</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have noticed a lot of the farmers here have their equipment mounted on 3 point mounted tool bars instead of drag behind. They look like they are 4" square tubing. I was thinking of making one for my tractor that was only 8' wide or so but still using 4" so that I could use the "tools" that fit the bigger tractors. I see a lot of this stuff at farm auctions for fairly cheap and thought it would be neat if I rigged up my tractor to accept these. Has anyone ever done this? I don't think I have ever seen a tool bar on a small tractor but I don't see any reason why it would not work. )</font>
If I was at home now, I'd post a few pictures for you. I have taken several old (6 to 8 row) cultivators, mounted on 4" toolbars, and made planter frames, smaller cultivators, and a few other odds and ends. The cultivators are available at a CHEAP price. It seems that no one uses them much anymore.
There are three common sizes of toolbars, and each of them can come in two distinct variations. 2"X2", 4"X4", and 4"X7" will commonly be found. (4"X7" on BIG equipment only)
The 2"X2" and 4"X4" can be "square" or "diamond" (One "flat side" square with the ground, or rotated 45 degrees to the "diamond" position)
Older mounted cultivators usually had a toolbar mounted set of shanks BEHIND the tractor to eliminate tire tracks. They are usuall 2"X2" diamonds. There is a good source of the bar AND the three point hitch brackets too. Newer style rear mounted cultivators (4,6,8, and even 12 row) usually are mounted on a 4"X4" bar.
I've been finding GOOD 8-row units for $100 to $200 at sales and on internet classifieds. Typically, with an 8-row unit, you get a 21' section of 4"X4" square tubing, a complete set of hitch parts, and a BUNCH of cultivator shanks. (Scrap prices are way up too!!!)
Generally, 6-row and bigger equipment is CAT.II or CAT.III hitch, but the mounts are adjustable in width too. Just change out the lower link pins, and you're on your way!
If you're interested, PM me with your email addy, and I'll send you a few pictures of some "home-made" hitch parts, and a few "toolbar mounted" impliments I've built.
Bill