Question on clevis pin alternatives when attaching and removing the 3 point hitch.

Nicfin36

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 HST, BH77 Backhoe, SSQA Loader ZD1011 Mower
Jun 19, 2019
1,014
457
83
Decatur, AL
As I have a backhoe, it stays on the tractor mostly, but I have to peridocially install the 3-point arms when I use another implement. It is straightforward, but the most aggravating thing are the cotter pins through the clevis pin....the part on the end of the sway bare link that attaches to the tractor. I think you all know what I am talking about. (I should have taken a picture) Installation is not too bad, but taking them off can be a pain to me. Is anyone using something else that makes it easier?
 

Fordtech86

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3200
Aug 7, 2018
4,796
5,635
113
Pineville,LA
As I have a backhoe, it stays on the tractor mostly, but I have to peridocially install the 3-point arms when I use another implement. It is straightforward, but the most aggravating thing are the cotter pins through the clevis pin....the part on the end of the sway bare link that attaches to the tractor. I think you all know what I am talking about. (I should have taken a picture) Installation is not too bad, but taking them off can be a pain to me. Is anyone using something else that makes it easier?
I know what your talking about, and one day I will find the right size hair pin clip that fits.

1BF854FE-735A-4B7A-98A1-8EECC2506FF0.jpeg

But for now I have have just made a slight bend (c shaped) with the cotter pin and its enough to keep it in place but easy enough to pull out with a pair of pliers I keep on the tractor

AA25BEFE-972A-4A36-9925-27323E51FC9D.jpeg

Not a great pic, its dark and its hard to get my phone in there 🤣
 

Nicfin36

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 HST, BH77 Backhoe, SSQA Loader ZD1011 Mower
Jun 19, 2019
1,014
457
83
Decatur, AL
Yep, that is the location. It wouldn't be that big of a deal if the location was easier to access. The pin you pictured is what I intended to use in place of the cotter pin. I was not sure if there was a chance it would come out as I have had them come out on my lawnmower deck. I usually just push them all the way to through to the round part to discourage that from happening.

Yeah, I go overboard on bending the pin and it can be rough pulling it back out.
 

Fordtech86

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3200
Aug 7, 2018
4,796
5,635
113
Pineville,LA
Yep, that is the location. It wouldn't be that big of a deal if the location was easier to access. The pin you pictured is what I intended to use in place of the cotter pin. I was not sure if there was a chance it would come out as I have had them come out on my lawnmower deck. I usually just push them all the way to through to the round part to discourage that from happening.

Yeah, I go overboard on bending the pin and it can be rough pulling it back out.
Can’t imagine it would ever come out if installed normally. The cotter pins in mine are hardly bent, more of a ( instead of a c, never had an issue with them coming out. What I would like to figure out is a solution to the lower link pins that are bolted in.
 

Nicfin36

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 HST, BH77 Backhoe, SSQA Loader ZD1011 Mower
Jun 19, 2019
1,014
457
83
Decatur, AL
Can’t imagine it would ever come out if installed normally. The cotter pins in mine are hardly bent, more of a ( instead of a c, never had an issue with them coming out. What I would like to figure out is a solution to the lower link pins that are bolted in.

Yeah, I'm just paranoid. I do hate the bolt in system for the lift arms. My big fear is those threads becoming gauled/crossthreaded. It probably will never be an issue, but Kubota could have done better.

While we're at it, I wish they had it where the arms never had to be removed with the backhoe in the first place. A bit wishful, I know.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

William1

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
BX25D
Jul 28, 2015
1,085
269
83
Richmond, Virginia
A trick I was shown with the spring clip was to put a split key ring on them. That way you can stick a finger in and pull the spring clip out with ease. (I could not find a picture but use the below and some imagination)
metallics-everbilt-pins-rings-clips-807568-64_400_compressed.jpg

If the hole is large enough use a snap ring pin
3151T2pqY2L._SX300_.jpg
 

Fordtech86

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3200
Aug 7, 2018
4,796
5,635
113
Pineville,LA
My ideal solution to the problem would be to get another tractor 🤣 A BX or a small B series would be useful since the L is a bit heavy for my land this time of year. But most of my implements likely too big for them (BX for sure)
 

Nicfin36

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 HST, BH77 Backhoe, SSQA Loader ZD1011 Mower
Jun 19, 2019
1,014
457
83
Decatur, AL
Interesting William. A snap ring would certainly be good.

Fordtech, that's funny because the same idea has crossed my mind. Just like you though, the implements would be too big though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

19thSF

Active member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
B2650, loader, MMM, pallet forks, tooth bar, rear blade, JD 318 w/plow, JD X350
Mar 1, 2020
398
120
43
Glendale, Rhode Island
How about drilling the hole out enough to fit the smallest size lynch pin? (I think that 3/16" is available) Lynch pins are used on a lot of three point attachments. As you know, they go on and off easily.
 

Nicfin36

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 HST, BH77 Backhoe, SSQA Loader ZD1011 Mower
Jun 19, 2019
1,014
457
83
Decatur, AL
How about drilling the hole out enough to fit the smallest size lynch pin? (I think that 3/16" is available) Lynch pins are used on a lot of three point attachments. As you know, they go on and off easily.

That's probably the route I will take. Of course, I will procrastinate until I need to put the 3 Point arms on again and not have it done. 😁
 

NCL4701

Well-known member

Equipment
L4701, T2290, WC68, grapple, BB1572, Farmi W50R, Howes 500, 16kW IMD gen, WG24
Apr 27, 2020
2,537
3,623
113
Central Piedmont, NC
Kubota uses a split ring retainer on a similar pin that attaches the rocker arm link to the lift arm on the 3 point on mine. I would consider using that or something similar if you’re going to R/I it more than once in a blue moon.
1609387040025.jpeg
 

GreensvilleJay

Well-known member

Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
9,918
4,067
113
Greensville,Ontario,Canada
'R' pins, first pic by Ford , is what I've used for decades and as long as they're properly sized and neversiezed, will work fine for years.
lawnmower deck ones rot out due to wet grass,no oil and LOTS of vibration.
hint: run a length of 'paracord' through the eye and gently pull the cord, pin comes out and NO bandaids required !
 

19thSF

Active member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
B2650, loader, MMM, pallet forks, tooth bar, rear blade, JD 318 w/plow, JD X350
Mar 1, 2020
398
120
43
Glendale, Rhode Island
Whatever works best for you!

Happy New Year. It has got to be better than 2020!
 

jajiu

Active member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3560 HSTC, Grader, Backhoe, Snow Plow, Pallet Forks
Jun 5, 2016
454
111
43
73
Rowley, Massachusetts
That's probably the route I will take. Of course, I will procrastinate until I need to put the 3 Point arms on again and not have it done. 😁
I have drilled out several pins to fit the snap ring pins, never had a problem. Usually takes just a slight increase in the hole size. Makes thing so much easier.
 

Nicfin36

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 HST, BH77 Backhoe, SSQA Loader ZD1011 Mower
Jun 19, 2019
1,014
457
83
Decatur, AL
OK, I stopped by Harbor Freight today and decided to buy an assorted box of hitch pins. The 5/32 pins fit perfectly. I'll probably use those for now. They should be fine as I don't use the 3-point hitch often.
 

Attachments