3-Point Hitch Self adjusting lift arm

[dalehalifax]

I have a Finish Mower attached to my Kubota L3200HST. The finish mower is a Caroni, with 4 caster wheels. Mowing on uneven ground sometimes puts a lot of twisting pressure on the mower because the 3 point hitch Lift Arms are not independent. Does anyone know of a "flexible" lift arm, so that the 2, 3 pt hitch arms can move up and down independly? I'm thinking of removing the non adjustible link and replacing it with a chain of equal length.

 

[Dave M7040]

I have a Finish Mower attached to my Kubota L3200HST. The finish mower is a Caroni, with 4 caster wheels. Mowing on uneven ground sometimes puts a lot of twisting pressure on the mower because the 3 point hitch Lift Arms are not independent. Does anyone know of a "flexible" lift arm, so that the 2, 3 pt hitch arms can move up and down independly? I'm thinking of removing the non adjustible link and replacing it with a chain of equal length.
View attachment 521270

Look at this image and see how Landpride deals with flexibility between the tractor and mower.
Is it possible your mower has a similar feature which you need to remove a pin and allow it to flex.

I found this Caroni mower on ebay with the same feature as the Landpride.

Plse post a picture of your mower

Dave M7040

 

[CincyFlyer]

I've seen chains used for both the top link and the lift links (mostly on old machines) and it would seem to be the best way to go. My mower has links to let it move, in any case, but my land isn't flat enough to even use it!

 

[dalehalifax]

You can see my 3 pt hitch pins are solid. This does seem like a workable fix however. I can make those. Thanx for the idea.

 

[Dave M7040]

View attachment 521526

You can see my Caroni does not have that feature. The pin is solid. However, That does seem to be an easy fix. I can make those. Thanx for the idea.

Dale....

I am assuming you bought the mower used is this correct?

Do you have the model number?

The other feature you are missing is the flex top connection as seen on the Landpride so that as you go over humps and through dips the mower is free to stand on its own wheels.

The next image from the Caoni web site shows a new mower with the flex lower 3 pt connection.

I am wondering if someone modified your mower before you got it and removed features not understanding their importance.

A rigid top connection puts tremendous stress on your mower when you go through a dip as the mower ends up carrying part of the tractor's weight.

Dave M7040

 

[Dave M7040]

Here is a photo of a pivoting Caroni top link connection.

I am concerned that if you use chains in place of the lower arm lift pieces you might have grief when backing up with the mower down.

The 3 pt arms could start to pivot up and then damage your pto shaft joints.

Dave M7040

 

[dalehalifax]

Dave. I bought the Caroni new in about 1986. You can see the the "bumps and dips" feature is taken care of by the slide ability, where the top link attaches to the back of the mower. My old 1973 Kubota B6100 had enough "slop" in the lift arms that the side to side tilt and twist wasn't a problem. My New Kubota is a much tighter machine, so I need to add more "flex" ability.

 

[Dave M7040]

This photo shows the features clearly.

Since you bought new in 1986 there have been a few improvements in just about everything

Clearly the slotted top connection takes care of the bumps and dips.

Dave M7040

 

[dalehalifax]

Yes... It appears that they have made design modifications. I'm going to have to copy those lower lift points to remedy my problem. I like that better than modifying the tractor. Thanx for the help and your research.

 

[dalehalifax]

Thank you CincyFlyer. I think Dave M7040 has changed my thinking to modify the mower rather than modify the tractor. I appreciate your response.