What is the Secret ???

[Theowegian]

My local JD dealer has some black colored lynch pins that you can BARELY open by hand. They look just like the gold colored ones, but they are really strong. You might stop by the JD dealer and ask about them. They might work for you...

But I had the same problem as you. I gave up and now use 1/4" bolts with a nylok nut. No more problems, now.

 

[PineRidge]

I lost pins at an alarming rate on the RFM. Finally wised up and started using cotter pins. I don't think that would be a practical thing to do on the 3 point hitch though.

 

[firemanpat2910]

TSC has some of your pic2 pins with a chain attatched to the ring. You mount the other end of the chain to the implement, or tractor, and when they pop out they hang on the chain. At least this way you dont loose them. I have used them on some implements and they seem yo work.

 

[rback33]

TSC has some of your pic2 pins with a chain attatched to the ring. You mount the other end of the chain to the implement, or tractor, and when they pop out they hang on the chain. At least this way you dont loose them. I have used them on some implements and they seem yo work.

I have seen lost of those as well. We used lots of those on the farm... you can't set them down and loose them either... Not that I would do that....

 

[daTeacha]

You need to shoot the little invisible gremlins that keep opening up your pins when you're working. I lost the things all the time 'til I shot a couple of 'em. Then the rest learn to leave your stuff alone.

 

[RobJ]

Lynch pins are usually pretty tough. But when I bought my tractor one of the lift arms is slightly bent. So every couple months depending on what I'm doing it'll break the pin. Disking is pretty tough, might try and watch the load and see if it's binding. Plus if you have a Cat0 pin in a cat 1 lift arm the extra room could be causing some problem. Also try putting a couple heavy washers under the lynch pin to help spread out the load.

I would not use pic 1 for anytype of lift arms.

Good Luck,
Rob

 

[3RRL]

You probably know this already, but most of circle lynch pins have a "flat side" to them and that side should face towards the implents, the round side facing outwards to the shaft end. Those spring loaded circles are stronger in that direction than the other.

 

[ovrszd]

I mean this with respect and friendship to everyone posting on this thread. I have really enjoyed reading everyone's input, all the while hearing my deceased Dad's voice in my ear. I kept reading thinking someone would get to the "fix" but no one did!!!!

When buying lynch pins you should look for lynch pins similar to the ones in pic #2. The difference should be that the shaft is short enough that the ring will clear the end of it. If you can't find that type, then put yours in a vice and using a hacksaw, cut just enough of the shaft off so the ring will clear.

What this does is put the ring past the shaft. So when something grabs ahold of it and tries to pull it out, the ring being behind the shaft will not unlock.

I know there are those of you that are saying "that won't work". Well I'm hear to say it will. My Dad taught me that when I was seven years old. Growing up around small Ford tractors and using the 3pt hitch almost daily, I have latched literally thousands of lynch pins of this type and I don't ever recall losing one of this type. Even when using a 3 pt dirt scoop which buried the arms in dirt every time you filled it. Never lost one. So get out the hacksaw and give it a try.

As for the chain idea, it works great for yanking the ring off the clip, otherwise doesn't do much.

 

[daTeacha]

That sounds interesting. If you get the slightly less than maximum spring strength ones, you might be able to squeeze the ring enough (vice grips?) to pop it behind the shaft and have a little more safety margin.

I've lost a few, but have always figured it was just me being dumb and forgetting to latch them.

 

[deerhunterf350]

Thanks for the reply's from everyone. I have bought the Super strong pins that can be barley opened like theowegian has gotten, but they still seem to disappear.

I think OVRSZD reply, is a Solution. It makes sense, A limb or corn stalk rubs against the Ring and as the Tractor drives forward it slides between the Ring / Pin , opening or fliping the Ring up, then the next limb or stalk pushes the open pin out. If the Pin is cut just short enough so the Ring can spring around under the Lynch pin, Then there is no chance of anything sliding between the Ring and Pin, opening the Lynch pin, and the ring being sprung past the Lynch pin it is resting against the Lift Pin making it virtually impossible to come off.

I will do that the next time I am at the property.