Trailer snatcher for 3 Pt. Hitch

[Dargo]

In frustration of not being able to find the attachment I needed, I designed and made a 3 pt. hitch attachment that allows me to back up to any trailer with my tractor and pick up and move the trailer without getting off of the tractor. It uses standard "Reese" hitch inserts to enable you to easily use the hitch insert off of your truck. I sent my prototype to a machine shop to test it for strength and they could not break it with 30,000 pounds of lifting force in their press. Okay, maybe I over built it. Anyway, does anyone else think there is any use for such a device? I've asked numerous implement places if they have ever seen such a device and they have not. Rural King thought it would be nice. It is really handy for me to move my trailers without having to constantly get off of my tractor. Thoughts anyone?

 

[Lazy]

hi
could you let us see a pic of it? that sounds like a good Idea

Charlie.

 

[Dargo]

I'll either build another one tomorrow or get the prototype back from the machine shop / engineering firm that is trying to break it to find the limits so I can post a picture. I'm still lost in trying to find my own post. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Thanks.

 

[PineRidge]

Dargo sounds interesting I would like to see a picture as well. Is this something that you built for your own use only or do you have plans to market the device?

 

[Dargo]

It was actually first designed for my own use, but it worked so well and is rather bullet proof, if you will, I am entertaining the idea of getting a patent for it and producing it. Every neighbor that has seen it has had to have one. Thus, I do not have a single complete one lying around. By using the existing line of Reese inserts, you can use a ball, a pintle hitch, a towing hook etc. with it. When raising or lowering it with the 3 pt. hitch it stays level and it appears that you will break your trailer or tractor before you break my rig. For just flat out pulling things with the tractor (such as someone who is stuck), I've found it easier to use with the Reese insert that has a big hook on it rather than trying to use the tow bar that comes with the tractors. I'll post a pic as soon as I can. If you would like more than one simple pic, please just email me at brentdn@insightbb.com and I will send you more detailed pics via email. It looks like I can only put up a basic pic on here. (maybe just my computer ignorance) I use a draw bar for the lower part of the rig, so the cost factor will be relatively low if you already have a draw bar. So far, all of my neighbors have already had a draw bar and had never used them until now. Thanks.

 

[ronjhall]

Dargo

Using a 2" square tubing trailer hitch on a 3PH has been made and used by several TBN'ers.

Here is a link to one that I made. Click Here.

Just do a search for Trailer Hitch here on TBN. There are many others. There are a couple of places that sell them also.

Yours may be different than the one in the thread.

I find a lot of different ideas here on TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Good luck with yours. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We always need better ideas to improve the use of out tractors. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Dargo]

ronjhall,
Thanks for the message. I figured that there had to be something like what I had made somewhere because there is just so much of a need for it. I just couldn't find one. Since I made mine up as I built it without ever having seen another one, it is not exactly like any of the others I've been able to see on here. Most of the links are dead, so I only saw a couple others. I suppose the biggest difference is I built mine to survive useage by those people who could tear up an anvil, so to speak. I'll still post a pic when I can unless I'm violating someone elses territory. I'm obviously new on here and do not know your rules. The only thing I do know is that I did not copy anyone's design as I'd never seen one before. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Von]

Would like to see a photo. Is it any different than the other ones we have seen on TBN? Here is a photo of the one I made.

 

[Dargo]

Von,
Thanks for your pic! I knew I couldn't be the only person who had a need for such a thing. Yes, mine is somewhat different. Same purpose, but a different way of getting there. I'll try to get mine back from the fabrication plant where it is right now or make another. As I said earlier, I was wanting to find the breaking point before I sold any to people other than my neighbors. My direct family members are welders, fabricators, and attorneys. Maybe that will explain why I'm trying to break it first. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif That breaking point seems to be more than what most any tractor will do to it.

 

[jmc]

Dargo,

If you think your invention has commercial potential, you should not post a picture anywhere. First of all, it starts the clock on the one year time limit to apply for a US patent and second, it may inspire people already in that business.

John