How to use 3PT Hitch

[ccapers]

I'm new to tractors and could use 'instruction' on how to use and finesse a 3PTH. I've seen pictures of what I'd call tilting a box blade or a rear blade. Is there a "how to" anywhere on how to manipulate and get the best use from the 3PTH?? I hope my question makes sense. This is my first tractor and I'm learning each time I get on it. I'm sure most of you take this all for granted but I am a newbie. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Cliff

[3RRL]

Do you have any projects in mind?
Specifically so we can help you set up the implement for what you want to do.
It would be a lot easier than just listing 3pt set up in general, know what I mean?
Rob-

[ccapers]

Sorry for being vague. Yes, I need to work on my road that comes into the place. I didn't know if or how to 'adjust' things to make angles, etc. Also, is it possible to make the 3PH go lower to help the blade to dig in? My reversable blade just barely touches the ground when I have the 3PH all the way down. Can I make it go lower by adjusting things? I've not made any changes to anything 'back there' since I don't know anything about it. Hope that explains my needs a little better. Thanks!

Cliff

[3RRL]

May 19, 2008 16:27:05 GMT -5 ccapers said:

Sorry for being vague. Yes, I need to work on my road that comes into the place. I didn't know if or how to 'adjust' things to make angles, etc. Also, is it possible to make the 3PH go lower to help the blade to dig in? My reversable blade just barely touches the ground when I have the 3PH all the way down. Can I make it go lower by adjusting things? I've not made any changes to anything 'back there' since I don't know anything about it. Hope that explains my needs a little better. Thanks!

Cliff

Cliff,
Attached are a couple photos of the top link and side links on your 3pt.



Once you mount your implement on the 3pt, you can adjust the top link and the side links to get it to sit or angle the way you want. To get the implement to go lower, adjust the 2 side links out (extend them). Or to tilt it side ways, make one shorter or longer than the other. Then adjust you top link so the implement has the correct angle from front to back. Having your blade tilted to the front or back will determine how it cuts. You will have to adjust it to find out how yours (in particular) works best for you. I imagine with a blade like yours, having it kinda parallel or "square" to the ground is the stock (standard) set up. Adding weight to it will also help it cut if that's what you want. Then rotating your blade on it's pivot will let you windrow your drive.(move dirt from one side to the other) A combination of all those things will get you what you want. You'll have to set it up first and make adjustments to it as you try it.
Rob-

[3RRL]

A combination of all those things will get you what you want. You'll have to set it up first and make adjustments to it as you try it.

This is what the hydraulic top and tilt system is perfect for.
You can make all those adjustments "on the fly" while you are dragging the blade. I found subtle little adjustments make a LOT of difference in the cut or smoothness of finish. That would be really hard if you have to get off every time and make an adjustment only to find out it's not acceptable...then stop, get off and do it again hoping. For anybody that has a lot of blade or boxblade work to do, I would highly recommend installing your own top 'n tilt system. It not only makes your work so much easier, it actually makes it enjoyable ... and better too.
Just that in itself is worth it 100x for me.
Rob-

[ccapers]

Thank you for the information. It gives me a place to start! Now I can start playing a little with the adjustments and see what kind of mess I can make.

Cliff