3ph

[rbargeron]

I saw a clever rig for 3ph implements - the implements each hang from the rafters of a pole barn-shed, using 3 chains each. You back the implement in under the roof, with the implement raised a few inches off the ground, hook up the chains and lower the 3ph, taking the load off. Then you can easily unhook the arms and top link. Reconnecting is a breeze because the implement can be positioned by hand to find the tractor, even if it isn't exactly where it was before.

 

[Haldawson]

Good suggestions. Thanks.

 

[Bill_in_MI]

If I used that set up it would only be a matter of time before I drove off with the barn in tow!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Now that sounds like a slick idea!

Have you seen some of the sheds/roofs where some of the farmers store the equipment??? Without anything dangling from the rafters... some look ready to fall down and kill ya.../w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

But... Sometimes, somethings are just plain overkill... We come up with these contraptions to make things easier and in the process, actually make life more difficult.../w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

 

[rbargeron]

Come to think of it, I'd pull the shed down, too. I knew there was some reason I hadn't pursued the idea - just couldn't remember what it was.....

 

[DVerbarg]

Before I had my TC40D (which has extendible links which are much easier to move than a 500# implement) we always did implement changes with two people. One person on the tractor and the other behind the tractor doing the hookup. Now I know that there are safety factors involved and we tried to consider that. For instance when hooking up a rotary mower the second person would be on the mower, behind the 3pt pins, in order to avoid a "crush" situation. One 3pt arm would be put on then using the tractor's power could push/pull the attached arm to swivel the implement around. With a little action on the clutch the arms would slide right on.

Of course if there is not another person to help then I would probably get extendible links or one of the quick attach systems - makes life so much easier and fun /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif!


DaveV

 

[glennmac]

Pry bars, sledge hammers, overhead blocks and tackle, two people, contortions, swear words, injury. You are all in denial. The answer is spelled: F-r-e-e-d-o-m H-i-t-c-h.

 

[jyoutz]

My back don't like using pry bars that are too small. If the bar isn't big enough to do the job, then my back will make me pay for it.

 

[hayden]

A few tons of implements hanging from the rafters over my head woudl scare the %*#& out of me.

 

[hayden]

I've actually got changing implements down to about 2 minutes, and I can rig my backhoe in no more than 5. There are two reasons.

A while back I wrote about how the 2910 telescoping arms were not 100% goodness. I still believe that, but I'd revise it to say they are 90% goodness, much more than originally thought. THe ability to stretch the arms lets you hook up to pins that are within about 3 inches of being in the correct position. This makes a big difference. The other big help are the stabilizers with pins to hold them in a given position. This way you can pin them in a wide open position so they don't get hung up in the implement as you back into place. Now of course this will only torture you if you don't have a 2910 or other tractor with this type of hitch.

But the real win for attaching implements is the dolly. The only requirement is a smooth floor. With the dollies you move the implement into position, not the tractor. You can move it side to side, front to back, whatever it takes to get pins etc aligned and hook up. I attribute the bulk of my implement change speed to the dollies. If you've got a hard smooth surface, they're great and much cheaper than a FreedomHitch, and make for easy, compact storage of implements. Since going to dollies, I have yet to use the crowbar. Come to think of it, I wonder where I last left it ....

If you don't have a more advance hitch or hard floor, Freedom Hitchs are an alternative. Glennmac likes his.

As a last resort, remember Darth Vader - "I'm certain I can find new ways to motivate them" - like 6 foot pry bars.