X700 series 3 point

arlen4720 · May 23, 2013

Do any of you guys have a 3 point on your X series tractor? I've had a 3 point on my X748 since it was new 7 years ago. I don't use it much, but I do have a 647 tiller, a disk, and a sprayer. I've always noticed that it seems too wide. The arms have to be pulled all the way in to make it the normal CAT 1 spread. The sway chains don't have near enough adjustment to tighten up. It seems like the arms want to be 4-6 inches wider than standard CAT 1. It just seems odd. The ball ends can barely compensate for the extreme angle of narrowing it up so much. What are your experiences?

MBTRAC · May 23, 2013

I have a used X748 purchased recently & a X495 that I "inherited" in a deal, both with 3PL.

Haven't used it much at all either (mainly because I have other gear that more suited to the tasks) only with a blade & linkage drawbar, but I've found a similar "slack" in the linkage compared with the standard CAT1 fitted to my other CUT's - the JD's have a considerable difference in the lower arm angle/set up, as I recall the JD X's have a Cat1 limited linkage (whatever that means).......

KennedyDiesel · May 23, 2013

Back when I bought my 455 the Cat ) is all that was available. I can't see using any serious implements with my GT's so I plan to go Cat 0 with the new one as well. It's just a better match to the machine. Less obstruction in the rear. Too bad there's not more Cat 0 implement out there or at least 0/1 like my 450 tiller.

jenkinsph · May 24, 2013

I have the cat 1 hitch and IMatch on my x749 and will try to get you a picture in the morning. It has worked well for me so far and with the IMatch pinned on it doesn't move much sideways. It dowsn't replace the larger tractors but it is useful in tight quarters work.

arlen4720 · May 24, 2013

jenkinsph said:
I have the cat 1 hitch and IMatch on my x749 and will try to get you a picture in the morning. It has worked well for me so far and with the IMatch pinned on it doesn't move much sideways. It dowsn't replace the larger tractors but it is useful in tight quarters work.

Pictures would be great. It seems like my arms are too wide. They do move in enough to get the CAT 1 dimension, but barely. It almost seems like they are the wrong arms. I might go the iMatch route.
Steve, don't you have a 647 tiller also? Does that work with your iMatch/x749? The reason I ask, is 7 years ago, I wanted an iMatch when I bought my 647. The dealer fiddled with different driveshaft lengths for a day or so, then told me it wouldn't work, and scratched the iMatch. I never gave any thought since.
I never could figure out why, because the 4 inches the iMatch adds, I would have thought would actually help the short hitch to PTO dimension on the x700's.

jenkinsph · May 24, 2013

arlen,
I have a Howard HR4 60" tiller I use with the 749, the 647 will work with or without the IMatch though. I would prefer to have the 647 but had the Howard with no use just sitting around. I have a 673 for the 4520 and would recommend getting the larger 681 if you buy one as these tractors will handle both easily.

Heres some pics of the rear hitch let me know if you need something more specific. Just finished putting in a new lawn for a customer yesterday so time to clean everything up.

rubadub · May 29, 2013

Here's some pictures of my x728 with a 647 tiller if it will help. The tractor is a year 2010. Putting on and taking off the 647 is really easy and fast. It is a Cat 1 X700 series hitch BM22286

Click on this Snow plow hookup

Rob

rubadub · May 29, 2013

I have a couple of pictures of the back bracket that holds six suitcase weights when I'm running the front snow blower in this series of pictures. Click on this DEC 2011

Rob

rboss75 · May 29, 2013

Hey Rob. I have an X728 with the three point hitch and yes I have to spread the lift arms almost all the way to hook up a Cat 1 implement. I don't even use those sway chains. There is no need. I generally get one side in at an angle and then push it as far as I can to hook up the other side.

I use a Lesco 3 ft aerator that has a three point hook up as well as a tow bar ( if you don't have a three point) I also had a York style rake and back blade custom made by a company call "Iron Man Fabrication". They were great and they would make the head piece any size I wanted. So I had them made slightly smaller then the standard Cat 1. I only payed $800.00 for both.

I am not in favor of using a quick hitch with this size tractor. I think it extends the weight too far even though it is only about 4 " or so. All my other larger tractors have quick hitches and I love them.

Anyhow, the three point implements I have work great and are perfect for small jobs and very hard to get to places.

I have been thinking of getting the 540 PTO installed but not sure it is worth it. I really don't need it but want it.

arlen4720 · May 29, 2013

rubadub said:
Here's some pictures of my x728 with a 647 tiller if it will help. The tractor is a year 2010. Putting on and taking off the 647 is really easy and fast. It is a Cat 1 X700 series hitch BM22286

Click on this Snow plow hookup

Rob

Thanks for those pictures, Yours has the same geometry as mine...Looks like it wants to be wider judging by the the angles of the ball ends, and the sway chains look quite loose. I took a couple links out of mine.