Sway bars - there's got to be an easier way!

[SacandagaBrad]

Sway bars - there\'s got to be an easier way!

Does anyone know of an easier way to adjust the sway bars on the 3PH? Or know of an easier to use, after-market set that can be installed?

On my TC24, they are the turn buckle style and set on the outside of the 3PH arms. Switching back and forth between the back blade and snow blower, constantly adjusting them is a pain - especially on the knuckles! The blower has the pins on the inside, the blade's are on the outside. So I have to loosen them up quite a bit just to get the arms spread or compressed enough for the attachment. With the wide turf tires and chains, there is barely enough room to fit you hand in there. It's a newer machine with the 13.5" wide tires. I can get about 1/10th of a turn on the turn buckle with channel lock pliers. If I don't get them tightened down, there is enough sway for the tire chains to hit the sway bars and grab, not a nice noise at all. When all is set properly, there is about an inch of clearance.

Thanks for any advice.

Brad

 

[beenthere]

Re: Sway bars - there\'s got to be an easier way!

I suspect when they put a Cat I 3pt on a small CUT, they run out of room back there to make it right. My Deere 4300 has a sliding (telescoping) bars with 1/2" pins which work pretty well (don't have to adjust them anymore with the I-Match hitch) except the pins are horizontal, and there is a newer version where the pins are vertical. That would be better.

As I said, the I-match removes that fuss. Just pick up and go (after hooking the PTO up if being used). /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Soundguy]

Re: Sway bars - there\'s got to be an easier way!

Does that tractor have cat 1 gear, but cat 0 spacing? I've seen some custom 'bent' lower lift arms that get out and around the tire for things like that.

Alternately.. how about moving the pins on your box in.. like the other.. and no more adjusting between the two.

Alternately.. get rid of the turn buckles, and just use chain and clevises.. attatch the implement, and then undo the clevis.. slide up to the correct length.. reinsert the pin in the clevis.. then do the next side.. Use a cheapo spring loaded
C-clip to secure the extra chain back onto itself. I did this on my 8n for a couple years before I got the fixed sway bars.. etc.
I fthe clevis bothers you.. there are lots of other things... cheapo padlock with a key hanging ont the tractor.. or even a wingnut/bolt, and a couple fender washers
cheap and VERY easy to install / adjust.

Soundguy

 

[PineRidge]

Re: Sway bars - there\'s got to be an easier way!

Brad you may want to check the method used on the larger TC series tractors. I used the turnbuckle system on my old 25 HP tractor and there is no comparison to the system they use on my TC-40D. Now I just hook up an implement and drop in a vertical pin on each side to stabilize the load. Maybe it can be implemented on your smaller rig? Might want to check with your NH dealer. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[russG]

Re: Sway bars - there\'s got to be an easier way!

I also have the tc24 and I reversed my rear tires and that gave a lot more room to adjust the sleeves.

 

[Hambone]

Re: Sway bars - there\'s got to be an easier way!

I agree with Beenthere. If you put on a quick hitch(i.e., speedco, I-Match), that will solve your problem.

 

[SacandagaBrad]

Re: Sway bars - there\'s got to be an easier way!

I checked a Speedco last night at TSC. Claims to be Cat 1, but the hooks have enough room for Cat 3 pins. I played with various bushings to check the fit and could step up from Cat 1 to Cat 2 to Cat 3 for a better fit. Without doing that, is seems like it would be sloppy.

Price seemed a little high. TSC had a price of $180. You can get a 6' blade for that at their store! I know, I know - its only money and the savings on blood tranfusions alone from banged up knuckles will pay for it /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif.

Thinking it might be a good idea.

Thanks - Brad

 

[rambler]

Re: Sway bars - there\'s got to be an easier way!

Claims to be Cat 1, but the hooks have enough room for Cat 3 pins. I played with various bushings to check the fit and could step up from Cat 1 to Cat 2 to Cat 3 for a better fit. Without doing that, is seems like it would be sloppy.


Ok, took a second, but I understand.

A quick hitch should use special flared pegs on the lower pins - they have an outer collar on them to keep the hooks centered on your pins. That is why the hooks seem oversized to you.

It defeats the purpose of a quick hitch if your implements are different sizes in width or heigth to the top link - and too many are that way. You may have to do some modifications on some of your implements to make everything identical.

--->Paul

 

[JerryT]

Re: Sway bars - there\'s got to be an easier way!

The TSC Quick Hitch comes with 2 bushings. You need a pair for each attachment. I have 8 altogether but had to remove the Quick Hitch for my finish mower and sickle mower. I have since changed to PAT's hitch available thru Tractor ByNet, and it fits all my tools, without having to change the "sway" position, except the sickle mower. Since I only use the sickle mower 3-4 times/year to cut around the lake, its no big deal. It is my opinion after using both, that the TSC hitch is easier to use (with the top adapter instead of hook) if it fits all your tools (???) and PAT's is the unit of choice otherwise. Hope this helps.