Drawbar for moving trailers around property?

[ohmyback]

Hello Guys,
I am wanting to move some trailers around my property. Is it okay to just mount a ball on a draw bar? I noticed on researching that most have a receiver welded or bolted on and use the top link also. What are the advantages? Largest trailer is 12' single axle, mainly moving around or maybe hauling something around yard.
Thanks

 

[Eric_Phillips]

I move trailers around with the draw bar. The down side of using the draw bar is the 3pt does not restrict upward movement. If you get negative tongue weight the hitch can rise. You can chain the 3pt down if you think it will be a problem.

 

[bcp]

It depends on what the definition of "drawbar" is.

The one that fits to the hitch arms and has a row of holes will rotate if you simply mount a hitch ball. A rotation stopper is needed.

Bruce

 

[CobyRupert]

I assume you're asking about mounting a ball on a "cross drawbar" that mounts on the 3 point hitch arms and not just adding a ball to a "swinging drawbar" that mounts to the underside of the tractor ?

Like others have noted, most 3 point hitches have no down force, so a trailer tongue can push up the 3pth with unintended consequences, especially when traveling downhill or stopping.

The problem with just mounting a ball to a cross drawbar mounted to the lower lift arms is that the bar will rotate and allow the trailer hitch to pop off the ball. Thus you'll need a stabilizer bar, or some such, that ties the cross drawbar into the top link of the 3pth so it can't rotate .
I've used this:
FUNKWORKZ Tractor Drawbar Stabilizer "The Original!"

 

[prichard]

I was considering using just the drawbar and realized the mentioned rotation issues. The another issue pooped up I realized the holes on the drawbar are too small for a ball. So unless I wanted to drill out the bar (and have little metal left) or find a special ball with a reduced shank I was out of luck there as well. Stopped by the tractor dealer and he had a "trailer mover" point attachment for $100 - done.

 

[aczlan]

I was considering using just the drawbar and realized the mentioned rotation issues. The another issue pooped up I realized the holes on the drawbar are too small for a ball. So unless I wanted to drill out the bar (and have little metal left) or find a special ball with a reduced shank I was out of luck there as well. Stopped by the tractor dealer and he had a "trailer mover" point attachment for $100 - done.

Actually, most of the drawbars have 3/4" holes. 3/4" is a common shank size for balls up to 6000# (or thereabouts).

Aaron Z

 

[prichard]

The drawbar I had in my hand and the ball I had in my hand at TSC would not fit. I didn't measure either. This was Cat 1.

 

[davkir]

It's not too hard to make an attachment for existing implements.

 

[lennyzx11]

I use this one all the time.

 

[brasco426]

View attachment 466306
I use this one all the time.

I like that Lenny good idea

 

[lennyzx11]

I like that Lenny good idea

Here's where I got it. It is from Titan.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UUGOYAQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_3T-hxbYR257C6

 

[lennyzx11]

Here's where I got it. It is from Titan.

https://www.amazon.com/dpB00UUGOYAQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_3T-hxbYR257C6[/url]

Repost with the link

 

[ohmyback]

Thanks guys. I did not even think about the rotation problem. Both pictures are great. I do not have a box blade so the funkworkz will work for now.

 

[Fordman1981]

Here's what I use. Never had a problem with a trailer lifting as the tongue weight would have to be negative 900+ lbs.Iif I felt that could be any issue with the trailer I would be moving I'd chain the links to the draw bar.

 

[TnAndy]

I tried one, and the rotation was a pain. So I welded up a copy of a hitch adapter from TSC out of some scrap 3" tubing along with a purchased 2" receiver hitch deal. Not only does it allow moving trailers, but I've made several 2" bar things to use in the hitch....a potato hiller, and a field fence 'un-roller'.

 

[Eric_Phillips]

This is what I use to stop rotation when pulling trailers. Hitch balls come in different shank sizes depending on load range. You should easily find something to use with a 12' trailer.

CountyLine Drawbar Lock, Cat 1 - For Life Out Here

 

[ohmyback]

Thank you everyone for all of the suggestions. I ended up buying a Titan setup off Amazon.
Figured I could not buy the material for what they sell for with free shipping. Also I had a gift card so I felt like I got it for free! This is a link if anyone is interested.

Amazon.com: Kubota BX Trailer Hitch compact tractor drawbar 3 point three john deere (TD): Automotive

 

[Xfaxman]

For those that also need to move a gooseneck, consider this style from Omni Mfg., it is very versatile.

 

[fxdb96]

Clamp on... Very versatile.

 

[FTG-05]

Thanks guys. I did not even think about the rotation problem. Both pictures are great. I do not have a box blade so the funkworkz will work for now.

Why not just bolt or weld one of those receiver hitches to whatever implement you keep on the tractor most of the time? I built one of those 3ph hitch things a while back - never used it. Why should I? I keep my BB on almost all the time (unless bushhogging) and it lifts and hauls trailers all the time.