Craftsman CTX9500 Garden Tractor Sleeve Hitch Modification

Click on "Show More" to read details of this project.
Craftsman Garden Tractor Sleeve Hitch Modification - Craftsman CTX9500 Garden Tractor, Model# 107.25007. Manual Sleeve Hitch is Model# 71-24586 and Linear Actuator Mounting Bracket is Model# 64941BL1.
I hope you can bare with me on this, as it is the first video I've ever made. Thanks for watching.
The Side Mounting Brackets didn't match any existing Bolt Holes in the Tractor frame. Since I had to drill the mounting holes I decided to use 1/2" Bolts instead of the 3/8" Bolts supplied with the Hitch.
I mounted the bottom of the Sleeve Hitch to the existing Tractor Hitch Hole as required, but the Hitch sat too close to the ground to use.
I raised the Side Brackets 2" and made a 2" Bushing, made from a 3/4/" Water Pipe, to support and stabilize the Lower Hitch Plates where they are bolted together with a 5/8' Bolt.
When I decided to convert the Sleeve Hitch to Electric Power, I ordered the Upper Mounting Plate, Model# 64941BL1 from Sears. It has a 1/2" Lift Bolt Hole instead of the original 5/8" hole.
The Linear Actuator has 1/2" Bolt Holes on each end.
The Lift Bolt Hole on the Sleeve Hitch Arm is 5/8" and I didn't like the new 1/2" Bolt in such a large hole.
So I made a "Bushing" from a piece of 3/8" Water Pipe.
That little Bushing is shown at the end of the video.
I've since replace the 24" Turf tires with 26" Ag-Lug tires and returned the main side brackets to the original positions. This lowered the whole bracket/hitch assembly 2".
Many thanks to the kind people at MyTractorForum.com for all of the help and encouragement.

[@ericswild]

This looks ridiculously easy...I cant wait to try this

[@211steelman]

Ignore the haters. You did a nice job with this project.

[@XrayxRich]

When I did this project 11 years ago the actuator price was $99. I stand by my original purchase as it has built-in overload clutches, a 500 lb. load rating and has held up to a lot of use maintaining my 200 foot gravel driveway with an Agri-Fab box blade. The actuator finally gave out. I just purchased a replacement, now $333 + shipping & tax $380, but it is not the same actuator. The only retail to buy this is "Thomson Linear Actuator" at Johnny Products. $300.

[@breid1966]

I've watched this a few times and get something new each time I watch it. I just put the sleeve hitch on my new Craftsman YT (after a couple mods). I ordered a 10" actuator and went to install it yesterday but realized it was way too long. I see hear that you are using a 4" which is what I now need to order. The manual lift works okay but a pain to reach the handle. Also. I noticed you attached the actuator to the outside of the sleeve hitch lift mechanism which answered my question about how I would mount it. Thanks for the video! It helps me out a lot!

[@Starkster50]

Sear's has a electric assist kit and you can order parts for that kit, there's a plate that bolts on the sleeve hitch using the four bolt holes and the carriage bolts on the sleeve hitch, I'm ordering one myself their $33 + shipping. And the Sear's kit uses a 4" stroke actuator so that's what I'll order as well.

[@CraigArndt]

Sleeve hitch works very nice.

[@Starkster50]

I have the same hitch on my Cub Cadet GT50, what actuator did you use ? Cleanest install I've seen yet, damn fine job.

[@XrayxRich]

www.surpluscenter.com/Electrical/Linear-Actuators/DC-Linear-Actuators/4-Stroke-500-lb-12-Volt-DC-Linear-Actuator-w-Limit-Switches-GlideForce-10A122004-1-5-1916-4.axd

[@RalphyPolanco]

Can you do a closeup of this part. "The Side Mounting Brackets didn't match any existing Bolt Holes in the Tractor frame. Since I had to drill the mounting holes I decided to use 1/2" Bolts instead of the 3/8" Bolts supplied with the Hitch"

[@XrayxRich]

Hi Lee, Please press SEE MORE in the "About" column. You'll find a description of my installation experience and the modifications I made to make this Hitch fit properly and work on my Garden Tractor. There is more information there than I could address a 2 minute video. If there is anything I left out in the written description and you have a question, please feel free to ask and I'll respond to help you.

[@skeller0160]

$264 for the actuator. Seems a bit expensive, might try Google shopping for a cheaper one. Similar to what Johnny Products sell. They're overly priced in my opinion. Thanks for the great video, very helpful.

[@XrayxRich]

When I did this project 8 years ago the actuator price was $99. I stand by my purchase as it has built-in overload clutches, a 500 lb. load rating and has held up to a lot of use maintaining my 200 foot gravel driveway with an Agri-Fab box blade.

[@barryhunt5357]

Did You purchase the actuator from Ebay or Amazon ??? I have a Sears Garden Tractor with the sleeve hitch , I want to install an actuator on mine , and I don't want to pay 400 dollars for a Johnny Products one . How has your lift held up ??

[@richardhoepfner1633]

This is the one I installed. {rice has gone up. www.surpluscenter.com/Electrical/Linear-Actuators/DC-Linear-Actuators/4-01-Stroke-500-lbs-12-Volt-DC-Linear-Actuator-5-1679-4.axd

[@jkreviea]

So has it held up well?

[@XrayxRich]

I originally paid $99 at Surplus Center. I just bought a replacement @ $333. www.surpluscenter.com/Electrical/Linear-Actuators/DC-Linear-Actuators/4-Stroke-500-lb-12-Volt-DC-Linear-Actuator-w-Limit-Switches-GlideForce-10A122004-1-5-1916-4.axd

[@XrayxRich]

@@jkreviea - I just bought a replacement.

[@owentimo]

Very nice. Do you have a link to the thread on My Tractor Forum?

[@XrayxRich]

Sparta No thread. I was inspired by treads searched in the Craftsmen/Sears Garden Tractor forum.

[@davidsmouse9650]

Where can I get one of these Hitch modification

[@XrayxRich]

David Smouse Do you mean the Sleeve Hitch itself or the Electric Actuator and mounting plate?

[@flatchyu]

I installed mine as per instructions and it was also too low when I went to use it with a box scraper today. I'm going to have to take the wheels off and drill some new holes I think. I had previously mounted it with different holes and the bottom of the plate was too high like you have. Might have to make that bushing with the 3/4" pipe. Very frustrating to put this together and have the implement on the ground when the handle is in the raised position. I see pictures online where there is a 1.5 inch gap between the top of the plate and the back of the tractor's frame. I noticed in the picture above, yours is flush.

[@flatchyu]

flatchyu Duh, There are two sets of holes for the lift, I was using the top set. OK

[@michaelingalls1627]

Don't feel bad....I did the same thing today. :O)

[@flatchyu]

Sure felt good when everything was assembled correctly.

[@chronoboat11]

What length actuater did you put on it??? What brand???

[@XrayxRich]

Click on "Show More" above, to read details of this project.

[@XrayxRich]

I just bought a replacement - www.surpluscenter.com/Electrical/Linear-Actuators/DC-Linear-Actuators/4-Stroke-500-lb-12-Volt-DC-Linear-Actuator-w-Limit-Switches-GlideForce-10A122004-1-5-1916-4.axd

[@michaelingalls1627]

It looks like the 24586 was the incorrect sleeve hitch for your 107.25007 Tractor. Looking at this fitment chart, www.sears.com/ue/home/2014_Fit_up_Chart.pdf , it recommends a 71-64500 sleeve hitch. which at this time is unavailable. I "think" your tractor, with the 107 prefix, was manufactured by Simplicity/Briggs & Stratton for a short time. The 24586 sleeve hitch is designed for Craftsman Tractors with the prefix of 917 (Husqvarna) or 247 (MTD). I think that the "sister" models are the 26/52 Simplicity Conquest , the 30/54 Prestige....remember this for possible future parts lookup. I posting this info for future Internet Searches.

[@XrayxRich]

Dead link. No longer made by Sears.

[@leeh8842]

Would be nice if people listened to the sound before posting. Noise doesn't describe much.

[@JM-yx1lm]

Wont be long and the gears in the actuater will be gone because you didnt set the limit switches right.

[@richardhoepfner1633]

I have no idea what you are talking about. There are no "limit switches" on this actuator. Setup has worked and is STILL working, going on SEVEN years now.

[@Starkster50]

The actuator actually has limit switches in it that's what you hear clicking, once its reached its limit of travel it clicks, it works much like the clutch on a cordless drill.

[@patrickkruse3349]

XRAYXRICH Good Job. I do not see the "about" column anywhere on this you tube page? Is there a way you could copy and paste it in an email to kruzmisile@yahoo please. I'm gearinv up to modify mine. Thank you Patrick

[@XrayxRich]

Sorry, please click on "Show More." Thanks