3 point .. tightening tension?

[OrangeKrush]

Sorry guys I’m still new here and it’s probably in the manual somewhere but I’m not around it so.. easy question for you guys. When attaching rear implement such as a rear blade on my BX should I take out every bit of slack with the lower tensioner links? Not sure what their called. Should I leave any slack at all., I think probably not but I don’t want to possibly wear or break something if I don’t have it right. I’m getting a quick hitch real soon so same question for that too.

 

[Thunder chicken]

I leave some loose if I want them to move/wiggle a bit if I think it’ll fetch up on something. Wear vs no give and breaking stuff.....

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yep a little movement is good.

 

[Russell King]

For most implements leave enough slack so the implement moves an inch or two at the ends of the lower arms (where the implement attaches to the arms)

 

[i7win7]

I’m getting a quick hitch real soon so same question for that too.

Some slack, last time you adjust it after getting a
QH. You may find this useful for future reference.

Ideas to make implements QH compatible

Get the most benefit from your quick hitch. Buying new get QH compatible. Here is a photo of an implement whose manufacturer has their act together. Note how it's designed for cat 1 & 2. Also the lift arm spacing can be adjusted. Some "QH compatible" only need minor modification. This TSC...

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[OrangeKrush]

Thanks guys.. it’s been a while since my last tractor. I had them snug then I loosened them, does make sense to have a little slack.

I can’t wait till Christmas to get my QH, I do not remember my B7510 being that much of a hassle putting the rear blade on, although I’m rusty I think I had different linkage that made it slightly easier.

 

[BX23S-1]

All good answers from everybody. I leave a little bit of slack in mine. Check it with the arms up AND down to make sure you`ve got just a little bit of slack. They need to be a little bit loose. It helps with keeping you from bending or breaking equipment when you allow some movement.

 

[leveraddict]

Hmmm I always keep mine snug with no play,but I am new to tractors and implements. Guess Ive been doing it wrong? I would think an implement with play swinging left to right no matter how little while working and coming to a slamming stop in each direction would be a recipie for bent arms? So far with many hours on the rear blade and mostly digging and grading with the box blade and no problems!

 

[ctfjr]

I have been following this thread with interest. Although I have owned tractors since the early 90's I still consider myself a newbie.

Intuitively I'm with Leveraddict. It just seems to me that if there is slack then there is the opportunity to build up some inertia by the implement that has to be counteracted at the end of the travel in addition to the normal reaction force when the implement hits something. . .

I also have kept my lower adjustments more towards snug.

 

[raftgyde]

Loose
Moldboard plow
Disc plow
Harrow (spike, spring tooth, disc type)
Subsoiler

Adjust the check chains so that the implement can move 2" to 2.5" laterally. Check chains should be tight enough to prevent excessive implement movement when implement is in raised position.

Tighten
Weeder
Ridger
Earth mover
Digger
Scraper
Manure fork
Rear carrier
Mower

That's from a manual for an L3200/L3800 under Hydraulic Control Unit Use Reference Chart, but I imagine it will apply across most lines.

 

[BX23S-1]

To each their own. Read your manual, then go from there. I dont like mine tight. I leave a very tiny amount of slack so it dosent bind. Done it this way for well over 50+yrs, never bent or broke anything to date. Do whatever works for you folks, my way hasnt failed me, yet. There`s always a first time for everything though.

 

[NHSleddog]

It depends on the attachment and how much play you want in it.

 

[chim]

With both the Ford (check chains) and Kubota (telescopic arms) I go less than tight. The left one is set to keep the right from jamming, and vice versa. I never use the slotted holes in the telescoping arms.

On a previous Kubota I allowed too much slack and bent one of the arms when it got compressed.

 

[OrangeKrush]

Thanks guys, I did get to my manual and found this. As said above.. depends on what the implement is.