The Different Categories of 3 Point Hitches

If you've never been around tractors you may not know that there are different sizes or "categories" of three point hitch pins that implements have. In other words, the pins that go in the top and lower link arms of the tractor may be different sizes, and there's overlap where the tractor or implement could be either one of two different sizes. This will be a little clearer after watching the video.
Basically, most of the tractors and implements that you'll likely be dealing with will either be Category I, which has top link pins that are 3/4" diameter and lower link pins that are 7/8" diameter, or Category II, which has 1" top link pins and 1 1/8" lower link pins. Between 40 and 45 hp, the manufacturer can make the tractor either size and be within American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (the group that set the rules) standards.
The problem arises if you're trying to put a Category II implement on a Category I tractor. If you're there you'll have to change pins in the implement. Putting a Category I implement on a Category II tractor is real easy. You'll just have to get some sleeves from your local dealer to go over the Cat I pins and they'll be Cat II.
You don't see Category III implements generally until you get up over 100 hp, but they'd be acceptable on an 80 hp tractor. There's a Category IV on giant farm tractors that you'll never see unless you're in a heavy row crop application. There's also a Category 0 on the smallest of lawn & garden type tractors that's pretty rare.
I feel like I ought to be giving a test now. Class dismissed!
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[@Zimmejay]

I am a recent new tractor owner ( NH Boomer 50 ). I learn a ton of info from your videos. Thanks for this content from those of us who didn’t farm or grow up around this gear !

[@lenwalker7393]

Thanks Mike for the simple but very helpful explanation regarding the three point hitch pin categories. I learned something new today!

[@GuiltyPleasures]

My wife and I aren't farmers. My grandparents were, but when I was growing up their farm had long since stopped being worked. Neither of us know anything about this stuff. We have been reading and learning more and will be buying a tractor at some point in the next month. Videos like these really, really help. We've talked about starting a farm and maybe buying some of the land around us to increase our total acreage to farm / ranch. It's a daunting thought when you know nothing about the subject matter, and videos like this make a massive difference. Thank you!

[@BuzzJones]

Thanks, Im new to all this Tractor stuff and have been researching buying a 25-30hp compact but started learning allot more from your vids.

[@betsypatrick2983]

I'm planning on starting to do some work around my farm myself. Step one is to figure out what equipment I need to keep about 20 acres mowed. In looking around the internet I ran across your KZbin work. What a great help. Thanks

[@TractorMike]

Glad to help...thanks for watching!

[@sailorcto]

New to ag, and I thank you for very clearly articulating the various tractor categories. I'd not been able to find that information. Well done sir. I have subscribed.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thank you for the great information Mike!

[@desmondemberheart7067]

Thanks man, we just went from a John Deere 2020 with Cat 2 accessories to a Mahindra 2645 with Cat 1 3 point and this video really helped out.

[@patriots1needed]

Great info. Easy to understand.

[@phildukejr]

Great video! Didn't realize the difference until I bought a box blade and the pins wouldn't fit on my Ford 2000 tractor. Easy fix though!

[@victoriabaker4400]

Answered my question quickly and thoroughly. Thank you.

[@teter129]

Learned something I didn't knw in the first 30 seconds of this video, nice job!

[@Hydraulic.Online]

Just the Video I needed Mike, Thanks for the quick, simple and informative explanation.

[@chickngrl]

You are such a huge help to me with your videos!!! First time tractor owner and don't have someone to learn from sooooo I am learning from you!!! I have a 2001 New Holland TC40D with 1,780hrs on it.

[@TractorMike]

Glad to help KJ, thanks for watching!

[@chickngrl]

I have a 2001/2002? new holland tc40d and I can't figure out if it has catagory 1 or 2 on it...

[@TractorMike]

Unless a previous owner has done some unusual modification it is category I. Most tractors under 50 hp are cat I.

[@laurabuskirk7965]

Love the information I get from your channel Mike. thanks again!

[@stevekiefer2151]

That was clear and simple to understand. Thank you.

[@davesmith5188]

Thank You! Just what I needed to see, great video and very straight forward. Thanks Again!!!!!

[@jeanvaljohn3921]

I think it was Harry Callahan that said , "A man has got to know his tractors limitations" :) Good vid, thanks, I learned something

[@maddoxtom]

Thanks from the UK. Just what I was looking for :)

[@johnbates5389]

So helpful to this newbie. Thank you!

[@jcbenson01]

Thanks for the info. I'm brand new to all of this and was trying to figure out how to get my new tiller to hook up.

[@boatworkstoday]

Hi Mike, first off thank you for the video! Have a quick question... My tractor is Cat1 but I have an iMatch Quick Hitch that requires putting a sleeve over the cat1 pins to properly fit. I'm not home where I can measure myself but does this sleeve step the lower arm pins up to cat2 size? Thank you!

[@TheMightyDoog]

Your video is the reason I love KZbin. Thank You Tractor Mike

[@TractorMike]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@bobgarwood5333]

Mike, thanx for the info on recycling my up and down control arm to get the implement to move. Didn't solve the problem, Found that the turn knob below the seat to control the speed turns freely on the threaded shaft but doesn't move it in or out! Was going to put lock tight on it and later try again! Ordered new parts to replace even the turning knob in front and below the seat!

[@jacklabloom635]

That was really helpful information. I’m considering purchasing a tractor to maintain my gravel road instead of hiring it out. I could have purchased a tractor for what I have spent the last twenty years, plus I could use the tractor for other things as well like pulling fallen trees out of the woods.

[@michaelclancy3644]

New subscriber ! Thanks for the explanation ! So needed by the new tractor owner.

[@blackshuckthe3rd879]

Just found your video explains very well and solved my problem thanks 👍🇬🇧

[@michaelpardueful]

Thanks for the good information! And it being well presented!

[@m16ty]

You can also run into problems with spacing apart on some implements and tractors. Category II has a wider spacing between lift arms than the category I. The top link hole is also higher up on a category II.

[@csizaarpad]

Thank You for the video! Great info!

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

Thank you! Very helpful information!!!

[@shaleemmalik7396]

Thanks for the informative video.

[@alancummings5651]

Excellent explanations.

[@pork4U]

Hope all is well ! Thanks for the clarification

[@ruyguy8888]

Mike. I just wanted to say "Thank you" for this info and your channel. Im just getting into the Tractor Sales Market so if I can get any information to familiarise myself with the ins and outs of the tractor and implement world, Ill take it from experts like yourself. Im coming from the industrial side of heavy equipment, so a lot of the technical stuff is somewhat familiar, but learning about the little things and being able to communicate correctly with my customers going into this position will be a huge asset.

[@TractorMike]

Glad to help. Here are a couple of trade publications that I write for from time to time that can also help: www.farm-equipment.com/, and www.rurallifestyledealer.com/. They're both online, or the print version is free and you can sign up on the website. Lot's of good information there as well. I'd bet your learning curve is short. The industrial business and the tractor business are cousins.

[@javiersantizo1914]

Mike, I need help finding a 3 point hitch that I can bolt on to my 318 JD garden tractor, any direction that you can point me towards?

[@TractorMike]

Javier, let me check with my Deere contacts and I'll get back with you.

[@TractorMike]

The local Deere expert said to try Craigslist or eBay. He said there's a guy here in southwest Missouri that he knows who he thinks might have one, but probably wouldn't want to ship it. You're not in driving distance are you?

[@javiersantizo1914]

Tractor Mike, I'm not, I actually live in Jamul California. I appreciate the help, thank you

[@grantmurray2480]

Great information, thanks Mike

[@davidharris3823]

Well explained, thank you.

[@markmyers529]

Mike, not sure if you've done a video on the use of 3 pt. backhoe attachments i.e. pros and cons, but I would love to see one. I'm primarily interested in potential damage to the tractor and whether or not to use a sub-frame. Thanks,

[@willrine8614]

Just what I needed! Thanks.😃

[@6969smurfy]

nice info, thanks

[@juanluna1638]

thanks for the info !!!! very very helpful

[@t.curran8243]

Very clear and helpful.

[@sheckyfeinstein]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@geckoproductions4128]

There appears to be a width difference between cat 1 and cat 2 also. Cat 1 appears to be 25-28 and cat 2 is 27 to 291/2 or there abouts. Cat 2 quick hitch is too wide to accept cat 1 implements, even if they are sleeved.

[@supporterofeverythingyouli6255]

Is there any problem running a category 0 implement on a category 1 tractor?

[@SteveRobReviews]

Well done. 👍

[@gigilazar02]

Very Helpfull!!! Thanks!

[@BlackKettleRanch]

OMG, thank you for explaining this.

[@lskiller1903]

Good stuff thanks!!

[@bensonwookey9948]

Top marks again Mike, another learning curve for me. whenever I have a question I turn to Mike for the answer. Question Mike! Top Linkages (after market, here in Australia) come in a variety of lengths. I assume I need to measure the lift on the 3PL which would dictate the length of Top Linkage required? Also I was fascinated how you magically extracted the ball out of the linkage arm. I want to see that again in slow slow motion. May be worth a Video or two?

[@Johnson13210]

Question: even though your implement dealer will sell you adapters, will it void your warranty on the implement or worse yet the tractor. It different categories of equipment are used and something get damaged?

[@patrickmurphy9266]

Great information thanks

[@whosonfirst1309]

Thank you for explaining this

[@gregduncan1001]

looked at them and went with (jiffy hitch)a little pricey but can change most without getting off un less pto needed they have a good video to give ya an idea, like your channel alot

[@chrism8812]

hey mike, thanks for all the great videos. have you already or can you possibly talk about installing and recommendations for hydraulic top link addition to the tractor.

[@TractorMike]

Haven't done one yet...I'll put it on the list. Thanks!

[@MaineOutdoorsChannel]

excellent presentation

[@joeyjoosse9301]

where is the category 4???

[@moodieslog]

Finally got it. Thank you

[@pauljordan756]

nice job!

[@bobgarwood5333]

Good info. BTW, my float control does not allow the snow blower on the 3 point to lower. Dealer said I ay have some air to bleed? How is that done Mike.

[@TractorMike]

Most tractors that I've been around self-bleed. Move the lever back and forth a few times and let it cycle and it should work.

[@IslandExoticsHomestead]

Any videos on attaching implements onto vintage tractors (I have a late 1940's- 1950's Massey Harris Pony)? It runs and I am trying to learn what I can put on it. Small loader and ground breaking implements.

[@TractorMike]

That's a great suggestion. So many of those older tractors are still out there running and they do have some unique traits. So much of what I do is based on what equipment is available at the time but I have a buddy with an older tractor collection where I could video. I'll put that on the list. Thanks for the comment!

[@IslandExoticsHomestead]

***** That would be awesome if you do a video or two on vintage tractors and especially their implements. There doesn't seem to be videos on how to connect up to the tractor. We got a single bottom plow, disc harrows and some leveling rakes (sorry I can't remember what they are called) but we aren't sure the way to properly attach them. We are wanting to use them on our 2 acre homestead.

[@cws10692]

love it!keep it up

[@smitty2jones]

My Kubota BX has a Category 1 limited. It fits category 1 implements but doesn't lift them as high. My stupid box blade sits like 1" off the ground at full height, meaning after dragging I have a box full of gravel and can't get rid of it!

[@jifi-0178]

Mike - are there any weight or capacity ratings that go with these categories such as found with the auto trailer hitch categories I thru V? Logic seems there would be additional capacity with the type 3 vs type 1, etc.

[@TractorMike]

+Ji Fi-01 (Jif) That's a very good question that I don't know the answer to. I've been all through the resources available to me and I can't find anything about implement weight relating to category pin size. Having said that, all implements will have a minimum horsepower requirement posted in the specifications, so the manufacturer of the attachment would have to match the pin size to the tractor size it would mount on. I'm sure not finding standards that equate implement weight to category class, maybe someone else reading this will know where to find an answer to the question.

[@jifi-0178]

+Mike Wiles (Ask Tractor Mike) I probably made this too complicated. Simpler thinking tells us that category 3 means bigger tractor, bigger pulling capacity. The farming community most likely leaves it as that's all they need to know to get the job done. If it's a 2, then the typical 40-60 HP machine will get 'er done. No need for further weights and measures as it comes down to "What are you gonna pull it with?"

[@MrMharley]

Thanks Mike

[@snickersberet4792]

Well I might be screwed. I got a larger boom to handle the bigger logs and one side will fit in my 3point hitch and the other side has a larger category sleeve welded on it and of course won't fit. I thought there might be away to get that ball out of my john degree 1976 2040 but I quess not. Any ideas on what I should do now?

[@BluedevilRreddevilx]

I have a 1973 Ford 2000 horsepower of 36 and it uses Category 2 three point hitch equipment I do not know if it's because it's an older tractor but I think you're categories to horsepower ratio might be off do not hold me to it though?

[@chujithkosanam8915]

May i know how 3 point linkage works in tractor?

[@ThePlowGuys]

Great info thanks, Mike. We are looking at our first tractor. This is the kind of info I need. Do you have any videos on how to operate a tractor (Sub-compact) FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME? I have no idea what to do after I start the machine...

[@TractorMike]

That's a great idea. I've never actually done that. Stay tuned...

[@crpth1]

The Plow Guys - Well that´s exactly what I also need... plus one for that video to come. ;-) Cheers all

[@kiheidude]

Can you attach category 1 implements to a category 3 tractor? I’m considering upgrading my Kabota L 4701 (47hp) to a Kioti 7320 (73 hp). The Kubota is category 1 and the Kioti is category 3. I have several implements that are category 1.

[@charlesmcdonald9043]

Looking good

[@ivormacdonald8691]

I have a Cat 2 implement where the pins are welded to the implement and so I can't switch to category 1 pins as you suggest. Is there a way around this?

[@TractorMike]

Not without a torch. Sadly, a lot of manufacturers chose to build their stuff that way and it limits your options without some blacksmith work.

[@maingun07]

Could be that they did that on purpose. It may be that the implement is designed to be used only on 50+ hp machines.

[@Noah_E]

Measure the width before breaking out a torch or drill. Cat 1 and 2 pin spacing don't overlap by much. A narrow Cat 1 implement won't fit a Cat 2 3PH, even with the correct pins. Neither will a wide Cat 2 with Cat 1 pins, but you may be able to flip the pins to point inward if a Cat 2 implement is wide enough.

[@buddyboy1953]

Hi Mike, I have a Ford 1944 2N tractor,and was wondering what type of 3 point quick hitch I can use to make it easier to use my implements ?? The tractor is 20-23 hp. Any suggestions would be great,thanks,Ken

[@TractorMike]

Ken, there are several good brands out there, the ones I've seen are all designed about the same, I'd get the one your local dealer stocks, they'll be able to recommend a reliable one. Just make sure that all of your implements are uniform in width. If they're all different widths, they'll have to be modified to work with the quick hitch. I found that out the hard way when we sold a package deal with a quick hitch and a bunch of different implements. They all worked but the rock rake and it had to be extensively modified to fit. The distance between the lower three point arm pins is what you need to look at, along with there being enough room where the top link connects to allow the top hook to come through. Good luck!

[@buddyboy1953]

Thanks Mike, you gave me something to think about, Ken

[@jeremiehoug2837]

Odd question maybe someone will have the answer. I have a 55hp tractor with a cat 1 3-point. I recently bought a 3 bottom plow and it is a cat 2. It's a old plow so I can't just swap out the pins for cat 1. A quick hitch won't work because the plow would hit it. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[@charlesborrenpohl5024]

How about a video on the standards (width and height) for quick connects on three point hitches ?

[@TractorMike]

+Charles Borrenpohl Charles, thanks for the suggestion, I have it on my list.

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

Where can I buy aftermarket 3 point kits for a tractor?

[@gulabkeerio1930]

good morhig tractor mike good job

[@drudder2007]

thank you

[@jordyking597]

take a shot every time he says category.

[@jakhranibaloch3786]

Plz show side link safety chain types ...how those made with in high strenth....

[@matthewmarquardt7989]

I have a category 3 tractor with category 2 quick attach and bale spear. What are the balls called that I'll have to change out on the tractor?

[@TractorMike]

"Three point lower link arm balls" is what I'd call them.

[@mattplants3113]

I have a 50hp (42hp to pto). I have mostly cat 1 implements, however, I have 2 implements that are cat2. I can’t seem to come up with best pin options. I tried bushings. I have mounted cat1 pins on my cat2 implement, but that isn’t the strongest methods. Any suggestions?

[@TractorMike]

Does the tractor have both Category I and II? If it's Category II, just pick up some sleeves that are offered at more farm supply stores and your Category I implements for Category II. That's what I'd do.

[@mattplants3113]

The tractor lower lift arms are cat1. The top link has a 1/2 holes.

[@noeaguilera382]

Thanx lotta help

[@born2flyau]

Mike, I am not sure if you have done a video on this subject before but can you please do a video on the top link where it attaches to the tractor and which of the 3 holes you need to use for different implements. Thanks Allen

[@antoniolopes8776]

born2... That's my doubt, too.

[@beefrank123]

Thank you for that. I recently bought a small tractor and had no idea what any of that meant

[@throngcleaver]

I have a 66hp JD 4720 with a Cat I hitch. I guess this video is about real tractors, not compact tractors. Would the PTO rpm have something to do with the Cat II hitches? Are most Cat I hitches on tractors with a 540 PTO, and Cat II with a 1,000 PTO?

[@TractorMike]

No, the same applies to compacts. Smaller compacts up to about 40-45hp are category I, above that can be either Cat I or Cat II. There's not really a correlation between the three point categories and PTO speed. Most people are using 540 PTO up to about 100 hp or so, over that there's a mix and over around 120 hp or so, everything is 1000 RPM. A 540 shaft is not capable of carrying larger torque loads.

[@throngcleaver]

Thanks, Mike! That makes perfect sense. I was thinking about getting a 12 foot batwing mower to replace my 6 footer, but all the ones I've seen are 1,000 RPM. I guess I'll have to settle for an 8 foot, two blade. Thanks again! :D

[@TractorMike]

A lot of the larger cutters can be ordered as 540 or 1000 rpm PTO. If all you're seeing is 12' cutters that are 1000, you must live in farming country where the bulk of the tractors are large. If you'd come to the Ozarks, every 12' cutter here will be 540 rpm PTO. You may want to talk to the dealer about ordering, or transferring in a 540 machine. If you're looking for used, look in a large agricultural area for a 12' 540 machine. They'd be hard to move there.

[@throngcleaver]

Thanks for the reply Mike, I subscribed and just spent the last hour binge-watching your mower videos. Actually, one of my farms is in the Ozarks of southern Missouri, the other is in northern Missouri, but both have similar, hilly terrain. The one up north is surrounded by huge flat corn and bean fields though. I am looking for a used brush hog, since I don't want to spend a fortune, and have been perusing tractor dealers, tractor implement websites, Craigslist, and even eBay to see what's out there. So far, no luck, but I'm in no hurry. One will come available sooner or later. Stay cool!

[@Drew6709]

The sub compact tractors are commonly a category 1 limited. The lower link arms will NOT spread to the full width of a standard category 1. Category 0 are from long ago, current models are category 1 limited.

[@TractorMike]

+Drew6709 Good point. Some of the sub compacts three points won't spread wide enough to get a standard three point Category I implement mounted. I've seen some of the sub compacts struggle mounting post hole diggers because they're so low to the ground the auger can't get high enough to get fully vertical.

[@Drew6709]

+Mike Wiles (Ask Tractor Mike) In that case of a post hole digger. One would have to ask a dealer for a junior model to fit a sub compact tractor.

[@jhomrich89]

+Drew6709 the only time you see cat 0 is as Mike said tiny "tractors" basically something like a Case 444 garden tractor, John Deere X700 or Simplicity Legacy. The frames on those are larger than your typical lawn cutter but much smaller than a normal subcompact tractor you're usually only limited to the attachments supplied by the manufacturer and for that matter with how much those things cost anyway, you're better off just stepping up to a subcompact or economy compact tractor as far as I'm concerned.

[@evanstauffer4470]

Although not many garden tractors are sold new these days, there are a lot of older garden tractors still running, that have Cat 0 hitches. (They were well made and last for decades if properly cared for.) I don't need a sub-compact tractor, can't afford one, and have no place to store anything that large indoors. But I'm sure I speak for many garden tractor owners in saying that we need continued support from the manufacturers for Cat 0 (or at least Cat 0/1) implements. Why, for example, is the supply of Cat 0 rear scraper blades so limited while at the same time Cat 1 rear blades as small as only 4' wide are fairly common?? I assume these and similar items are built in relatively small lots, and with many of the parts common to both Cat 0 and small Cat 1, it would not seem that difficult to make both sizes - even if the Cat 0's are only made to order.

[@dawoodntiamoah2869]

Wow! Great info. Do you run your private dealership now.

[@TractorMike]

Nope...got out of that world in 2014 to make free videos for a living!

[@dawoodntiamoah2869]

@@TractorMike ok. That is equally important. But you can keep me posted when someone sends you a link to a used tractor in good shape.

[@farmv2136]

Not trying to give any disrespect I just found this channel and I've watched at least 5 to 6 videos of what i experienced.......now...about this manand his content... I work for an agricultural dealership a very large agricultural dealership and and have for many years...combines etc and tractors 200 hp plus and larger .. His content is very very geared towards the city people who buy 5 .20 .30 maybe even 40 acres outside the city and hobby farm or are deer hunters his content does not represent thhe actualy farmer .its is the basics of agricultural videos ..not saying that's a bad thing a i'm just saying it is very basic Rudimentary and to the point please listen to his safety co cerns and his tips he is very knowledgeable hes trying to help all of u and i emplore him this kinda of good honest content is hard to find these days keep up the good work mike .......Congrats on finding an audience large enough and consistent enough to make money doing what u love talking about

[@hamish2202]

Well on the old tractors it was heavy duty no matter what hp

[@TheDadPenfield]

The horsepower that you mention is not the horsepower of the tractor engine. It is the drawbar horsepower which is always lower than the engine horsepower. Drawbar power is how much your tractor can pull and it depends on ballast and traction as well as engine power. A tractor with a 50 HP engine might only have a drawbar horsepower of 35 and it is therefore rated as a category I tractor and not a category II tractor. Finding the drawbar power of your tractor is not always easy, but knowing this explains why a tractor is rated with a lower category hitch than you would have expected for the engine horsepower.

[@davidmays2161]

good video but no mention of cat1 limited

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Or Cat 3N...have that on my JD4840

[@joecoin]

@@SteveMillerhuntingforfood Or Cat 0, the unloved baby.

[@andrewbrenneman3782]

Mike, you missed Category 1 Limited. Cat 1 pins, not Cat 1 width.

[@joeyjoosse9301]

Andrew Brenneman and category 4

[@njutarn8381]

What if the ball fell out on an old tractor?

[@TractorMike]

If you found the ball you might be able to put a tack weld somewhere to keep it in. Otherwise I'd be looking for a salvage yard with replacement lower link arms. Good luck!

[@njutarn8381]

@@TractorMike oh thank you i did find the ball luckily, its a rare old swedish tractor Volvo bm 2654 it would be hard to find raplacement because its a loved tractor noone is selling parts for it like that.. great channel!

[@stevek4449]

Could you identify this hitch located at 5:02 mark? The ls-xp8101cps I am looking at has this hitch in the owners manual. Never seen it before...looks like a...2.5? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5LNkK1piZeMj7c

[@devidevendar1388]

Category

[@donCesc19]

Different balls... hehe

[@sagarmogal8147]

Hi

[@patu5798]

Tractoring for dummies

[@knifecraze2.087]

While this is very informative, I can't help that giggling with all this talk about pins and balls. I understand that now I will identify as a male tractor