There has to be an easier way...

[Chuck K.]

I took the rhino 160 mower off my Kubota L3800 and used the box blade to level some of the back yard from installing new field lines last summer. When it came time to put the mower back on my wife thought I was going to have a heat stroke fighting the thing in ~90 degree weather.. I could not "man handle" the mower like I did the b/b to line up the pins on the 3pt hitch.

After some cussing bending a piece of pipe used to move the mower I finally got the blasted thing back on... I have been away from tractors many, many years dont remember how I use to do it, just know it was not this much of a PITA... Any tips/advice on ways to make this task easier?

Thanks, Chuck K.

 

[jbrumberg]

Chuck K:

Welcome to TBN ! Sorry to hear about you attachment hook up challenges. I sometimes have to use a 5' straight pick/pry bar to make the final "adjustments". Parking attachments on pallets, 4X4's, blocks, etc. on level ground helps (Level ground is something I do not have much of ). Some readers have put dolly wheels on pallets and/or have fashioned wheeled attachment carriages. Sometimes if you can get one lower pin (higher) and the top link connected you can adjust the lower lift arm height and swing the attachment over to the unconnected pin. Having said all this; I love my telescoping lower lift arms ! Jay

 

[shane]

Level ground and telescoping links will get 'er done in a heartbeat.

 

[kwolfe]

Try getting a quick hitch. Harbor Frieght makes them for $70.

 

[Ford850]

Drop the lower links past the pins until the higher of the 2 links is the same hight as the pins. Back up to align it to the pin and hook up that side. now eithe drive forward or reverse slightly to get the second link close to the other pin, and raise the lift until it is at the same level as the pin. Slide that link on the pin.
You can move the tractor forward and reverse 1/2" while raising and lowering the lift, while pushing the links on the pins. That helps you find the sweet spot when the link balls align perfectly and slide right on. Once you learn how to wiggle your tractor using slight movements you can hook up with no sweat.

 

[silverdollar6]

I had the same problem, all I did was place an old tire on a pallet and set the mower on that and unhook it. with the mower resting on the tire it is easy to turn it to hook it up.

 

[yzbdsbp]

Quick hitches like pats or anything compareable are the greatest thing ever.........Please dont fight this stuff.....its now to easy with all the gadgets out there.

 

[bjr]

I'm 56 yrs young and over weight and aouta shape. I can't afford the fancy auto hook up things. What I do is drop the arms down a little past the pin and then just pick them up a little to slip over pins. I also have is 6' long maybe 1" diameter steel round tempered bar for alingnment. I just bar the implement around which ever way needed. Sometimes it takes a little longer to get lined up. Don't know what all the fuss is about. bjr

 

[schmism]

you think a 3pt is a PITA to hook up.....

try lineing up (4) 3/4" pins on my 72" MMM ... the part i hate the worst is the PTO hookup as its dead center under the tractor with very little room under there to work and i always feel like something is going to move and squish me

 

[heymack]

Chuck, all I know is some days are better than others and level ground is probably the single most desirable component in the overall equation.