Buying Advice What is the smallest machine with a front category-1 3-point hitch and PTO

cdaigle430 · Aug 27, 2020

Front 3PH is only good for light attachments, anything heavy would make for difficult steering. Any ground engagement equipment would make steering non existent. Its available in the US but for special applications.

The cost for these tractors I dont believe is with in a residential consumer (estate tractor) price range anyway....even in Europe. Of course with money you can have pretty much anything you want.

I have no need for a front mount 3PH but my tractor has a mid mount PTO which is good for everything from snowblower, brush roller, mower deck, front mower deck and more. each attachment has its own way of lowering and raising the attachment so-why do I need one of these from hitches?

As for the post author, I can see your tractor had an Optional Mid Mount PTO so I can understand the question. I dont know what attachment your using but most attachments can be added to front with its own method of raising and lowering using the hydraulics from the dismounted loader.

woolyAcres · Aug 28, 2020

cdaigle430 said:
The cost for these tractors I dont believe is with in a residential consumer (estate tractor) price range anyway....even in Europe. Of course with money you can have pretty much anything you want.

I paid $12,000 for mine, purchased used with about 800 hours on it and in nice condition; no leaks, everything working. That felt like a premium price for a machine that lacks a front end loader. But it offers something that none of our other machines do, especially the ones with FELs.

cdaigle430 said:
As for the post author, I can see your tractor had an Optional Mid Mount PTO so I can understand the question. I dont know what attachment your using but most attachments can be added to front with its own method of raising and lowering using the hydraulics from the dismounted loader.

The original poster is looking for something that would work with standard 3PT attachments. Are you saying you can hook up a brush hog intended for 540 PTO and attachment on the 3PT hitch to the front of your tractor?

I realize this type of machine it not for everyone. I've said so elsewhere, I wouldn't recommend it as the only tractor but it's a great machine and I'm delighted to have it.

Mat4644 · Aug 30, 2020

If people wanted it the product would be there. There just isn't much demand. If you didn't have a filtered cab you'd be riding behind a cloud of dust.

LouNY · Aug 30, 2020

I can remember hearing these same comments on the need for a 3 pt hitch on the rear,
don't need that garbage it's just light duty junk, all you need is a drawbar pull.
Also no need for an independent pto all you need is a ground speed, besides which a belt is better.
If you haven't used it don't need it.....

Mat4644 · Aug 30, 2020

Demand for 3 point equipment and tractors drove manufactures to produce. The demand for riding behind dusty implements isn't there.

ptsg · Aug 30, 2020

Mat4644 said:
Demand for 3 point equipment and tractors drove manufactures to produce. The demand for riding behind dusty implements isn't there.

It doesn't get any more dustier than rear mounted mower with the wind blowing all the stuff to your face...

If there isn't demand for front mounted implements, why Kubota, JD and maybe others made their proprietary, over complicated and crazy expensive front hitches and implements? Those things work fine for the first couple hundred hours, then it's a mess with play on most pins, bent stuff, etc.

A good example of a simple 3 pt hitch with PTO:

Mat4644 · Aug 30, 2020

For things like sweepers, snow blowers, blades, some mowers and other front equipment the demand varies and there have been front options for years. There have been front skid steer options for years. For the general non-cab tractor population few want to ride behind a cloud of dust for ground implements.

Put that good example of a front flail mower in dry dusty mowing conditions and see how enjoyable it is to operate. I a!so question the durability of the mowers hitch apparatus and gauge wheels on front vs being towed.