Snow plow to QH attachment

[lhfarm]

Just picked up an old 7'6" plow and A frame. I have a HF 3 pt QA welded to a loader QA plate that I used to mount a smaller plow. The pin "ears" on the new plow are wider (like 24" vs 18") and I need to redo my method of attaching the plow to the QA plate. My original plan had been to use a single plate for moving 3 point equipment around (the quick hitch part) and also use it with my snow plow.

I just pulled the tractor up to the plow to get an idea of fit. I was going to cut or move the old ears on the plate. As you can see in the first picture there is already a hole in the HA QA frame (7/8" I think). I can run a hitch pin (5/8" ears so I'll need a bushing) through that and through the ear on the plow (second picture).

The question is will the 5/8" pin need plate on the inside (in line with the existing HF holes)? Is there a high probability that I'll bend the pin without the extra support?

Thanks,

 

[dex3361]

Why are you not using the Quick hitch with the spring closures? It seems that it would be easier. Maybe a few more pics would help explain. Looks like you could put pins through the plow bracket and just use the QH.

 

[lhfarm]

Why are you not using the Quick hitch with the spring closures? It seems that it would be easier. Maybe a few more pics would help explain. Looks like you could put pins through the plow bracket and just use the QH.

My first thought was to run a rod through the plow brackets and let it ride in the QH spring closures. I was afraid of too much play. I didn't consider what you are suggesting. Which seems like a pretty obvious solution now. I think I can put a Cat 0 lower link pin on the plow, with a Cat 0 to Cat 1 bushing.

I'll see what I can find that might work on my next trip to the farm store. Only issue might be how much side-to-side play I end up with. I'll buy some parts and post some pictures.

Thanks!

 

[radman1]

Here is a pic of what I did.

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p388/radman1photos/DSCN1852.jpg
http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p388/radman1photos/DSCN1851.jpg

I bolted a drawbar from TSC onto the $75 snow blade I bought from an auction. I already had the HF quick hitch and SS to 3pt adapter. Been using it for several years. I use the SS to 3 pt adapter for other uses after winter.

If I did not have the 3 pt adapter, I would have used a SS quick attach plate welded to the HF quick hitch, like you did.

 

[lhfarm]

Here is a pic of what I did.

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p388/radman1photos/DSCN1852.jpg
http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p388/radman1photos/DSCN1851.jpg

I bolted a drawbar from TSC onto the $75 snow blade I bought from an auction. I already had the HF quick hitch and SS to 3pt adapter. Been using it for several years. I use the SS to 3 pt adapter for other uses after winter.

If I did not have the 3 pt adapter, I would have used a SS quick attach plate welded to the HF quick hitch, like you did.

Great idea! I really like the way it also moves the plow back toward the tractor. I can't really tell if you cut off the frame or if it is just not visible under plate. Thanks for post the pictures. I'm going to go out went it gets light and see how I can do this.

Could you post more details of how you bolted the drawbar to the plow? Was the bar underneath the drawbar already on the plow or did you add it?

 

[lhfarm]

OK, I tried the easy part first. Went to Rural King, the only farm store in the area. They didn't have any Cat 0 to Cat1 bushings. The shelves were a mess and it is hard to find anything. But I did find two Cat 0 links and put those on.

It was a snap and they are snug side-to-side, but did want to ride up. The bushings might help. Anyone think this is going to be a problem?

I still like the idea of moving it back under the lift or make a sub-frame. But this was sure simple and might be the way to go this year. Next up is clean the cylinders to see if they work.

 

[lhfarm]

Had our first big snow today and got to try the plow. The pins in the QH didn't work. Under load, plowing uphill, the blade must have pushed to far to one side. The blade came out of the QH. So I'm going to take another look at radman1's setup.

My other choice might be to find some large washers to prevent side-movement. Or I can go back to the original concept of a rod through the QH.

Any more ideas or suggestions greatly appreciated. Need to get this fixed. Otherwise the plow worked great.

 

[tommaple]

I believe you're going to have trouble down the road with the amount of play between the Cat.0 pin and your quick hitch.

A solid rod of the proper size for the quick hitch and welded to the A-frame would be more stable.

You could even cut off the back end of the A-frame (just preserve the brackets that hold the angling cylinders) to get the snowplow closer to the tractor.

 

[lhfarm]

I welded some Cat 1 bushings on the Cat 0 links. They fit better, but it didn't do anything for the side movement. So I think you are correct. I need longer links or another method of attaching the blade.

Thanks,

 

[NOTV8]

Or you could try using Cat 1 lower link pin with Cat 3 QH bushing. That's what I did with my implements and HF quick hitch and it is much better. Good luck.