What adjustments can you make to your three point hitch?

[@alstruck8063]

And if you get in the wrong configuration, your local dealer probably has a tail light lens in stock. Don't ask how I might know this! LOL

[@chamberb01]

Love your videos. Right to the point without a bunch of frilly nonsense. Thank you for the information!

[@malone628]

I decided on the Yanmar tractor. That being said, I do appreciate the wealth of information that Neil shares with everyone. Extremely well spoken, concise and easy to listen to and understand. Many of his tips are not brand specific. Definitely the best channel for tractors on KZbin!!

[@tedfelsberg5322]

Thank you so much, Neil. I’ve been trying to figure out how to get my Woodland Mills stump grinder to go just a few inches deeper, behind my Don Fletcher tractor. This may help, indeed. Kind regards, Ted, in NJ.

[@davidmaxwell7275]

Great information once again thank you, sometimes just knowing that you can move things around a bit and not cause a problem is a relief for inexperienced owners like myself and that not every hole has to have a use.

[@realpdm]

I got my first order from Messick's last week and my wife asked me what was in the big box. Without pausing I sang as deep as I could "A helping hand with your land!". I've been waiting years to do this joke apparently.

[@MessicksEquip]

Love it!

[@mikenicholas5218]

Neil, Great information. The purpose of my comment is not toward the video, but to compliment your parts and shipping department(s). I ordered some parts for my NH 273 baler early in the afternoon, and got the package the next day in the early afternoon. My house is in Lorton, Virginia, more then 2 county boy rock throws from Pennsylvania. Great service. Cheers, Mike

[@MessicksEquip]

Thanks!

[@Matt-mq1ep]

@@MessicksEquip I talked to the parts dept last week about a fuel level sensor and ordering a work shop manual for my L3240. Wanted to make sure I got the correct manual. I didn't catch the guys name, but he was SUPER helpful! Kudos to your great employees 👏

[@MessicksEquip]

@@Matt-mq1ep Thank You!

[@andydsimmons]

Great video. Very informative. A lot of men aren't necessarily sure if you should be using all the holes. 😉

[@alanjackson4397]

I’ve had my B 7510 since 2004 and I did not know what the extra holes were for thank you

[@bryanmccallum4614]

I build my own tools to go on my 3 point hitch. I have a small compact tractor a 234 International hydrostatic transmission tractor. I used a furniture dolly mounted for my 3 point hitch to move wood. It kept braking every day until I bought my own welder. I have built a box scraper, a rake and pallet forks . I also use it to stabilize it for pulling trailers. Works great! Multiple uses.

[@kylesmith8769]

Great info, truly answered a lot of questions I’ve had for years.

[@danandfaith]

Using a middle buster to dig potatoes using our LX2610, we shifted to the holes closer to the rear of the tractor on the arms so we could get the plow down far enough in the soil to kick the potatoes up. We also use a quick hitch, which adds some length, and helps add a bit more depth in this case. The process is a bit more involved switching back and forth as we have to take off the quick hitch to move holes on the arms, and then put them back for other implements, but this made all the difference in using that attachment.

[@ripdinecola4755]

FINALLY! Been waiting on a video about this!!! Thankyou

[@zoidsfan77]

I work at an auto plant. A lot of the holes or other features in a cars structure that aren't used in it's assembly are usually used at some stage in its manufacture. A hole may exist solely to fit over a locating pin in a fixture before some parts are welded, for example.

[@mlaw207]

Neil thanks again for the timely information. Again I wish I had the information that you are providing when I got my first tractor. The dealer just dropped it off and I had to figure it out on my own.

[@mttrapper]

Excellent, Neil! Often with rear implements it's about geometry. Changing the length of your top link will change the angle of your rear blade causing it to dig in more. Trial and error can often be a brutal and costly teacher. Your tips are great. I really like the telescoping link set up. I had the old turnbuckles on my old Kubota and this is MUCH easier on my L3560.

[@daved7024]

Never had to change my link position on my Grand L for numerous implements. Thank for another informative video 👍😊

[@gweg27]

thx for explaining how to get arms lower and higher. was about to pull my hair out trying to hitch a really low mower. Surprised how simple it all is!!

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

Hey Neil! Outstanding video and information, as always. I've owned two different tractors, and still learned something. When I had my BX23, I did have to make some adjustments when I had a PTO driven chipper that I ran off of the back. Didn't really know what I was doing, but trial and error ended up working out just fine. 👍💪

[@pyroman6000]

That's pretty neat! I never knew that about the reversible top link. Just like how they handle a 540/1000 pto: The stub shaft is double ended.

[@hiddenspringshappenings3945]

Neal. Thanks for the video. I am not a rookie and learned from your video. I have a 58 HP tractor that has a Cat2 3-point and it has a top link as you described. One end is Cat2 and the other is Cat1. I have not been using the top link that came with the tractor with my Cat1 blade because the Cat2 end of the top link is too wide to fit the space where it needs to attach to the blade. Watching the video it makes sense what you said about the top link being reversible. I went out to my tractor and found that the bracket that hold the top link at the tractor is definitely Cat1 size as far as the pin size and the measurement of the inside of the bracket. so I am not able to flip my top link around and put the Cat1 at the implement because the Cat 2 end of the top link will not fit on the tractor side. Hope this makes sense. I have been tempted to grind 1/8” off the shoulder on each side of the Cat2 end so it would fit but I have not done so. What do you suggest?

[@MessicksEquip]

I have heard of others that grind the top link down. Your right, aftermarket ones don't always fit correctly.

[@patdaugherty7978]

On my MX5200, I have to go with the upper hole on the lift arm when I put my grader blade on. This allows for more clearance to back over snow banks or dirt mounds to drag them out. Most every other implement uses the lower holes. I think I change it for my rotary mower also so I can actually lift it off the ground for travel.

[@houstonfirefox]

Great explanation Neil! I would like to see a video on hydraulic top and side links and what advantages/disadvantages they offer. Keep up the great work! 😀

[@BD-dr1hw]

A hydraulic side link is usually connected to a remote with float capability. That lets your implement (say a landscape rake) tilt from side to side in order to follow the terrain. With a hydraulic top link, you can tilt the implement forward or backwards. That would come in handy for something like a box blade - tilting it backwards will make the rear blade contact the ground first, so so you're smoothing as you drive forward. Tilting it a little forwards will make the front bade contact first, for scraping. Tilting it a lot forward will maximize the scarifiers.

[@ggrinnell22]

Love your videos Neil! Very informative as usual

[@victorlawver6957]

Let me tell you, I have a B2650, plus a few standard Implaments. My pride and not so joy 3 POINT TRACTOR SUBSOILER ATTACHMENT. When it’s mounted on the 3-point raised all the way up, it has maybe one inch of clearance from the bottom of the fork to the ground. I have about 3-acres to play around, good part is Clay and Tree roots. This Implement goes through it like a boss, even buried full depth of 18” working distance..

[@fhuber7507]

Must have hit just the right angle (top link length) Too long the subsoiler can skip along the surface refusing to go in the ground. Too short they'll try to haul the back end of the tractor down and can occasionally pull the front off the ground. Good implement, Needs a bit of tweaking to get them right sometimes.

[@victorlawver6957]

@@fhuber7507 best i could do is get it as high as i could. I should’ve also, i did have one fail, shear pins are there for a reason as i found out, sheared the pin at the top of the subsoiler where it connects to the top link. I turned around and noticed the subsoiler was hanging kinda low, checked it, the bolt is about 3/4” sheared in two. I wasn’t even aware it happened.

[@fhuber7507]

@@victorlawver6957 I look over my shoulder a lot running my subsoiler. Fortunately, no rocks or roots to worry about, so once adjusted, rarely anything to worry about.

[@thornberryj]

Thank you for the understand explanation👍

[@MillerFamilyFarms]

There coming to arrest you Neil. I’ve been around 3pt implements my whole life and never knew some of the things you talked about, thanks Neil

[@artschulte1897]

Good video but would like to see a video on adjusting the adjuster arm to level it or slant is for using a blade

[@harmab2]

Great information, thank you 😊

[@zilla2006able]

can you do a Tour of your new store? please 🙏🙏

[@cambiumguy]

Good information Neil! In a later episode, could you talk about adjustment of the 3 point hitch. I have a L5030 that does not seem to raise an implement (rear snowblower) very high off the ground at max lift. I heard there is an adjustment screw that could be used to vary the range of motion. Thanks

[@MessicksEquip]

You would follow the directions in this video about moving the lift arm to a rear hole on the draft link. There is no knob.

[@philswords6390]

Very good and informative!

[@hphillips7425]

Good video and educational. I need to check my b2650 to get the box blades to drop lower for pond bank sediment removal

[@WhiteHawkIthaca]

Yeah I came here looking for info about how to get our box blade to actually engage with a MF1740M (first try we could just barely get the scarifiers engaged even at their lowest setting). Next time we get a chance to throw it on the tractor, I'm going to look harder at what adjustments we might find.

[@halsnyder296]

Aloha Neil! I’ve had issues with brush hogs… when I bought my first tractor (L4701) three years ago, I bought it with a 72” rotary cutter. I’ve broken six blades on the thing (although none lately). The way the dealer set it up seemed to create some problems… I read the manual and according to it everything was ok. I started adjusting various angles (tailwheel height, top link, etc), and things seem to be better now. Could you do a “master class” in setting one of these up? I noticed letting it “sway” more seemed to help.

[@BlackHawkBallistic]

Are you hitting things on the ground and not noticing that you're hitting things? I've seen some very poor operators beat the piss out of bushhogs and I've never seen a blade break.

[@mesanders1113]

I had a guy hit a concrete manhole cover and didn't break a blade he bent the output shaft on the gear box slightly. Never seen a blade break though they are nearly an inch thick

[@halsnyder296]

@@mesanders1113 they break through the bolt hole.. I hit basketball size chunks of basalt the tractor tires rip out of the ground. I collect the loose rocks and haul them to my pile. Next time I hog, the tires pull up more rocks. Seems never ending

[@halsnyder296]

@@BlackHawkBallistic the nature of my land is the tractor tires pull rock loose almost directly under the front of the hog. After each mow I collect all the rocks and haul them to the pile. Next mow more rocks are kicked up. I don’t claim to be the best operator (that’s why I’m asking for help). Happy to hear you are perfect! The blades stress fracture through the mounting holes

[@johnseavey6622]

I added a adjustable rock shaft to the left link side so I can lower or raise the either side to use on my blade or rake when I need to go up steep grades when I can't pull loads up hill, works great.

[@TheKevan61]

Very helpful. Thanks from Ottawa,Ont.

[@jameskennerly9748]

Thank you Sir!!

[@ronevans852]

That’s nice to know after 15 years of fooling around with these tractor’s.

[@janericchannel4513]

Should you hook the top link up with the implement in the “up” position or the “down “ position? I keep bending the top link whe I use heavy implements such as my seed drill. Seems to bend when I lift it. So frustrating. What am I doing wrong??? Have a Workmaster 105 2022 version and a 6 foot Cabela’s seed drill

[@ginnymartin2595]

Doesn't moving these around also effect your PTO shaft, possibly leading to binding it up and causing damage?

[@MessicksEquip]

Would depend on your implement, but possibly yes.

[@kylerayk]

I had to move my side links to a different hole in the draft arms to accommodate a 3PH spike tooth drag that had the lift pins about 6" off the ground.

[@dennismiller9681]

I don't think you mentioned the adjustment on the right lower link. I'm new to this stuff but it seems to me that this adjustment allows you to level your attachment from side to side. Or in the case of a moldboard plow I think you want the right side higher than the left so that the plow is level when your right side tires are down in the furrow that you plowed open on your previous pass. Am I correct? Should this lower arm adjustment be used in the case of a plow to make the plow level when the tractor is tilted during plowing? Update to my question -- I purchased a used plow and the hitch pins are offset, the one on the left is lower than the one on the right, so that the plow is level when the right side tires are down in the furrow. Not sure if this is true for all plows, but it would make sense.

[@HawaiiSustainable]

Great video cheaped out on my 3pt plan to upgrade 🤙 Saw the new Kubota KH15 video just released on landpride channel looks great for rear 3pt hitch and pto link from seat would be a great video for Neal’s reviews if you have time. Looking for as many options for one handed tractor and implement operation due to disability.

[@MessicksEquip]

I would love to do a video on one of those, they didn't want to send me one.

[@HeinerStorchennest1]

Hi I would like to fit a hydraulic top link to my L2850 DT (1991). Is there a special valve available, attached to the rear hydraulic valve for the lower links or do I have to pick up hydraulics off the hydraulic bloc ( under the pump) at the right side front? Regards Heinz

[@ceepark114]

We have an older Kabota tractor, a B7500, and did a transmission oil change after finding a leak in one of the hydraulic lines. We changed oil, replaced the three hydraulic lines that go to the transmission and 3 pt. Hitch. We also changed the oil filter. Now the three point hitch doesn’t lift, or even operate at all. We checked the valve near the seat, checked the lever that lifts the hitch, nothing is wrong there. Any suggestions?

[@bigbulldawg78]

Outstanding videos. Would love to know you thoughts on sway bar holes. I have quick hitch and typically leave in pin in elongated hole. I run a variety of implements, are there any that should be pinned in specific holes? L4701 - RC, Box Blade, rake, spreader, disk, even have BH 92 Thx

[@JimPriest]

Thanks for this!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Stinker337]

Great video! I learned a lot in Messick's class today 🤣. Something that I can not find out is that I have the turnbuckle stabilizers on my L3901. With a quick hitch attached, can I tighten them all the way so that I have no sway on the 3 pt. lift arms or would that cause damage? Thanks in advance!

[@MessicksEquip]

Depends on the implement. I usually like to have some give. If you hit something, the weak point is going to give. I'd rather have it bounce a little bit.

[@robertmckee7853]

Hi Neil. How does the subframe for a BH92 backhoe on a Grand L 5460 cabbed tractor effect the operation of the three point? Im thinking about adding a BH92, but currently have a top and tilt cylinder system. If I put a subframe on, will I still be able to use the Top and Tilt? Does this also effect the positions on the sway bars? does it limit them? Thanks

[@MessicksEquip]

Can use with subframe, but need to remove linkage when backhoe is on.

[@triciahill216]

Neil - I bought a 7’ Enorossi sickle bar mower (from Messick’s in E-town) and am using it on a 65-HP tractor. The lower 3-point arms are set at equal heights from the ground; however, the mower leans quite a bit to the bar side when raised. Is this normal and acceptable or should I adjust the lower arms to level the mower even though one arm will be about 3” higher than the other arm? Thank you.

[@MessicksEquip]

It's a result of all the weight on the bar side. You could level it, unlikely to cause a problem though.

[@michaelboyle1983]

What is the max recommended RPM of a 2007ish M7040? I'm pushing snow with an LA1153 loader and wondering what is a safe RPM to use to get the loader to operate faster but not reduce the longevity of the tractor. I've been running it at 2000 or 2100 because 2160 is 540 PTO RPM so I figured the tractor was made to run that RPM all day long for weeks at a time. If I could safely run it at a higher RPM it would decrease my time on the tractor which would help a lot. I'm in it 4 to 5 hrs per snow storm as it is now.

[@MessicksEquip]

Wind it up. You won't hurt it.

[@ChronicBongitis420]

Why did y'all stop uploading in 4k?

[@MessicksEquip]

because its slower when editing and very few people watch in 4K.

[@js4455dl]

What hole does it need To be in with a qh 10 my arms Don't go low enough thx

[@btsllc9676]

Do you kmow which position is used for the info on the spec sheet?

[@kylerayk]

Most likely the hole that's nearest to the implement connection point. That would give the maximum lifting capacity while sacrificing range of motion.

[@melissatuason2395]

I really wished you were my dealership

[@thegreatnorthwoodswithbb2863]

I made a video of the other hole on the three-point lift arms so the lift arms will go lower.. because my arms wouldn't lower enough to hook up implements and implement wouldn't go low enough.. should have been in them proper holes from the assembly

[@jimg8218]

Cool info

[@onebigbobo]

I’ve been told this, but no proof of it…. With older tractors that have draft control, where the top link attaches to the tractor, it has three three holes to adjust the sensitivity of the draft. Any truth to this?

[@MessicksEquip]

Draft control is done several different ways. Its probably true on some machines, but not all.

[@James-fs4rn]

👍 thanks

[@danyoder2988]

Why does Kubota put that stupid non adjustable 3pt arm on there small tractors. I bought another adjustable arm for my BX so I could raise my rear blade as high as possible.

[@Jeffindsm]

Omg … I feel so unnecessary only having a little subcompact and none of these things have anything to do with my little itty bitty baby tractor. I feel so out of place I I might need therapy now I’m gonna have to go to some online tractor forum and look for a tractor therapist… Maybe more of a push mower forum🤦‍♂️