Tractor drawbar

GrizBota

Well-known member

Equipment
L3830HST/LA724, B2601/LA435/RCK54-32, RCR1872, CDI 66”grapple, pallet forks
Apr 26, 2023
1,153
735
113
Oregon
When towing trailers with the 11 hole draw bar the lift arms need to be immobilized. Old school example shown below. Notice the use of vertical as well as horizontal stabilizers and drawbar anti-roll locks.

Dan

View attachment 118269
This is how I did it on my 8N as well. Kept the 3 point from coming up when I stopped. Plus I was able to operate the trailer brakes with a couple momentary on buttons, one on each fender. Towed about 4 tons. Not saying it was smart.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

GrizBota

Well-known member

Equipment
L3830HST/LA724, B2601/LA435/RCK54-32, RCR1872, CDI 66”grapple, pallet forks
Apr 26, 2023
1,153
735
113
Oregon
The problem with towing via the 3-pt is….. Most 3 pts have no DOWN force….and when you attempt to stop... especially going down-hill…. the trailer tongue will LIFT UP the 3-pt hitch and the trailer will OVER-RUN the tractor. It can result in operator injury…and if the trailer happens to be a hay-ride full of kids….it can be particularly dangerous.
Very good point! The system I use now and shared the picture of indeed has that weakness. Most of the others similar to it have the same issue. As pointed out a chain would limit the upward movement. Although I like the compression struts on that old N better.
 

TheOldHokie

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
8,679
4,438
113
Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
Although I like the compression struts on that old N better.
Design Note:

If using stay bars you may find it useful to also put a lockout on the lift control lever. If you forget even a weak sister 8N can bend them into pretzels and never break a sweat......:mad:

Dan
 

Runs With Scissors

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
2,401
2,756
113
Michigan
The problem with towing via the 3-pt is….. Most 3 pts have no DOWN force….and when you attempt to stop... especially going down-hill…. the trailer tongue will LIFT UP the 3-pt hitch and the trailer will OVER-RUN the tractor. It can result in operator injury…and if the trailer happens to be a hay-ride full of kids….it can be particularly dangerous.
It's exactly threads like this, and posts like this, that make me glad to be a member.

For whatever reason, I just never thought about this happening.

I am quite sure that it has been said/posted a million times to "not tow for your 3pt", but for some reason I just never actually realized the "Why".

Kinda strange how the mind works,......I've read not to do that, over, and over, and over.......but I just kept walking through life Fat, Dumb and Happy........ but for some reason your explanation made the "dim bulb" in my head pop on. (y)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

GrizBota

Well-known member

Equipment
L3830HST/LA724, B2601/LA435/RCK54-32, RCR1872, CDI 66”grapple, pallet forks
Apr 26, 2023
1,153
735
113
Oregon
Design Note:

If using stay bars you may find it useful to also put a lockout on the lift control lever. If you forget even a weak sister 8N can bend them into pretzels and never break a sweat......:mad:

Dan
lol. Well…not saying my compression struts are both perfectly straight (anymore). I suspect it’s due to exactly that reason. Weak sister 8N. 😁

Also have a Jin pole (boom) that uses those same struts.
 

Heehaw

Active member

Equipment
MX5400hst Kubota Z726X
Oct 4, 2022
100
86
28
Michigan
This guy came up with one of the slickest quick connects I have seen for putting a trailer hitch onto your drawbar.

 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user