Easy 3 point implement changing

[bob42]

Kioti's telescoping links makes it easy to aligning the tractor to implements but I found it difficult to hold the spring loaded catch release, slide the movable part, and slide it on the implement pin at the same time. To make the telescoping links slide freely I added lever operated cam to the latch assembly to hold the latch in the released position. This allows one to use both hands for easy alignment of the link to the implement.
Located beside the rear 3 pt lift lever I added a push pull rod with a knob and connected it to the rear remote valve that controls the hydraulic top link. Operating this valve from the rear of the tractor makes it easy to align top link with implement and insert pin.
With these two additions changing implements can be done quickly and easily.

 

[Baby Grand]

Very clever! Those two mods should save you hours of time.

 

[kiotiken]

Pretty clever! I've always wanted a set up to control the 3 pt hitch from the rear of the tractor like what they have on the DK, with hyd. top link, this is just as good. Can you tell us more on how you built the lock system for the link arms?

 

[dourobob]

Great ideas - do you have the detent balls in your hydro lever or did you remove them?

 

[IslandTractor]

Love the toplink control push/pull rod. I may copy that one.

For the heavy spring on the telescopic link, I just smash it with my foot and once the link is out of the lock position it generally is not hard to move it.

 

[Gittyup]

Nice ideas and implementations! I too would like to know more about the cams.

 

[bob42]

First thing I should say is I'm not sure it is a true cam since it doesn't ramp up slowly because there wasn't enough room to do so. I made these over a year ago and we are not near the tractor at the present time so I can't look to refresh my memory.
The lever is made from 3/8 plated rod from Home Depot. The cam made from 3/8 flat bar held to the rod with a counter sunk allen screw. From the picture it looks like I may have also pined them Two allen screws might have been better.
I would be happy to give dimensions to any one when I can get them.

dourobob I did not take the balls out but I wish I had done so while I had the seat off.

 

[dourobob]

dourobob I did not take the balls out but I wish I had done so while I had the seat off.

Thanks - I have been considering removing the detent balls for a while now based on a few other discussions here - now it will be a dual purpose seat removal. Sometimes the best ideas are the simple ones!

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks - I have been considering removing the detent balls for a while now based on a few other discussions here - now it will be a dual purpose seat removal. Sometimes the best ideas are the simple ones!

Don't forget to document your mods with photos!

 

[MotorSeven]

Bob, interesting mod, but how is this beneficial? It literally takes about 30 seconds to hook up both side of an implement with the extendable arms(push down with one hand, slide the bar with the other), so I just don't see a gain. What ever time you gain with your mod is lost by having to disconnect that bar and hook up your top link to the implement. Am I missing something?