Expandable parts question

[eblanks]

Now that I'm a first time tractor owner, I decided to browse through the local Agri Supply store to see what else I might want for my tractor. I found plenty of items but came away with a question on how to measure parts that can be adjusted for length. There are many potential places this could come into play, but for specifics lets take the top link of a 3 pt hitch. It can be adjusted in and out, so when you go to buy one, and the piece you are looking at says it's a 16" top link, is that measurement for the fully tightened or fully loosened or half way in between? I guess you could also apply this question to PTO shafts. Also for a draw bar, would you measure it for when the lift arms are fully spread apart, or pulled together as close as possible? As always, thanks for everyone's input.

 

[sunspot]

When I was shopping for a Stabilizer, I measured when the lift arms were the correct distance apart and centered on the PTO. Then I shopped for a Stabilizer whose adjustable length fell in the range I needed.

Note to self: Engage brain before typing

 

[Soundguy]

I got to see one of those adjustable drawbars... new one to me...

soundguy

 

[jsborn]

Soundguy

All mine are adjustable they start out straight and I adjust them to C shape. Have you noticed you can't find a good heavy duty Drawbar anymore?

 

[Bird]

I got to see one of those adjustable drawbars... new one to me...

soundguy

Yep, I think he went from an adjustable top link to a non-adjustable drawbar. You just weren't watching when he changed gears.

 

[kthompson]

Now that I'm a first time tractor owner, I decided to browse through the local Agri Supply store to see what else I might want for my tractor. I found plenty of items but came away with a question on how to measure parts that can be adjusted for length. There are many potential places this could come into play, but for specifics lets take the top link of a 3 pt hitch. It can be adjusted in and out, so when you go to buy one, and the piece you are looking at says it's a 16" top link, is that measurement for the fully tightened or fully loosened or half way in between? I guess you could also apply this question to PTO shafts. Also for a draw bar, would you measure it for when the lift arms are fully spread apart, or pulled together as close as possible? As always, thanks for everyone's input.

First off Agri Supply is a fun place and have always found them to stand behind what they sell.

Not sure the proper way they measure the top link but think you may find they know which one fits which tractor and unless you have yours stolen or lost best to take it with you.

Draw bar, normally you buy it based upon the Category of the lift pins and they don't come in all kind of different widths. A Cat 1 is a certain width or length and a Cat 2 another. Cat 2 draw bars do come in two different lengths as some tractors are Cat 1/2 which the best I can say means they use Cat 1 spacing but have Cat 2 lift pins. This is not the measurement with the lift arms all the way in or out.

The note someone mentioned about "C" shape draw bars comes from wrapping a chain around a draw bar and pulling. Buy yourself a large clevis to use for that reason. The draw bars will hold up well pulling with them flat but let them flip vertical and you have a bent one.

On the PTO shaft, great question there. You do need to check those very carefully and don't trust a borrowed piece of equipment with it's own PTO to be safe on yours. Unless you have used it before do not hook the PTO shaft without the implement being level with your tractor's PTO shaft. That is the point a shaft too long with jam and can do damage to the shaft, the implement and your tractor. With the implement level you should be able to push the shaft in enough to connect it. When your implement is as low or high as your lift will place it the sections should over lap so they do not come apart when running. YOU DO NOT WANT A PTO SHAFT TO COME LOOSE ON THE IMPLEMENT END WHEN USING IT. There probably is a spec on how much they should over lap but 3 or so inches seems to be as little as you want. Have confidence I will be corrected if need be (which is good).

 

[sunspot]

I got to see one of those adjustable drawbars... new one to me...

soundguy

You got me on that one. Now to go shopping for a gravity bar.

 

[Soundguy]

Yep, I think he went from an adjustable top link to a non-adjustable drawbar. You just weren't watching when he changed gears.

AH-HAH.. i see an edit 'changed history'..

soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

Soundguy

All mine are adjustable they start out straight and I adjust them to C shape. Have you noticed you can't find a good heavy duty Drawbar anymore?

Uh... I've had no problem. The drawbar on my ford 5000 and Nh 7610s is rated for quie a few thousand pounds... has no problem with my batwing mower.. and it ain't light..?

soundguy