Question on clevis pin alternatives when attaching and removing the 3 point hitch.

Nicfin36

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L2501 HST, BH77 Backhoe, SSQA Loader ZD1011 Mower
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As I have a backhoe, it stays on the tractor mostly, but I have to peridocially install the 3-point arms when I use another implement. It is straightforward, but the most aggravating thing are the cotter pins through the clevis pin....the part on the end of the sway bare link that attaches to the tractor. I think you all know what I am talking about. (I should have taken a picture) Installation is not too bad, but taking them off can be a pain to me. Is anyone using something else that makes it easier?
 

Fordtech86

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As I have a backhoe, it stays on the tractor mostly, but I have to peridocially install the 3-point arms when I use another implement. It is straightforward, but the most aggravating thing are the cotter pins through the clevis pin....the part on the end of the sway bare link that attaches to the tractor. I think you all know what I am talking about. (I should have taken a picture) Installation is not too bad, but taking them off can be a pain to me. Is anyone using something else that makes it easier?
I know what your talking about, and one day I will find the right size hair pin clip that fits.

1BF854FE-735A-4B7A-98A1-8EECC2506FF0.jpeg

But for now I have have just made a slight bend (c shaped) with the cotter pin and its enough to keep it in place but easy enough to pull out with a pair of pliers I keep on the tractor

AA25BEFE-972A-4A36-9925-27323E51FC9D.jpeg

Not a great pic, its dark and its hard to get my phone in there 🤣
 

Nicfin36

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Yep, that is the location. It wouldn't be that big of a deal if the location was easier to access. The pin you pictured is what I intended to use in place of the cotter pin. I was not sure if there was a chance it would come out as I have had them come out on my lawnmower deck. I usually just push them all the way to through to the round part to discourage that from happening.

Yeah, I go overboard on bending the pin and it can be rough pulling it back out.
 

Fordtech86

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Yep, that is the location. It wouldn't be that big of a deal if the location was easier to access. The pin you pictured is what I intended to use in place of the cotter pin. I was not sure if there was a chance it would come out as I have had them come out on my lawnmower deck. I usually just push them all the way to through to the round part to discourage that from happening.

Yeah, I go overboard on bending the pin and it can be rough pulling it back out.
Can’t imagine it would ever come out if installed normally. The cotter pins in mine are hardly bent, more of a ( instead of a c, never had an issue with them coming out. What I would like to figure out is a solution to the lower link pins that are bolted in.
 

Nicfin36

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Can’t imagine it would ever come out if installed normally. The cotter pins in mine are hardly bent, more of a ( instead of a c, never had an issue with them coming out. What I would like to figure out is a solution to the lower link pins that are bolted in.

Yeah, I'm just paranoid. I do hate the bolt in system for the lift arms. My big fear is those threads becoming gauled/crossthreaded. It probably will never be an issue, but Kubota could have done better.

While we're at it, I wish they had it where the arms never had to be removed with the backhoe in the first place. A bit wishful, I know.
 
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William1

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A trick I was shown with the spring clip was to put a split key ring on them. That way you can stick a finger in and pull the spring clip out with ease. (I could not find a picture but use the below and some imagination)
metallics-everbilt-pins-rings-clips-807568-64_400_compressed.jpg

If the hole is large enough use a snap ring pin
3151T2pqY2L._SX300_.jpg
 

Fordtech86

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My ideal solution to the problem would be to get another tractor 🤣 A BX or a small B series would be useful since the L is a bit heavy for my land this time of year. But most of my implements likely too big for them (BX for sure)
 

Nicfin36

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L2501 HST, BH77 Backhoe, SSQA Loader ZD1011 Mower
Jun 19, 2019
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Interesting William. A snap ring would certainly be good.

Fordtech, that's funny because the same idea has crossed my mind. Just like you though, the implements would be too big though.
 
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19thSF

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How about drilling the hole out enough to fit the smallest size lynch pin? (I think that 3/16" is available) Lynch pins are used on a lot of three point attachments. As you know, they go on and off easily.
 

Nicfin36

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L2501 HST, BH77 Backhoe, SSQA Loader ZD1011 Mower
Jun 19, 2019
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How about drilling the hole out enough to fit the smallest size lynch pin? (I think that 3/16" is available) Lynch pins are used on a lot of three point attachments. As you know, they go on and off easily.

That's probably the route I will take. Of course, I will procrastinate until I need to put the 3 Point arms on again and not have it done. 😁
 

NCL4701

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Kubota uses a split ring retainer on a similar pin that attaches the rocker arm link to the lift arm on the 3 point on mine. I would consider using that or something similar if you’re going to R/I it more than once in a blue moon.
1609387040025.jpeg
 

GreensvilleJay

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'R' pins, first pic by Ford , is what I've used for decades and as long as they're properly sized and neversiezed, will work fine for years.
lawnmower deck ones rot out due to wet grass,no oil and LOTS of vibration.
hint: run a length of 'paracord' through the eye and gently pull the cord, pin comes out and NO bandaids required !
 

19thSF

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Whatever works best for you!

Happy New Year. It has got to be better than 2020!
 

jajiu

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That's probably the route I will take. Of course, I will procrastinate until I need to put the 3 Point arms on again and not have it done. 😁
I have drilled out several pins to fit the snap ring pins, never had a problem. Usually takes just a slight increase in the hole size. Makes thing so much easier.
 

Nicfin36

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L2501 HST, BH77 Backhoe, SSQA Loader ZD1011 Mower
Jun 19, 2019
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Decatur, AL
OK, I stopped by Harbor Freight today and decided to buy an assorted box of hitch pins. The 5/32 pins fit perfectly. I'll probably use those for now. They should be fine as I don't use the 3-point hitch often.
 

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