3 point advise

styler

New member

Equipment
L2501
May 21, 2026
11
1
3
georgia
Guys im a little new to using 3 point hitches and have a couple of questions. I hooked up my box blade to my l2501 .. all is good . But curiosity makes me want to know. The top link i have in the highest hole per every photo i find. . what changes when using the lower ones?
the lift arms are in the lower link holes closest to the tractor . what changes when moving them to the farther away holes? Thanks
 

Caden

Active member

Equipment
1979 B7100
Apr 16, 2026
152
74
28
Virginia
the lift arms are in the lower link holes closest to the tractor
Think of it as a leverage point. The further away from the tractor, the more lifting power you get, but you loose travel/ lift distance on the arms. Inverse is true as you move closer to the tractor.


As for the top link, It is a similar deal.

On the top hole less lift power is required due to geometry.
Good for most implements and heavy lifting.

As you move lower it requires more effort to lift implement but it picks up the tail of the implement higher. Think something like a boom pole.

It is all adjustable based on your assessment of the situation and job at hand.
 

Bee-Positive

Well-known member

Equipment
BX1880, Cab, FEL, Tooth Bar, MMM, QH, Ballast Box
Nov 16, 2022
835
824
93
Amsterdam, NY
Page 41 of the Operators Manual found HERE.
Also download the workshop manual (WSM) while you're there.
 
Last edited:

Bee-Positive

Well-known member

Equipment
BX1880, Cab, FEL, Tooth Bar, MMM, QH, Ballast Box
Nov 16, 2022
835
824
93
Amsterdam, NY
according to that page i use lower hole then ? for box blade?
That's what I'd start with. Try it and see then maybe try #2 and see if it makes a difference depending on soil type and how it's working for your specific situation.

There's nothing that says you can't try different settings. Just have fun because you're in the seat out and about getting things done.
 

PHPaul

Well-known member

Equipment
B2650, Pronovost snow blower, Landpride rotary mower, Howard tiller, box blade
Apr 2, 2015
1,246
1,517
113
Downeast Maine
www.eastovershoe.com
On the subject of box blades:

If you shorten the top link (using the threaded eye on the end) it tips the box forward and causes it to cut more.

If you lengthen the top link, it tips the box back and it will grade/drag rather than cut.

Neutral (box level fore-and-aft) is good for carrying dirt from high spots to low spots.

Those adjustments are probably the best reason to invest in an hydraulic top link if you do much box work. I know it simplified my life!
 
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nbryan

Well-known member

Equipment
B2650 BH77 LA534 54" ssqa Forks B2782B BB1560 Woods M5-4 MaxxHaul 50039
Jan 3, 2019
1,405
929
113
Hadashville, Manitoba, Canada
Guys im a little new to using 3 point hitches and have a couple of questions. I hooked up my box blade to my l2501 .. all is good . But curiosity makes me want to know. The top link i have in the highest hole per every photo i find. . what changes when using the lower ones?
the lift arms are in the lower link holes closest to the tractor . what changes when moving them to the farther away holes? Thanks
Changing either changes the initial attack angle of the boxblade, which affects the adjustable top link position to level the box front/back.
It will also change a bit how the blade responds to up/down adjustments of the lift arms.
If you've time to play with it the the results will become clear.
I ended up leaving it how the shop sent it when I bought the tractor and boxblade new together. Not near the machines so can't verify what the link positions are at the moment.