MX5000 hitch balls

[tor]

I'm using a Kubota MX5000 for mowing, bush hogging, chipping etc. the hitch lift arm balls are cat 2. Everything I use have cat 1 holes and pins. So I have to used bushings one very implement, which I really want to get away from. What is the easiest way to do this? Changing the lift arm ends, changing the balls? I just hate to use those bushings, because most ot the time they are too short compared to the distance between the lift ears on the implement to maintain a good support, leaving the bushing sliding. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Wbk]

I'm using a Kubota MX5000 for mowing, bush hogging, chipping etc. the hitch lift arm balls are cat 2. Everything I use have cat 1 holes and pins. So I have to used bushings one very implement, which I really want to get away from. What is the easiest way to do this? Changing the lift arm ends, changing the balls? I just hate to use those bushings, because most ot the time they are too short compared to the distance between the lift ears on the implement to maintain a good support, leaving the bushing sliding. Any help would be appreciated.

I would suggest a quick hitch, it is so much faster and easier to hook up. That being said you'll have to make all your implements quick hitch compatable if they aren't already.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Change the pins on your equipment, they are cheap.
If you switch to a quick hitch you will need bushings but they pin on and are not removable.

 

[kubotasam]

Take a new set of the cat 2 to cat 1 bushings. Put them on a pin (to keep from flattening them) then into a vise. Take a prick punch and dimple the outside all over. This will increase the OD of the bushings. Then drive them into the cat 2 balls on your tractor. This should keep then in place.
Similar to knurling on a lathe.

 

[Stubbyie]

Others may have different experiences but I've found that changing pins is PiA. If they've been in use for years-to-decades you just about have to cut them off with torch. If using a wrench I bet you have to use a pipe wrench for a backup on the pin body. Either way time and trouble and waste.

I use bushings and find them to be no big deal. Find washers on sale by the pound and get a sackful. Use washers on the pin body (or even on the bushing itself) to space out the bushing where you want it. Bushings and washers are inexpensive: leave a complete set on each implement and clip lynch pins into the pins to keep 'em where you leave them. Next time you need them, everything is ready to go.

Years ago picked up some implement with longer-than-usual undersize pins; had to use two bushings end-to-end on same pin. Worked fine. Have also trimmed bushings occasionally and even notched one set to accomodate the pin.

Please post back your continuing experiences so we may all learn.

 

[Bulldog]

Myself, if using bushings are out of the question. I would suggest doing it the right way and replace the cat 1 pins with cat 2 and be done with it.

 

[Tooljunkie]

Cut two sleeves to the length of bore in balls and tack weld thrm into place.

 

[tor]

Change the pins on your equipment, they are cheap.
If you switch to a quick hitch you will need bushings but they pin on and are not removable.

Ended up changing all the pins. Went to tractor supply and got a bag of Cat 1 pins and went to work . Don't have that many to change: Brand new Everything Att. 5 ft bush hog, a 5 ft Kingkutter mower, and my favorite toy, a Woodmaxx hydraulic feed chipper. Love that thing.

 

[D2Cat]

How does this solve your problem, "got a bag of Cat 1 pins and went to work"?

Didn't you have Cat. 1 pins in everything causing you to use bushings to get to Cat 2?

 

[tor]

Cat 2 pins. Sorry for misspelling...


"Adventure Is Just Bad Planning" - Roald Amundsen

 

[D2Cat]

I was just checking to be sure you were awake!

 

[tor]

I was just checking to be sure you were awake!

I know,,,,,I was huntin' for finishing mower blades at the time the message was created. Might have somethin' to do with it....

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Good to hear you got it worked out!