Any Tricks to Make 3 Pt Attachment Easier?

[MarkF48]

I have a grader blade I mount to the back of my Mahindra CUT for plowing snow in the winter. I don't usually leave it mounted except when anticipating snow. Usually when getting it mounted I can get one of the lower arms on easily and pinned, but usually have a problem getting the remaining lower arm aligned to push it on. I have a jack stand supporting the arm of the blade while I'm doing this, but the edge of the blade on the ground makes it difficult to jockey around it allow an easy mount.

 

[SSdoxie]

Set the blade on 2 peices of 4X4, 1 at each balde end. That will make it easier to slide. Also after the first 3pt pin is in place, pull the blade angle pin so you can swing the front frame without moving the blade. Either of this or combination of both, made my hook ups easier before I had telescoping 3pt and Qucik Hitch.

 

[kneedeep]

Get you some!!

 

[Gordon Gould]

In addition to the good advise already given keep a 5' bar or pipe handy to use as a lever to move stuff around. I keep a 5' bar in my FEL torque tube. Hook up to the lowest pin first then raise the 3ph for the second pin. If the impliment is stable ( ie wont tip over ) and nothing will bend ( like a spindley leg ) you can move the tractor forward or back a little with just one pin hooked to line up the second pin.
After a while it will be easy ( most of the time )

 

[JoeL4330]

a come-along or ratcheting tie-down strap makes controlled movement much easier

 

[kco]

Although obvious, I sometimes forget about adjusting the right 3 point vertical arm. I put the fixed left side on first and often find a slight verticle adjustment to the right side helps a lot. It also helps in removing the implement.

 

[Reg]

However it is set, insert the side with the lowest pin first, then you can lift that side to the same height as the other one.
Telescoping lift arm ends help a LOT !
I sometimes dump the bucket so that the bottom is just about vertical, then give it enough down pressure to just lift the front wheels.
A bit of judicious curl/dump lines things up quite easily, best to hook up the left side first if you plan on doing this trick.
I must tell you not to do this, since you COULD run yourself over with the rear right tire.
In any case this involves leaving the tractor seat and leaving the engine running with the brakes not set, so it is at least a triple safety violation.
It may involve defeating a safety feature too, e.g. if you have a homeowner type of CPSC tractorette with a cut out switch in/under the seat.
Yeah, do NOT do this.

I have often thought about putting down markers when I unhook attachments.
Say a couple of short lengths of 2 by lumber with a couple of lengths of re-bar through them to act as spikes.
Place one behind the right rear tire as soon as you dismount to unhook, put the other one beside the same tire.
Drive the re-bar into the ground so they don't move too easily, for example if the dog decides to fetch them to you.

 

[chim]

There have been days I changed implements 4 or more times while scrambling to get something done. The last time I tackled a project that took various attachments I had both tractors at the house so it helped. One day I went from a RFM to a small disc to a levelling drag and back to the RFM on the Kubota. Same day I removed the RFM and put the York rake on the Ford. I really should get something like "kneedeep" has pictured but I manage pretty well with a digging iron as a persuader.

 

[94BULLITT]

Get a quick hitch. If your blade is a older blade it may have to modified to work with a QH. You may wan to have a park stand added to the blade.

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

Like said. I keep my implements up on 4x4 or something like that depending on the implement.
I usually try to hook up the left arm first. Then from the right side of the tractor I can hand push the hydro peddles to creep the tractor forward or back to line up the right arm. I kind of know how long the top link should be adjusted to so I pre set that then raise or lower the implement to hook up the top link.

I'm sure quick hitches are a handy tool for a lot of things. But I don't want to have one more implement to keep working. And the trouble to adapt all my implements to the quick hitch.

Good luck