3-Point Hitch 3pt category

/ 3pt category #1  

OrangeToys

Platinum Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2011
Messages
515
Location
SW Missouri
Tractor
2016 Kubota M7060HDC
How do you determine what category hitch you have?
 
/ 3pt category #2  
Horse power is a good starting point , upto 13 is a 0, 14-somewhere around 38-40 is a 1 ( most tractors),, the big boys have cat 2

Also pin size,,,, 5/8 is a 0,,,, 3/4 is cat 1,,,, 1" (I think ) is a 2

There's also a limited cat 1 which is what your SCUT (some ) have,,because the distance between the wheels is less, and the tractor is lighter so it can't run all the cat 1 implements
 
/ 3pt category #4  
Horse power is a good starting point , upto 13 is a 0, 14-somewhere around 38-40 is a 1 ( most tractors),, the big boys have cat 2

Also pin size,,,, 5/8 is a 0,,,, 3/4 is cat 1,,,, 1" (I think ) is a 2

There's also a limited cat 1 which is what your SCUT (some ) have,,because the distance between the wheels is less, and the tractor is lighter so it can't run all the cat 1 implements

Use LD1's link...

HP has nothing to do with hitch category.
 
/ 3pt category #5  
Use LD1's link...

HP has nothing to do with hitch category.

Roy
I beg to differ. Yes a 50 HP tractor can have Cat l but I've never seen a 100 HP that wasn't Cat ll 3pt nor have I seen a 20 HP tractor Cat lll and really don't remember seeing in Cat ll. Usually larger Cat 3 pt hitch equates to higher HP tractor.
 
/ 3pt category #6  
Roy
Usually larger Cat 3 pt hitch equates to higher HP tractor.

Yeah...usually...but the 3PH category is dependent upon the sizes LD1 links to, not the HP of the tractor.
So, if you want a definitive answer, or buying an implement, you need to go by the pin sizes.
 
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/ 3pt category #7  
Horse power is a good starting point , upto 13 is a 0, 14-somewhere around 38-40 is a 1 ( most tractors),, the big boys have cat 2

HP is never a good starting point. Infact, with todays tractors, HP isnt even a good indication of tractor size/weight. There are some pretty small tractors with a LOT of HP. And some pretty large tractors with not so much.

Roy
I beg to differ. Yes a 50 HP tractor can have Cat l but I've never seen a 100 HP that wasn't Cat ll 3pt nor have I seen a 20 HP tractor Cat lll and really don't remember seeing in Cat ll. Usually larger Cat 3 pt hitch equates to higher HP tractor.

HP really does have nothing to do with hitch category. It is just a fact that larger HP tractors, and larger tractors in general, have a larger hitch. It makes sense. But HP and hitch size arent related in any way.

How hard is it to just measure the stinking pins????

Yeah...usually...but the 3PH category is dependent upon the sizes LD1 links to, not the HP of the tractor.
So, if you want a definitive answer, or buying an implement, you need to go by the pin sizes.
:thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
/ 3pt category #8  
Pin size, because that's what connects stuff together.
 
/ 3pt category #9  
There is some connection to HP and the categories. Understanding that some manufacturers are somewhat flexibe in the tractor HP at which one category hitch ends and the next begins.

Category Tractor HP Top Link Pin Diameter Lift Arm Pin Diameter
0 Up to 20 5/8 in 5/8 in
1 20 to 45-55 3/4 in 7/8 in
2 45-55 to 90-95 1 in 1⅛ in
3 90-95 and up 1シ in 1 7/16 in

For it is worth, always measure and you will always be correct.
 
/ 3pt category #10  
When asked by a customer about this I've always used the width at the point where the lower arms attach to the tractor. Much easier for the uninformed or inexperienced tractor owner that has just purchased an older used tractor to detemine the correct size equipment. Easier for them to use a tape measure with the amount of difference in the two sizes, than to determine the pin size.
 
/ 3pt category #11  
LD1;2628287HP really does have nothing to do with hitch category. It is just a fact that larger HP tractors said:
On pin size so are your stating "IF" Cat ll pins have been interchanged for Cat l on a piece of equip.then it automatically makes the hitch Cat l although the width between the pins is still 32"??????? If so I disagree.

I stand by my statement that larger HP tractors "NORMALLY" have larger 3 pt hitch catagories although I agree pin/center link hole sizes and attachment point widths are the 3pt hitch size determining factors.
 
/ 3pt category #12  
On pin size so are your stating "IF" Cat ll pins have been interchanged for Cat l on a piece of equip.then it automatically makes the hitch Cat l although the width between the pins is still 32"??????? If so I disagree.

I stand by my statement that larger HP tractors "NORMALLY" have larger 3 pt hitch catagories although I agree pin/center link hole sizes and attachment point widths are the 3pt hitch size determining factors.

No. By measuring the pins, I mean just that. MEASURE the pins. There is more to it than just diameter. As you pointed out (and my link also mentinons) pin spacing. Wouldnt measuring pin spacing be covered under when I said "measure the pins"?

And yes, larger tractors do have larger hitches. No one is disagreeing with that. But it is not a definate way to know for sure wether it is a cat I, II, or III.

I have seen 40HP tractors wear a cat II hitch. I have also seen 50+ HP tractors still with a cat I hitch.

Heck, for that matter (especially with older tractors that model #'s meant nothing on), it is sometimes easier to just measure the pins as opposed to trying to figure out what the HP is?

And is that engine HP, Drawbar HP, PTO HP?????? Boy I am so confused:confused2::D
 
/ 3pt category #13  
I have also seen 50+ HP tractors still with a cat I hitch.

Would you please share with me the make & model # of a 50 + HP tractor that came from the factory with a Cat l 3pt hitch???? I can't think of one. Thank you,Jim
 
/ 3pt category #14  
Easy

Ford 801 series......62 HP engine
TractorData.com Ford Powermaster 861 tractor information

John deere 4720.......58HP engine
TractorData.com John Deere 4720 tractor information

Just two examples. One new, one old.

I am sure I could find more if I wanted.

And then there are some around the 50HP mark that have cat II pin size and spacing for the lowers, but still a cat 1 diameter (3/4") TL pin:confused2:

But all of this is pointless.

Simple fact is that HP is not an accurate way to determine hitch size. Just measure the darn things. The info is out there and everywhere. And it isnt even that hard to remember.
 
/ 3pt category #19  
/ 3pt category #20  
 
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