The 3 - stage hitch is widely considered to be one of the greatest innovation in the history of tractor . This safe and unproblematic means to bind implement to tractors incessantly changedthe face of farming .
The aim of the 3 - point hitch is round-eyed but effective . Three points of attachment , arranged in a triangular fashion , render a rigid connection between the tractor and the implement . A yoke of low link at the ends of hydraulic arms ( which you may raise or lower to line up the connected equipment ) complement a exclusive upper link .
But three - point hitches are not all create adequate . And they vary greatly in size , match to the strength of the tractor on which they ’re install .
We divide three - point stop into five class , labeled 0 through 4 . The key to tell apart the category is to evaluate the diameters of the link stick used to attach implement to the preventive .
Of course , pin diam are n’t the only varying parts of the equation . The spacing between the two lift sleeve is another crucial thoughtfulness .
The latter measure can vary slenderly ( we ’ve included approximate measurement below ) . But the pin diameter are standardized and are the delimitate measure separate the five class .
Read more : Farmers should give thanks for the reward offer by the three - point hinderance .
When browse for implements , you necessitate at least a canonical understanding of the categories in monastic order to ensure you purchase the right equipment . You ’re pretty much out of fortune if you require to employ a class 2 implement on a Category 1 tractor , though with adapters , the contrary is often possible .
With these disclaimers in place , let ’s search the five family of three - gunpoint hitches , outline their pin diameters and other world-wide specifications .
3-Point Hitch: Category 0
We define the modest 3 - pointedness stay category by upper and lower link pins measuring 5/8 inches in diam . The spatial arrangement between the two lift arms is close to 20 inches .
You find category 0 hitches on light - tariff garden tractor with 20 horsepower or less .
Read more : Consider these 4 tractor types for farm use !
3-Point Hitch:Category 1
At one metre or another , most hobby sodbuster have belike used a tractor with a family 1 stop . You ’ll widely find these on tractors offering between 20 and 50 H.P. .
The top link oarlock measure 3/4 inch in diam , while the two lift arm pins are slenderly thicker at 7/8 inch . The spacing between the lift arms is approximately 26 inch .
You may also find references to “ limited ” Category 1 hitches . These hitches share the same dimensions as steady class 1 hitch . However , they may be incapable of lift all class 1 implements as high as necessary for suited performance .
3-Point Hitch:Category 2
Category 2 hitches are also vulgar , albeit on slightly more high - powered tractors with horsepower ranging from 40 to 125 . A class 2 hitch increases the top linkup immobilize diam to 1 inch and the lift weapon system pins to 1 1/8 inch . The spacing between the arms increases to approximately 32 inches .
3-Point Hitch:Category 3
The Category 3 enlistment importantly increases the diam of the link pins to 1 1/4 inch ( top linkup pin ) and 1 7/16 inch ( lift arm pins ) . This provides the added effectiveness necessary for heavy - tariff implements powered by tractors in the 80 to 225 horsepower range .
The distance between the face lifting arms is varying . A straight family 3 preventative feature a spacing of more or less 38 inches , while the smaller Category 3N hitch shrinks the width to approximately 32 inch .
3-Point Hitch:Category 4
The most undestroyable three - point hitch category adds another 1/2 column inch or more to the connectedness tholepin diameters . They come in at 1 3/4 inch ( top link pin ) and 2 inches ( lift branch pins ) .
When installed on tractors offering between 180 and 400 horsepower , it ’s knockout to conceive of a task that a class 4 encumbrance ca n’t handle .
As with Category 3 hitches , the spatial arrangement between the facelift arms of a Category 4 hitch is varying . The spacing on a veritable class 4 hitch is approximately 46 inches , while a Category 4N hitch span around 36 inch .
Now that we have all the dimension in mind , I think it ’s time to go browse for new equipment !
This article about the 3 - peak hitch categories was written for Hobby Farms magazine . Click here to take .
