3 Point Conversion for D17 opinions

Thanks fellas

Dr-

Cat#2 is what I'm told the kits that have the block that get bolted to my existing drawbar are. I only have 1 3 point implement at this point that I would use, however there are multiple implements that I have t opportunity to borrow from time to time. I don't intend on ditching my snap couplers, as if a SC implement shows up locally and reasonably priced for the extent that I'd use it, I would be glad to have it (back blade, scoop, what have you) I have a pull type mower that I use for keeping a trail around the field (long time friend who's actually a farmer mows and bails it) and trails through my land behind the field, but I'd really like to be able to use the 3 point mower I have as well.

One main reason I want the 3 point is to have a bar with 2" & 5/16" ball spanning across for moving the trailers around without constantly getting on and off the tractor. At that point, I may as well just use the truck, but I like running the ole girl :)

I put a 3 point on my D17 I like it. But as mentioned the Allis Snap coupler system is one of the best. I hooked up my 3 Allis plows so easy on the WD45 with the snap coupler, it was just a joy after fighting a std 3 point attachment. 

Edited by Sugarmaker - 13 May 2020 at 8:49pm

jaybmiller wrote: I chose 'door #3'. I've converted my 3PH implemnts to Snap-Coupler. Ok, I'm NOT a 'real farmer' but I found dealing with 3PH to be a PITFA compared to Snap-Coupler. Really, the 5' rototiller is a 'hybrid' setup. SC with a top link. The toplink is BOLTED to the rototiller, so after the first adjustment, it NEVER has to be played with. While this cost me a bit in material( adapter and toplink) it saves me BIG $$$ at the chiropractor and time !! Instead of fighting to get 3PH on... 60 seconds and I can till the wife's garden... Might be an option for you ??

Fellas -

Good thoughts all around. I really do appreciate it!

Jayb - would you be willing to share some pics of that setup?

Chris - thank you for the pics! Is that a special "pulling" drawbar I spied?
I have been thinking about getting another drawbar that I can shorten up after reading and seeing the advantages

Thank you again!

Each has it's own design pluses and flaws. A 3-point hitch that doesn't have the "extendable" lower links is difficult to get hitched to many implements. Snap coupler is unique to itself. I'll tell you this, when moldboard plowing, the snap-coupler hitch, on a 3 or 4 bottom fully mounted plow, is superior to a 3-point hitch in rock country.  Almost every rock you hit with a 3pt, you'll shear a bolt or trip a bottom. The snap-coupler hitch allows the plow to be tossed out of the ground sideways in many cases, and avoids damage to the plow. Been there dun that with a 170 and an S4 D17 in the same rocky field with 70 series plows.

If you need a 3pt get a series IV D17. anything earlier or smaller from and for an Allis Chalmers is a piece of crap. The best option for smaller older tractors is the factory (or a copy) wishbone adapter and hook it onto the equipment first and then attach it to the tractor VIA Snap-Coupler. One great advantage the Snap-Couple has over any other hitch system INCLUDING EVERY 3pt is that when an implement is removed from the tractor, all the adjustments remain as it was last being used. Which makes returning to the task a breeze, no need to spend a few rounds getting the implement adjusted again. 3pt equipment is a great way to ruin your back, pinch your fingers and learn new cuss words.  

Edited by PaulB - 15 May 2020 at 9:08pm

Sugar Maker  !   That is a  Cross  Draw bar  mounted  hitch ,  Less  the  sway  control.    Tony  .

Jimmy , I bought my 3 point from Jim at OK tractor . Think my son got his from Tony . Might be a good idea to give either one a call ? Thanks

I picked up one from Cross Mfg for my CA. Works good.

Twenty five years ago when Dad was buying and selling used tractors and equipment he sold a dozen or more of the ones from Cross Mfg. Never any complaints except from the post office as they would ship them US Mail. Mail carrier would sometimes bring them out in the trunk of his car but often we had to go get them. They were a nice made hitch. Tom

Tom I remember when UPS brought my hitch . I was in my shop behind the house and the driver parked in the street and carried it up . Asked him why he didn't back up the driveway and he said it wasn't that heavy . Pretty heavy to me . Of course they'd lost half of it , which came a few days later. Thanks

Any add-on 3pt hitch that doesn't utilize the lift latches (or lift arm extenders) will always be a second rate hitch, due to the lack of lifting and lowering height. Also, the top link anchor that has only one hole, makes the hitch hard to adjust to lift and lower properly. On some implements you'll get along fine and others, you'll never be happy.