,,,,,You can also adjust the length of the lift links by lifting and turning that square adjuster with loop handles shown in your pic :

I thought that only adjusted one side?

 

[RoyJackson]

I thought that only adjusted one side?

It does...that link is for leveling to implement, side to side

 

[jeff9366]

I thought that only adjusted one side?

When an implement is mounted both Lower Links are rigidly linked via the implement.

By adjusting the Lifting Rod screw on the right side, you can add or remove slack from the LEFT SIDE.

Once you remove the implement pin on the LEFT SIDE, the Lifting Road screw only adjusts the RIGHT Lower Link. Ingenious.


Therefore, the Three Point Hitch as only one manual adjusted Lifting Rod Screw on the right side, which adjusts the left AND right Lifting Rods when mounting or dropping implements.


When mounting an implement, connect the LEFT Lower Link first, moving the Lower Link a fraction by hand to insert the left pin, then adjust the Lifting Rod Screw as needed to insert the right pin.

(Tweaking the Top Link may help line up the right Lower Link and the implement.)

 

[SPYDERLK]

I thought that only adjusted one side?

Ive seen them with an adjuster on each side. My 7520 came that way. :confused3: ... Also, it appears your lift links may be pinned to the outer hole on the lower arms. This gives more lift force, but less range. Try the inner holes if they are there -- about 3" back toward the pivot on the tractor end.

 

[jeff9366]

When hydraulic assist is installed on the right Lifting Rod, the pre-existing manual adjuster is usually moved to the left Lifting Rod, so there then are adjusters on both sides.

 

[Leejohn]

quote;If you want the rake to follow the ground, disconnect the top link or replace it with a chain.


Roy you can't do that with a rake or blade.


Quote; When an implement is NOT mounted the Lower Links move individually


Mine don't just a little maybe.

 

[RoyJackson]

quote;If you want the rake to follow the ground, disconnect the top link or replace it with a chain.


Roy you can't do that with a rake or blade.


Quote; When an implement is NOT mounted the Lower Links move individually


Mine don't just a little maybe.

You can...I've done it. However, as I'd written (I think), both a blade and rake tend to dig in too deep.
For me, digging in worked OK since I was spreading spoils from drilling a well and as long as I moved fairly fast (and the spoils were loose), they spread pretty nicely.
However, when I raked my driveway (hard pack gravel), I made a mess with the rake. If I ever bought one...it would definitely have gauge wheels.

 

[LD1]

Ok? Lol! So you stand by your statement that "changing the top link adjustment... will do nothing to lower the rake."? I just hate to see the OP misslead.
:drink:

Edit: I must be grumpy. Please forget I said anything. Always had issues with catagorical statements. No point in derailing the OPs endeavor over my hang-up. Carry on and my apologies.

I want to comment on this real quick since I dont feel it got addressed.

YES, Making the Top link longer will lower the back of the rake, and shortening it will raise it. But you dont want to make a habit of adjusting the TL like that with a blade or rake or anything that angles.

It will work fine if all you ever do is leave it straight. But you need the "framework" of a blade/rake (the plane in which it rotates around) to be level. Or In other words, you want the pivot pin vertical.

If you go messing with the toplink, and you try to angle the rake or blade, it may no longer be level and may only cut in on one side.

Also worth noting that if you are doing some ditching or wanting to create a crown in the road, adjusting TL length when the blade is angled is IMO an easier way than adjusting a sidelink