L5030 Cat 2 3 PT hitch

[46Willys]

Recently acquired a L5030 with a cat 2 three-point hitch. All my implements are cat 1. So far, I've just used bushings on the lower links. Eventually, I'd like to change or modify the ball joints to accept the cat 1 size pins. I see TSC has replacement balls but changing the balls on this hitch doesn't look like a casual thought. Any suggestions?

 

[GeoHorn]

You MAY be able to simply REVERSE the lift-arms*…to convert them. The Cat II ball fits upon the chassis-pins (which are Cat I and will use the bushings) and the Cat I ball will then be on the aft end of the lift arm.

* This will not work with telescoping lift arms, however.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Changing your arm ends to be cat1 would be pricey.
The ball joint does not come out easy.
2 other options.
Install cat 2 pins on implements.
Weld the Cat 1 collar to the ball, just a few simple tack welds should hold them in, and if later you want them out just grind off the welds.

 

[mikester]

Buy a QH or Pat's QH?

Bushings seem to work for me when running CAT1 implements

 

[46Willys]

You MAY be able to simply REVERSE the lift-arms*…to convert them. The Cat II ball fits upon the chassis-pins (which are Cat I and will use the bushings) and the Cat I ball will then be on the aft end of the lift arm.

* This will not work with telescoping lift arms, however.

Interesting idea. I have the telescoping arms and I don't wish to give those up. Thanks!

 

[46Willys]

Changing your arm ends to be cat1 would be pricey.
The ball joint does not come out easy.
2 other options.
Install cat 2 pins on implements.
Weld the Cat 1 collar to the ball, just a few simple tack welds should hold them in, and if later you want them out just grind off the welds.

I asked Kubota and the telescoping inserts from another tractor with cat 1 balls are about $200 each. I'm thinking the tack welds are the way to go. When I use the bushings, they sometimes like to stick on the implement pins and they can be buggers to remove. Thank you.

 

[46Willys]

Buy a QH or Pat's QH?

Bushings seem to work for me when running CAT1 implements

I've never cared for the full three point quick hitches. I have Pat's quick hitch on my smaller John Deere and they are absolutely the best. For my Kubota, I have the telescoping arms and they are nearly as good as the Pat's. Tack welding the bushings may be the answer here. Thanks!

 

[Smokeydog]

Use cat2 to cat1 Pat’s quick hitches on the M59. Joy to use.

 

[GeoHorn]

Wolfman’s suggestion is the most expedient and it’s in every meaningful way just as good as any other.

Be careful how Big you make the Tack-Welds… You don’t want to redce the amount of swivel the balls can accomplish.… and there’s no “strength” issue involved.