Taking Slop out of Drawbar 5083E

RedNeckRacin · Mar 23, 2014

I am running a NH 499 center pivot haybine and I am looking for some ideas on how to reduce the slop in the factory drawbar. The center pivot machine doesn't stay in the same position behind the tractor and it has me worried that I'm going to snap the drawbar or impart a lot of wear onto it during normal operation of swinging the haybine back and forth. There is approximately 1/4" gap when the bar is pulled to one side or the other. I'm not looking for a permanent fix (i.e. welding it solid). Something that is removable so I can adjust the drawbar for other attachments would be ideal. Any ideas? this is on a 5E tractor with the left offset/center/right offset hitch.

RickB · Mar 23, 2014

If the drawbar is located by removable pins on either side as most are, you could find/make bushings to fit over the pins to take up the slack.

Zebrafive · Mar 23, 2014

RickB said:
If the drawbar is located by removable pins on either side as most are, you could find/make bushings to fit over the pins to take up the slack.

I had the same thought, RickB me beat to it

Tx Jim · Mar 23, 2014

That was my thoughts also EXCEPT no pins on each side.

RickB · Mar 23, 2014

Tx Jim said:
That was my thoughts also EXCEPT no pins on each side.

How about U shaped shims cradling the sides of the drawbar support on either side of the drawbar? Remove drawbar, slip in the shims, replace bar; done.

Tx Jim · Mar 23, 2014

Sounds like a plan to me. Now why didn't an old cogger like me think of that!!!!!!

RickB · Mar 23, 2014

Tx Jim said:
Sounds like a plan to me. Now why didn't an old cogger like me think of that!!!!!!

Not sure you have that many moons on me, Jim. Will celebrate the 27th anniversary of my 30th birthday in a couple months.

RedNeckRacin · Mar 24, 2014

you guys beat me too it about the bolts thats why i have been having a hard time coming up with an idea. The shims sound like a good idea, except would I still have a little bit of slack still? Especially since the other end is still held by a single pin. I'd have to duck tape the shims in to keep them from falling out I'm sure!

RickB · Mar 24, 2014

RedNeckRacin said:
you guys beat me too it about the bolts thats why i have been having a hard time coming up with an idea. The shims sound like a good idea, except would I still have a little bit of slack still? Especially since the other end is still held by a single pin. I'd have to duck tape the shims in to keep them from falling out I'm sure!

You make the shims U-shaped they will stay in by themselves. The 'U' is horizontal and cradles the drawbar support, not the drawbar itself. Anything that won't stay in by itself sure as heck won't stay with duct tape. If you don't think that shims will tighten the drawbar enough, you are overthinking the whole thing. I have too many hours running a drawbar pull hydroswing mower to think otherwise.

RedNeckRacin · Mar 26, 2014

Rick, Thanks for the idea but, Do you have a picture that shows what you are talking about? I wasn't entirely serious about the duct tape but I didn't want to have to beat the shims out to change the drawbar length either.

I think I found a used drawbar extension with the pivot ball connection in the end. Saves me from having to make one anyways!