To complete farm work successfully, you have to hook an implement to the tractor, but this is not something that can be done just any way. A process must be carried out safely to prevent the implements such as seeders from disengaging and to be able to use the tractor safely. Before getting on the tractor and starting work, you need to know how to hook up implements.

Tractor drawbar

There is only one way to hook up implements or any other load safely. The implement must be connected to the drawbar or tractor hitch. This is the only way to ensure that the different forces are below the vehicle's gravitational pull. Hitching any implement or load above the drawbar can be dangerous. This drawbar should be at the midpoint of the rear tires so that the vehicle's pulling power is fully utilized.

Hitching Implements to the Tractor

Depending on the type of implement, it will be hooked in one way or another, but the most common is that it is attached to the tractor utilizing two hydraulic arms and a third high point, which allows the operator to hold it and level it. The hydraulic arms are the main tie-down, which helps the implements to be raised or lowered, while the third point is attached to the tractor through a double-nut bar that allows the length of the tie-down to be lengthened or shortened. If the tractors or implements are large, this third point can also be hydraulic.

An alternative is the coupling by cup and pin, characteristic of trailers, balers, or tanks. All you have to do is drive a pin through the tractor cup and implement a drawbar. A final possibility is the power take-off, a specific type of hitch for implements that need turning force, such as milling machines or brush cutters. This PTO is a stretched bar that takes advantage of the revolutions of the tractor engine. A cardan system can be engaged to transmit the turning motion to the implements.

Regardless of the type of implement being used, hitching up involves slowly backing the tractor towards the implement, using the hydraulic controls, and positioning the tractor arms as close as possible to the implement hitch point. The implement must be parked with a jack or kickstand to prevent it from moving, and the engine must be switched off before attaching it to the tractor. In addition, the tractor must be safely parked, ideally on firm ground.

Safety measures when hitching implements

Check that the anchor points are adjusted to the specific force and load of the implement, as well as making sure that they are perfectly adapted to each hole. It does not hurt that they have a pin attached to a chain, which guarantees a correct and safe installation. Three point hitches work because all three shear bolts are attached to the tractor implement, so no chains or similar tools can be used to attach the implement.

Regarding the power take-offs, they must be protected so that nobody gets tangled in them and it is necessary to avoid that electrical cables are hooked or crushed by the hydraulic arms. Lastly, make sure to raise the hitch attachment in contact with the ground before traveling to avoid dangerous situations.

The correct coupling of agricultural implements is essential when preparing the work in any agricultural operation, as well as having good machinery or the appropriate agricultural spare parts.

In the world of agriculture, the transport of large quantities of goods is very common. For this reason, it is necessary to incorporate more frequently tractor hitches that add load capacity to the rear of the vehicle or improve its performance. In this sense, it is important to know the different options available to be able to choose the one that best suits each need.

The main types of trailers for tractors

One of the best choices, as well as the most widely used, is the hitch trailer. This is characterized by having two axles, one of which is in charge of giving direction to the trailer so that it follows the line marked by the tractor. Likewise, it also has the ability to move vertically in line with the vehicle itself. Within the hitch trailers themselves, we can differentiate between those that are of the industrial type, very common in the industrial buildings themselves, and the trailers of the agricultural type, much more adapted to carry out forestry-type tasks such as, for example, the transport of logs.

On the other hand, single axle trailers are also very common in everyday life. The main difference from the previous model is the presence of a single axle that is responsible for hooking the two parts of the vehicle, and the inability of the trailer itself to move vertically. Within this type of trailer you can find the naval type, which are used to transport boats, or the family ones, widely used for the transport of caravans.

Finally, within the different types of trailers for tractors, we can also find the so-called semi-trailers, which consist of a vertical cabin and which is directly coupled to the vehicle itself. They are adapted for the transport of delicate materials such as electric coils, and require special treatment. However, although all these trailers can be used for many purposes, they are also compatible with tractors.