Preferred method to pull trailer behind tractor?

[Too many Kubotas]

If you look at the height of your lift arm pivot points, then when towing if the ends of the 3 pt are higher when stopping or going down hill it will be an issue.
To those who haven't had an issue good to hear hope you stay that lucky.

I understand the simple geometry involved, but so far there hasn't been any issues.

I suppose that if going downhill and the trailer somehow loses its tongue weight it could be a problem, but even then the 3-point can only go up so far.

Guess I have been lucky. God supposedly protects drunks and idiots, so I'm double safe.

 

[Runner]

I have a fairly heavy-duty 5'x8' utility trailer that I am sure I am going to want to pull behind my tractor from time to time. Have used it a lot for hauling cut/split firewood behind the truck.

What's your preferred method? Favorite 3pt hitch receiver? Something I am probably not even thinking about?

If I'm pulling (or pushing) a trailer with my tractor it will either be with my three-point hitch on the front or the back, or with the trailer hitched on the receiver on my carryall.

 

[Hunter8282]

That's a nice carryall @Runner !

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

In my opinion those things are just an accident waiting to happen, but lots get sold.

Growing up we used the drawbar on a '49 Farmall tractor and homemade trailer. Never a problem. I can't figure out how this would be dangerous. After all, the 5x8 single axle trailer or the homemade one I still have I doubt if either is meant to have over 200-300# tongue weight and this way it could be dumped.
I have an old Economy tractor I've used the trailer with, same set up. Never a problem.
Maybe there's a reason so many are sold?

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

I don't understand those things. Used with a typical coupler they must be very hard on the coupler.

Or is there an easy way too keep that bar from rotating?

If I was worried about it rotating I'd use a flat bar steel. 3"×5"×1/2" thick. Two holes, one for ball & other bolted on. It couldn't rotate...it would just allow end arm pins to rotate a bit when lifting.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

If you look at the height of your lift arm pivot points, then when towing if the ends of the 3 pt are higher when stopping or going down hill it will be an issue.
To those who haven't had an issue good to hear hope you stay that lucky.

When I use a tractor, skid steer or excavator...same with chainsaw or anything...I want it to be an ADVENTURE!

 

[Runner]

I don't understand those things. Used with a typical coupler they must be very hard on the coupler.

Or is there an easy way too keep that bar from rotating?

This keeps the bar from rotating for me:

They also sell a product that fits on the bar that extends under one of the draft links to prevent rotation.

The chain you seen wrapped around the hitch can be attached to drawbar with the shackle when I have the hitch on the three-point. The top of the chain fits in a slot cut into the cross member between the two vertical angles. I've never had the draft arms try to lift when pulling a trailer on the back, but it's there, just in case.

 

[CH4Ohio]

I only use the receiver. Switch the open hole for a hitch ball as needed. Not for towing at speed or down the road. But great for wagons and trailers around the place. Be sure you have positive tongue weight and keep it low when needed and use common sense.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I only use mine for moving empty trailers in or out of my barn, other than my water wagon ...

There is plenty of tongue weight

The ballast box is 707 Lbs ...

 

[Too many Kubotas]

There is plenty of tongue weight

View attachment 5710196

Yeah, I noticed the WD hitch. Never seen one used with a 3-point before.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Yeah, I noticed the WD hitch. Never seen one used with a 3-point before.

I DO have a weight distribution hitch, but it's not in use in any of the pictures, it just laying on the deck ...

 

[Too many Kubotas]

I can't believe how much you're putting that poor little thing through, and apparently it just keeps ticking. I'm impressed.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Okay, I think I know what those bars are for. My dinky dump trailer came with a "fork" meant for a vertical pin.

If so, that the bar can rotate is a big plus since it allows the connection to pivot in two planes instead of just one.

I have a trailer with a hitch like that. The clevis on the trailer can rotate to handle a heavy roll. I made a draw bar adapter that allowed vertical and horizontal pivot as well as the roll.

gg

 

[CH4Ohio]

I can't believe how much you're putting that poor little thing through, and apparently it just keeps ticking. I'm impressed.

I thought Shawn had plenty of tongue weight with just the Quick Hitch and the trailer-mover attachment.

 

[paulsharvey]

I have a fairly heavy-duty 5'x8' utility trailer that I am sure I am going to want to pull behind my tractor from time to time. Have used it a lot for hauling cut/split firewood behind the truck.

What's your preferred method? Favorite 3pt hitch receiver? Something I am probably not even thinking about?

I just welded a 2" hitch ball and receiver to the center top back of my box blade. My trailer is 2-5/16" but the tongue weight keeps it on. No need to jack it up, no need to even get off the tractor, to pick up, or drop the trailer. But, im largely just using it to Position trailers, not haul stuff with them.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I thought Shawn had plenty of tongue weight with just the Quick Hitch and the trailer-mover attachment.

The quick hitch weighs 69 Lbs, the trailer mover weighs 49 Lb ... But the trailer naturally has plenty of tongue weight as the axles are farther back from the center point of the bed ... And the only "load" it has on it is the distribution hitch laying on it, plus my keys for the lock!

--------------------------------------

As Paul mentions ... Its handy to have hydraulic hitch adjustment ... Which you don't have with the draw bar ... But the draw bar is in my opinion the best for heavy duty hauling, if you don't secure the 3pt from rising to far ...

 

[rScotty]

I use a drawbar for towing.