Section 2: Focus on Commercial Hitches
Issues with Hitching
When equipment needs to be hitched to or unhitched from power units like tractors,
self-propelled forage harvesters, trucks, etc., a person working with the power
unit operator must position him/herself between the power unit and the equipment
being hitched. That position places the person in danger of sustaining a serious
injury (e.g., a crushed limb).
If no one is available to assist with the hitching process, it may take the
operator several attempts to properly align with the implement for hitching.
Each attempt may require him/her to get off the tractor or out of the truck
to check the alignment prior to completing the hitch connection. Farmers/ranchers
with disabilities like arthritis, amputations, back injuries, muscle weakness,
visual impairments, or balance difficulties may find repeatedly getting on and
off a tractor a painful if not impossible task. Therefore, the simple process
of hitching and unhitching equipment can become a major challenge.
A Better Way
Manufacturers have developed hitches that “automate” the hitching
process. Automatic hitching allows the operator to complete the connection without
requiring a second person to be stationed between the power unit and the implement
while hitching. The operator can also complete the connection without leaving
his/her seat. Therefore, automatic hitching is both safer and less labor intense,
while also helping to prevent secondary injuries (e.g., farmer/rancher with
a back injury is no longer required to lift heavy wagon tongue during hitching).
Three-point Hitches
Both three-point hitches and drawbar can be automated. Automated three-point hitches
usually consist of a part that attaches to the tractor three-point hitch, and
a part that attaches to the implement three-point hitch. Often the tractor part
is simply pinned to the tractor. The implement part, however, may be attached
in a fashion that it is better thought of as being a permanent addition to the
implement (e.g., attached with several bolts, or welded to the implement). The
three-point hitches are available in Category I, II, and III sizes.
(Note: Some of these three-point hitches require a special top link or third
part. Also, some companies manufacturer front-mounted or loader-mounted three-point
hitches for tractors, while others manufacture wagon running gear that includes
extendible tongues—they are not covered in this review.)
Drawbar Hitches
Drawbar hitches usually consist of a tractor and a wagon part, which are attached
with bolts or pins making it relatively easy for the farmer/rancher to move
them from tractor to tractor or wagon to wagon. The tractor part of most drawbar
hitches can also be attached to self-propelled harvesters, balers, and trucks.
Manufacturers of Hitches
The next section “Assistive Technology Notes” lists companies that
manufacture three-point or drawbar hitches. Details about the products are provided.
When available, information regarding the drawbar or three-point hitch individual
part weight is included. A farmer/rancher with a disability, such as a back
injury or arm amputation, may wish to use this information to help evaluate
their ability to lift and or transport the hitch parts to other tractors, wagons,
or implements. Unless noted, none of the three-point or drawbar hitches affects
power-take-off (PTO) usage.
Once the equipment is connected to the drawbar or three-point hitch, a PTO,
a hydraulic coupling, or both may also need to be connected. Information about
these additional connections follows the hitch information. For up-to-date pricing,
please contact the manufacturer directly.
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