No more 3-pt hitch

[rhett]

Convenience comes at too high a cost when you start installing parts that limit versatility in the bargain. What Id like is link ends that would admit a ball and form a socket around it. Doesnt seem like that would be so hard to do.
larry

hi larry, you are definitely on the right track. but Pat already implemented your idea, kinda, by adapting the 3pt lift arms ball to pin with locking J-hooks. being a TBN sponsor and having an outstanding product I say "Thumbs Up". once the lower pins are locked in, connecting the upper link is a snap using the 3pt lift to align the implement to the upper links length. true not 100% plug-n-play but much easier than manhandling implement to align pins to lift arms ball swivel. the main plus is that most every implement requires NO modification.

the a-frame idea is a good idea but the amount of work needed to get it to work? well, I don't change implements frequently enough on a daily basis to justify converting over to it. a commercial need that required continuous tool changes throughout the day, it would pay for itself, but me, another tool build would best serve here.

 

[nomad]

If there was a demand for A frame style implements wouldn't it be fairly simple to design an A frame conversion that could be left in the 3pt hitch?

Under normal conditions, those quick 3-pt hitches like Pat's should be given (built-on) by tractor manufacturers. But, tractor mfg companies now are too busy to save themselves against the global crisis. If they had no such crisis problem in their minds, they could also have A-frame built-on at the tractor at the factory. In such rural industrial fields, demand is not the driving force, but, an educated thing. Who would reject the tractor if it had A-frame already-installed and if there were many implements with A-frames already installed?
Actually, things to be done are very simple, but, people are too busy with the entertainment things which absorb the big money from the market. You can consider that a father has 2 sons and one of them is working hard in such agri-industry field and the other son is spending money in entertainments. Hard-working son will stop working, developing new things useful for folks after a while if the father supports other son who is spending the budget in entertainments. This is the case in the field. I don't expect more developments from hard working tractor developers anymore. Otherwise, it is very very easy to add A-frame on to the tractors and implements at their origins. Also, it should be done for safety reasons.

 

[Egon]

Nomad; you have sell the complete system to the equipment manufactures so it's on the piece of equipment when a fellow buys it.

The manufactures could offer it as an option on their lines.

 

[mwb]

I like the idea of the A frame but I would not buy one because it would be to difficult to modify all my attachments, then you are not able to loan them out.

The best solution IMO is every tractor should come with telescopic ends. If tractors had these then there would be no need for aftermarket work-a-rounds.

Someone should market an add-on telescopic link end; you would have to cut off your existing balls and then weld the flex link in place without changing the geometry of your hitch.

 

[mwb]

Here is another idea, probably to late for this a-frame if thousands have already been sold and a 'new standard' has already been established...

Make the a-frame with hitch pins that meet the ASTM standard. This would allow new tractors (assuming they were sold with the a-frame) to use is it but older machines can use the pins. This would allow the a-frame design to become popular without limiting compatability.

Here is a hacked pic of what I mean.

 

[SPYDERLK]

hi larry, you are definitely on the right track. but Pat already implemented your idea, kinda, by adapting the 3pt lift arms ball to pin with locking J-hooks. being a TBN sponsor and having an outstanding product I say "Thumbs Up". once the lower pins are locked in, connecting the upper link is a snap using the 3pt lift to align the implement to the upper links length. true not 100% plug-n-play but much easier than manhandling implement to align pins to lift arms ball swivel. the main plus is that most every implement requires NO modification.

Agreed Pats is good; however I prefer no QH because they extend the implement further behind giving it more leverage on the tractor - a step closer to the tail wagging the dog. Still, I find uses for both. I prefer the Pats because you retain the ability to match any implement spacing as conveniently as the std setup while, if you lack the extendable/telescoping arms, hookup is easier. That way I dont always have to change implements for my wife on her tractor.
Due to the different geometry of the two setups Pats will lower your lift capability several % while the full frame QH will only change it about 1%. - Pats effectively extends the 3ph; the full frame QH extends the implement. Pats will lift further but will lower the lift force available.
Typically on both setups you lose the articulation normally provided by the outer balls and force all duty to the inner balls where the arms mount to the tractor. This is usually only a problem when you want to tilt the implement sideways.
The Quick A frame setup here does not extend length or thwart articulation, but requires a mod of the implement to use. No thanks.
You dont get something for nothing with any QH. Each have their sacrifices and all are mechanically inferior to the std setup. A std setup with telescoping ends cant be beat when all things are considered.... Ends that formed an effective socket [unlike Pats] around balls that you just install on the pins would sacrifice nothing as far as I can see, while presenting convenience in every hookup.
larry

 

[nomad]

Here is another idea, probably to late for this a-frame if thousands have already been sold and a 'new standard' has already been established...

Make the a-frame with hitch pins that meet the ASTM standard. This would allow new tractors (assuming they were sold with the a-frame) to use is it but older machines can use the pins. This would allow the a-frame design to become popular without limiting compatability.

Here is a hacked pic of what I mean.
View attachment 133399

Nice attempt, Mwb. Actually, you can also weld the Pat's quick hitch to lower section of this A-frame. But, all these unnecessary. Just cut the pins on older implements and weld the gray u-female on this picture to older implements. That's it. This A-frame is sold as set, female and male together. You don't have to think about cat 0, 1, 2, etc and Astm standards. Astm does not help, we help them. If we cancel 3-pt pins, etc., they will have to remove the 3-pt pin stds from their heavy books.

 

[Reg]

For someone changing (non PTO) implements a dozen times a day for 30 minute tasks - FINE if time is critical and/or getting on/off the tractor is a major pain.

For PTO implements, since you have to get off the tractor anyway 3 pins aren't much of a problem.
Hmmm, how about an instant PTO hook-up SA WELL ? (wish dreaming).

For implements that stay on for days, weeks, month - irrelevant.

 

[nomad]

My consideration about 3-pt or a-frame is about safety thing. I have seen many accidents in my life since my childhood (i was a farmer when child.) Attaching side and top links are not so safe as you think. Many small accidents.

Instant PTO hook-up? It is worth to think about it too. I think PTO shaft can be built-on tractor and it can be easily controlled by a small hydraulic system. It can be attached to shaft of implement easily without leaving tractor. Eh, I will develop many things, but, where is the money?