Sleeve Hitch Adapter For Your Garden Tractor Review, And Why You Might Want One.

Erik From Farpoint covers the Sleeve Hitch add-on for his Garden tractor. This unit can also be made to fit many popular LT, And YT mowers with some minor mods.

[@kevinsouthwell4523]

i'm buying a gt Husqvarna and want to start a garden for our family this year, thanks for posting this video it helped me know what I need.

[@robertgosnell6443]

You can adjust your landslide or frog for more suck on your plow.I can assure you when its right it will dig real deep.The electric actuators are great but expensive,but I have a inexpensive solution if you can weld.Most hospital beds have 12v actuators on them and are plentiful at habitats or thrift stores.Most sell them for scrap.I bought 2 beds with 20.00 and took the actuators off of the beds.Just a thought to save a person money.

[@FarpointFarms]

Great Idea! Thanks.

[@colemantrantham9264]

I bought the Johnny hitch after watching this video. Thanks.

[@thevacuumtubejunky9774]

Small price to pay in comparison to working in a contorted position fumbling with a manual hitch. Great video demonstration. Thanks for sharing! Kind regards, Eric Dee.

[@1stanleygirl]

Just to make sure I understand, I need both a sleeve hitch AND the Johnny Products screw jack in order to have the set-up you've got, correct? Looking at a JD 140 and need to buy a sleeve hitch for it. Just double-checking you need both things instead of the Johnny Product screw jack over the sleeve hitch.

[@strr60sevenunsolicited61]

I am not a farmer or home steader but I will say that for the price that you paid for that whole set up you could have bought a ford 8n or 9n in really nice shape

[@skeller0160]

Is this the 4 inch stroke actuator or the 6 inch? I emailed johnny products asking this question and told me they "don't give that kind of information to DIY'ers"... 🤔 But yeah, would be nice to know the stroke length.

[@nickpage6500]

That was awesome but have something with my gravel driveway I put that sleeve hitch with Manuel life does scraper work dip up gravel an the yard hopefully said everything right

[@FarpointFarms]

I don't think I understand. With a power lift like this one, you have 500LBS of downward force to really dig into the gravel.

[@nickpage6500]

@@FarpointFarms I wanted make sure that part I buy it will fit scrapper for gravel&yard rip it up if I need to cause I didn’t want waste money thanks for tell me sir

[@robertfried3546]

Great info and reviews. I just put a craftsman #36 sleeve hitch and the electrical assist on my new Husqvarna TS 354 XD. I mounted the sleeve hitch perpendicular to the ground. and when I hooked the Agri Fab box scraper and elevated the sleeve hitch maximally the scraper doesn’t clear the ground. Wondering if anyone else has encountered this and solved the problem? Short of fabricating new brackets that would tilt the sleeve hitch up I don’t know how to get more clearance for the box scraper or other implements when elevated ?

[@joem7062]

Has the frame on that huskie cracked yet ? Mine cracked so hard I got flung up out of the seat while pulling a cart of firewood.

[@FarpointFarms]

It has not on this one and I have abused it

[@CaglarYurdakul]

Thanks for the reply. So, what I understand is that I shouldn't go this route because my mower's trans is not capable of working such modification to plow small garden like 30ft by 20ft. :/ I think I will buy some kind of rear tine tiller to that.

[@1016kmason]

I just bought a craftsman garden tractor 26HP Kohler 54". I also bought the sleeve hitch for 70% off during a liquidation sale. I have a few questions. Do you ever have to remove the Johnny Products thingy to attach anything such as a pull behind wagon or if I buy a Tiller like you later bought, can I drive around with the hitch AND the tiller also attached? likewise, can I have my bagger attached and also this hitch? The 3-bin Bagger with the sleeve hitch johnny products modification? Also, there's an upgrade to lift dozer blades electrically. Can I install both the dozer blade lift upgrade AND this Johnny Products upgrade to the back?

[@bigboybuilder77]

What hitch attachment would you recommend for a 1978 gt18 garden tractor? I'm trying to level out my back yard. Now i have tons of rocks . But all I'm working with is a ball hitch. Which will only work for the custom made tool that came with the tractor.

[@FarpointFarms]

I think those older GT18 models had a CAT 0 3 point hitch setup, but I haven't played with one of those in years.

[@jonathanerickson2007]

I put running lights on the back of my lawnmower

[@paulc7798]

Do you think a manual bottle jack could be used with some springs to bring it back to height instead as they are very cheap. You have great video's thanks.

[@jrtruth1305]

Hey man, love your vids. One quick question I have is about your actuator on the sleeve hitch. What is the stroke length on the actuator?

[@jonathanerickson2007]

I have same kind of lawnmower you have

[@williamjohnston3770]

Love your videos Brother, thanks.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you my Friend

[@gpd387]

I am intrigued by the sleeve hitch. I am curious if there is a land plane that would work with this hitch? Great video

[@garryludwick2990]

Thanks. Have a GT16, 1980 model, looking for the part number for the linear lift itself. What stroke is it. Not sure of the space where it hooks up.

[@joshbeekman5474]

I don't have one yet but 4 inch stroke and he said 500 lb square inch. The price of rice went up. $300+ for the 500lb square and 30+ for the harness. Or cheaper for the wire and button if you know how to wire it

[@joshbeekman5474]

Amazon if you piece it together

[@Nick-rv7yu]

Hopefully you see this. I bought a husqvarna ts348d for mowing and garden tilling duty. I have a single bottom plow, disc and a homemade bedder. Everything is going well, so I can verify for your subscribers that these tractors are capable of the work, but I do have an issue that i hope you can provide some guidance on. The factory manual sleeve hitch control is...well lets say it leaves alot to be desired! I see you are using the electric linear actuator. Two questions I have are regarding the range of motion. Does the actuator hurt, help or not impact the range of motion of the hitch. I would lile to get the implements a bit higher for transport purposes. And the second question is about durability. Typically electric motors and impacts from ground work don't go hand in hand. How is your linear actuator holding up? Would you recommend this or do you think going to a custom hydraulic setup would be required? Thanks for the videos. They definitely helped make my decision on the husky over and older ford.

[@FarpointFarms]

Good morning! The Electric hitch upgrade is 5 years old now and has been abused it's entire life. No issues at all with it so I can certainly recommend it! The range of motion is the same as stock, but the hitch is WAY more usable without the cumbersome bar and with the added benefit of all that downward force. Glad to hear you are successfully farming with your GT So many people said it couldn't be done, but it is!

[@Nick-rv7yu]

@@FarpointFarms thats great to hear. I think that will be a winter upgrade for me. Thanks for the reply. Keep the videos coming, they are great for newbies like me.

[@michaelthompson3180]

Hi Johnny. Great video. Any ideas about the possibility of getting a post hole digger/auger mounted and working?

[@DumbCarGuy]

Believe me, I am not being negative. But do you enjoy the positive down pressure at all times? Downforce is awesome, don't get me wrong. All of my old John Deeres with sleeve hitches can bounce upwards if there is a problem and when the tractor is going up and down, the back blade or whatever is back there stays straight instead of being an "extension of your frame" so to say. what's your thoughts?

[@FarpointFarms]

I love it. Yes, sometimes on uneven ground you have to feather the controls to get things to stay just right, but you get used to it and it makes any implement 4X better than with gravity alone. After an hour or so of use, you'll swear by it.

[@dougkalmbach5192]

Will the manual sleeve hitch work on a garden tractor with axle extensions?

[@chadmartin5640]

My wife has a Husky and I have an old WheelHorse with 2 sleeve hitches. One being a long handle like I have one the front. I wanted to know if the other would work on her Husqavarna. Thanks for info.

[@anthonyelevatorguy]

Thanks for the video, can you post model #s for the hitch and the electric up grade , I am new this as far as attachments I have an old silver GT6000 sears and do you think that electric lift can be used in front for a snow thrower. I am handy in the elevators industry. And I been running and maintaining mine for about 17 years now and just picked up another one from the early 90's era . Thank you .

[@brucecook4832]

I like the electric sleeve hitch idea but am very confused about the price $$$$. Wow. Maybe it's time to think outside the box. I currently have a Craftsman GT w/ a sleeve hitch that works with the mower deck lift/ lower, Sucks bad. So after doing research I decided to switch it. Well Craftsman wants something like $350 to add this feature. So I just found out the stroke 4" and load capacity of craftsman 500lbs. Did a web search ( 12v linear actuator 4" 500# ). After looking at the prices, about 200 for 500lb model without mounting hardware or switch. I decided to go with a 1000Newton (250ish lbs) model. that came with mounting hardware and switches for about $50. A day in the garage and TADA.

[@FarpointFarms]

Great Idea and one that I will be using on my next GT. The Prices of the Johnny product's have skyrocketed over the last few years.

[@carloscolorado1788]

That's great! Do you have a link for that?

[@krusinkampers]

A 1000Newton (250ish lbs) model. that came with mounting hardware and switches for about $50. A day in the garage and TADA. . what is that web site? 1

[@paulg444]

Great set up!.. but should I just fabricate a 3 point hitch ?

[@chuckchaney7374]

I posted on your other video about this lift .then I seen this.....thanks a lot for this video I like that lift.....

[@FarpointFarms]

It really adds a totally new set of capabilities to these tractors. I was hesitant to spend the money years ago, but once it was in use I never looked back.

[@jimnorris6795]

Eric, how did you attach the blade to the front and does it have the same downward force as the rear? Thank you sir

[@homesteadspirit9209]

it kills me how in expensive the sleeve hitch from Craftsman is...as ive said before Ive got one of the big John Deere GTs and the sleeve hitch mod for mine was like 450$. it really is worth every cent though to invest in one

[@ArcherAce2]

Adding downforce on the implement raises your rear tires and causes you to loose traction. You showed this in the video. If you need more pressure on an implement, whether a sleeve hitch or a 3 point, you hang weight on the implement . All you're doing is spinning your tires.

[@technologyguy101]

False, you adjust the downforce applying what you need before losing traction. This addon works FAR FAR better then hanging weight.

[@johnharris6655]

I have heard different opinions on it with tractors with 20 inch tires. Will this work with a Husqavarna YHT model with 20 inch rear tires.

[@jsi4452]

You should see if Johnny Products has affiliate program so you can get a fee for helping sell their product. Love your videos. Do you worry about your transmission on the tractor, doing all that hard work with it? Just a thought. Think you have to replace not repair them.

[@longdustydryroad]

GREAT video, I have a Poulan that I need to put a sleeve hitch on but what type do I need? There seems to be sleeve hitche for Huskvarna, John Deer, Craftsman etc. Can you let me know what type goes on a Poulan?

[@FarpointFarms]

I am afraid that I'm not sure. It may be worth going to the local Lowes or Home depot and looking at the tail end of the tractors there to see if they match your rider. That should help with finding the right one.

[@SLOROB55]

The general thought is a poulan transmission will not survive ground engagement. I pull a hand dozer, Brinley thatch rake, cart with firewood, soil, gravel and mulch and push snow with mine for the last three years no problem. I don’t have or need a sleeve hitch.

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

Anything similar for a jd lt166

[@bigwillydier]

Dude... so glad you do all these videos on your GT and the myriad of attachments.. Thanks for that!! We've chatted a few times in other spots on your channel, but I'm the guy who has the same GT without the locking diff. I was also considering the electric lift but I had no idea that it also applied downforce! The price tag was kind of hard to justify for me until you pointed that out. I feel like the spring-time driveway grading with my box blade would go a lot better with much more substantial downforce. Out of curiosity, did you try to use downforce before adding those structural supports? The sleeve hitch normally attaches with just a few hooks that go over knobs on the frame and giant nut & bolt on the original tow point. I'm wondering if the down force would be too much for the sleeve hitch's standard attachment to the tractor's frame. Also, is it easy to take the lift off and put it back on after installation? I tend to only have the lifting link and lift assembly attached when I am actually dragging ground engaging equipment. I use my cart more than any other attachment and those block the regular light-duty tow hitch..

[@stevenwilson994]

What box blade do you use with your GT? I'm trying to decide between the Agri-fab and the Brinly. Are there others?

[@FarpointFarms]

I bought the Brinly one. Its Ok, but I beat the heck out of it, so its showing some signs of wear. The Sides are splayed out, and the 3 way positioning is now a little offset to the right. That being said, I paid less than $200 for it, and it has paid for itself several times over.

[@stevenwilson994]

Farpoint Farms Thanks for the reply. If I may ask, what made yoh go with the Brinly over the agri-fab? I have 500ft of gravel driveway to take care of and need to make a decision. I've got the same GT as you and the same craftsman sleeve hitch, pre-upgrade. Love the channel btw.

[@bigwillydier]

Steven Wilson I drag my Brinly down 700 ft of gravel driveway every few weeks.. works great.. plus, if you don't want to use the scarifier, you can mount it upside down to prevent the sides from bending outwards.

[@darcykabatoff2471]

Big Willy, I just ordered the Johnny Hitch for my Cub 2542 and they have available a receiver hitch or multi-tongue hitch that attaches to the sleeve hitch. When you want to tow your cart, just add the hitch like any other attachment.

[@mj3.14]

Could you please provide a link to the one for John Deere x170 yard tractors? Thanks.

[@FarpointFarms]

Johnny products sells a universal fit rear electric sleeve hitch like this one. I'm sorry I don't have the address.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Sorry to say but, if you need to force the plow into the ground then you do not have the plow set properly.

[@FarpointFarms]

There are many other uses for that downward force. I use a back blade to clear my drainage ditches by digging in and then pulling the dirt out. I also use it with the cultivator to help dislodge rocks from the soil when I'm breaking new ground. Its SOOO much more useful with that sleeve hitch electric upgrade.

[@wansolve2036]

It's helpful when pulling a disc, a box-blade, and an aerator, not just a plow.

[@cecilmckinney7650]

how long off a screw jack did you use

[@Machi74005]

$625 from the Johnnybucket website. Insane.

[@FarpointFarms]

WOW! That price has doubled in the 4 years since I bought mine. There are plans online to build your own, I'd have to say that's the way to go now.

[@tombrownca]

Care to link to those online plans?

[@Advanceauto999]

Can I mount the hitch to Toro Z149 zero turn mower

[@FarpointFarms]

I don't think it would work on a zero turn, but you could email johnny products to see.

[@R_Arizona]

Would that fit on a John Deere?

[@clydenelson3776]

looks good, how can i buy one

[@FarpointFarms]

Johnny products sells them on their own website. Tell them Farpoint farms sent you!

[@michelboisvert5684]

hi where i can get one i live in Canada

[@michaelmengel1379]

Realy great videos! I am especially interested in the Johnny Products Universal Sleeve hitch for a Kubota GR2120 Garden Tractor. I'm sure you are busy on the farm, but If you ever get a chance I would REALLY APPRECIATE a phone call. I'd like to ask you a couple questions. Thank you very much and keep the farming videos coming! -michael

[@gpd387]

Where did you get your sleeve hitch?

[@FarpointFarms]

It's a Craftsman sleeve hitch. With a electric upgrade from Johnny products.

[@LanceSheppard]

Hey i just bought a Husqvarna gth52xls I'm trying to design my own sleeve hitch and fabricate it myself. $600 is a little more than i can afford. Could you make a video with close ups of your sleeve hitch? Thanks

[@FarpointFarms]

I'll see what I can do!

[@LanceSheppard]

Farpoint Farms thank you. I'm very impressed so far with my new investment. Thanks for all the videos!

[@ishayaharuna7060]

Farpoint Farms Erfurt UV

[@mikepurkey6070]

Bought the one from sears for $120 on sale

[@johndhead1]

What is the stroke of your actuator on this sleeve hitch? Thank You

[@FarpointFarms]

Its a 5 inch stroke.

[@johndhead1]

Thank You. I have been so impressed by your videos that I recently purchased a Husqvarna garden tractor that is the same model as yours, a Craftsman sleeve hitch, chains etc. I own 70 acres here in Western NY. I want to keep my trails mowed and put in some food plots. This combination seems perfect. I have ordered a Brinly plow and it should arrive soon. I will teach myself how to remove the mower deck before I attempt to plow. Thanks again for your informative series. John Head

[@FarpointFarms]

I'm so glad I could help you make an educated choice ! Enjoy your new setup, its a great tractor.

[@armandolanda5082]

Can a small soil ripper be attached to that particular unit and set up?

[@FarpointFarms]

Yes it will. I have such an attachment for it, but didn't get around to making a video of it last year.

[@johnysmith8925]

Hi,where can i find to buy?

[@collinlaubscher476]

I have been looking for a back blade over 48 inches but I can't find one to fit a sleeve hitch i don't have the time to modify it in any way i would appreciate a response to where I may be able to find a larger blade

[@FarpointFarms]

I've looked too, and I haven't been able to find one larger then the agi-fab unit I own. If I find a larger one, I'll let you know.

[@collinlaubscher476]

Farpoint Farms yeah they only come in a 42 inch I need one to put behind a John Deere 140 set to 48 inch axle spread

[@skeller0160]

@@FarpointFarms cut an old water heater in half and make it into a blade. Worked for me. I welded it onto a bracket which allows me to attach it to the sleeve hitch.

[@redneck_auto_tech]

I made one with a old craftsman 48 inch snow plow

[@lonnygraham54]

Do have the part number

[@deltacx1059]

Lead, steel and water make much better weights than cinder blocks.

[@FarpointFarms]

if you do water in the tires it can ruin your transmission. It is not designed to handle the sloshing movement back and forth- It could cause it to fail prematurely and void the warranty.

[@deltacx1059]

@@FarpointFarms I'm referring to water on the tool not on the tractor. You bring up a interesting topic though, i see people with older tractors using water all the time. I guess they don't make them like they used to.

[@mikepurkey6070]

What size stroke is the screwjack

[@FarpointFarms]

5 inch with a 500 lb limit, but I have gone WAY past that.

[@mikepurkey6070]

Thanks have the sears sleeve hitch and the handel operation is horrible. And if i want my implements to touch while using when i try to move with it up its not high enough to not hit if i go in a small hole. Thanks alot been looking at actuators and trying to figure out what size would be good.

[@homesteadspirit9209]

this makes me sad...my GT is sick right now...