How to use an old (50s) Ferguson 3-point crane on modern tractor?

[Freep]

Greetings, TBN,

I have come into possession of an old Ferguson 3-point crane (C-UO-21) like the one in the picture on this website. I would love to get this to work, as it seems preferably to me in several ways (storage space not the least of which, given the telescoping arm) to the boom poles currently available. Also, I already have it.

But the geometry is all wrong! It seems built for a taller tractor, as the lowest part of the crane where the hinge attaches would be below ground level on my Kioti CK3510. The connection at the top link it also very different on my modern tractor, which is intended to use a top link and not attach directly to the tractor as it appears was originally the case. There are a number of ways to hook it up, but I can't figure out any way to make it work with my current tires, the stock top link, or a chain used in lieu of top link. But then I'm fairly new to 3-point hitches and to tractors in general. I have seen some ingenious (to me) approaches/modifications suggested here on TBN to adapt older gear to newer tractors, so I submit this problem in hopes you can help me address it.

Many thanks for considering!

 

[jaxs]

The tractor in that picture has a regular Cat-1 three point. Your Kioti probably just doesn't have enough ground clearance.

 

[ericm979]

Also a boom like this replaces the top link, it doesn't connect to it. It's hooked up like a post hole digger.

 

[Freep]

OK - so maybe if I can find a way to hook up with a very, very short top link and keep it off the ground it will work...

I tried to connect it directly without the top link, but the back of my Kioti is a lot 'busier' than the one in the picture. My gas tank is right above it, and there was disconcertingly little clearance. I had a scare with an old disc harrow, the handles of which marred but did not puncture my gas tank, so I am cautious in that area now.

 

[ericm979]

I don't think that would be safe with a top link since it has that hinge where the lower links connect to it. You'd have four pivot points- either end of the top link, the ends of the lower link and the hinge. The top link would not fix the clearance problem. I can't believe they'd design it so that you can't safely use a post hole digger, which also replaces the top link with a boom.

I think it'd be better to sell it to someone who has a Ferguson and buy a regular boom that works with modern tractors's 3pt.

 

[Xfaxman]

How about make a toplink extender to give more clearance:

Possibly raise the hole up higher to raise the crane higher from the ground.

 

[Freep]

That is an inspired idea, Xfaxman. I keep happening on situations in which it would be super helpful to be able to weld.

And Eric, I was thinking the same thing: That extra pivot point is a problem. I've been toying with the idea of a quick hitch, and now that I think of it that might be helpful in this case. I'll see if I can find one that will fit the crane with the hinge removed.

 

[Xfaxman]

A quick hitch won't work. For a 3-point crane or boom pole to work it has to have a pivot. Most are at the top where the lift arm linkage lifts the one piece top pole:

Sell it, it is probably worth more to a Ferguson collector than what a new boom pole that would work on your tractor costs.

 

[ericm979]

Here's a boom from TSC that's made to attach to the top link:

CountyLine Boom Pole at Tractor Supply Co.

 

[Xfaxman]

Yep, you are right most boom poles do use a top link:

I was thinking of the subject of this thread, the Ferguson higher lift style:

And the high lift, no toplink style