3-Point Hitch 3pt hitch sway

[wahlstedtw]

I have a new 3616 (i've been meaning to post pictures but haven't had a chance been to busy racking up hours on the tractor) and long story short I've already broken the stabilizer bars on the 3pt hitch once. Mahindra replaced them for free this time but I'm noticing that it seems like there is alot of sway in the hitch maybe 2-4 inches. It seems like the there would be alot of pressure on them when the brushhog sways to one side(or becomes jammed) or the other. Also no matter how i set them one side always seems to be awfully close to the tires and i'm afraid i will bump something (stump or log) and it will jam over into the tire. I feel like the hitch should keep the implement more stable than this. Is this normal?

 

[Sysop]

I'm not sure if your stabilizers are like mine (they telescope in and out and you insert a pin to hold them in position)... If they are, I've found some implements are best stabilized by extending them rather than shortening them. It depends on the implement on which will limit the side to side travel the most. You also want to ensure both are set the same to allow the same side-travel both directions so you don't end up with parts of the three point unevenly loaded. After getting the implement attached, with the tractor setting level and the implement lifted you can swing it side to side to test and see what positions will limit the side-travel best while keeping it centered.

They are made to take the pressures of keeping the implement close to square behind the tractor, not to withstand impacts. If they are not limiting the side-travel of the implement enough, simply turning fast can create some fairly substantial impacts within the stabilizers. If you hit a log or stump hard enough to jam the links beyond their set ranges into the tire, you're going at the task too hard and need to walk the area you are working to make note of such hazards before beginning because you're risking much worse than simply broken stabilizers.

 

[wahlstedtw]

Thanks Sysop! My stabilizers sound like yours. I centered everything up and while there is some side to side movement everything seems to be much better.

 

[Sysop]

Sounds good. Some side movement is expected and is also required to help keep things from bending or breaking as things shift over uneven terrain. The main goal is to restrict that side movement from damaging the rear tires.

 

[94BULLITT]

Thanks Sysop! My stabilizers sound like yours. I centered everything up and while there is some side to side movement everything seems to be much better.

Be sure the lift arm is all way in against the pin on the implement.