Implement question

[BradMugs]

My second post so please bear with me. My son is now in the market for attachments to his T30. What parameters should he look for to determine what will work? We’ve found some older items but they are pricy vs similar items that are new. He’s not concerned for original antique stuff but useable tools, he’s got 40 acres to play in.

He’s in eastern Colorado, Elbert County, I doubt Home Depot has what he needs but I’ve been wrong before.

So where does one find useable tools and what parameters does he need to look for?

Thanks

 

[Ericp351]

Hi. You are vague as to what you need. Good news- you have a standard (H. F. invented the standard) 3 point hitch. I have a 20, and a MF 35. You have 70 + yrs of good stuff to select! Should spin a nice 5 foot finish mower, 4 foot brush hog-5 foot if you go easy, 2 bottom plow, et cetera. Also- get a good draw bar, and all that need a simple draw bar will work. You want the standard 1 1/16, or 1 1/8- I forgot- spline PTO. An adaptor will work if you have the old little guy. Can change easily if reqd., common job. Others will demand an over-ride pto clutch for a brush-hog , etc. Sober adults get along fine without same, for 70 yrs.! I like good original stuff- Furg, or Ford plows, Woods Finish or "Brush Hog" mowers++. Tractor Supply ++ has the China stuff. Probably workable, not for me as quality used the same price, and new can pay for itself.

 

[Jim.ME]

Hi. You are vague as to what you need. Good news- you have a standard (H. F. invented the standard) 3 point hitch. I have a 20, and a MF 35. You have 70 + yrs of good stuff to select! Should spin a nice 5 foot finish mower, 4 foot brush hog-5 foot if you go easy, 2 bottom plow, et cetera. Also- get a good draw bar, and all that need a simple draw bar will work. You want the standard 1 1/16, or 1 1/8- I forgot- spline PTO. An adaptor will work if you have the old little guy. Can change easily if reqd., common job. Others will demand an over-ride pto clutch for a brush-hog , etc. Sober adults get along fine without same, for 70 yrs.! I like good original stuff- Furg, or Ford plows, Woods Finish or "Brush Hog" mowers++. Tractor Supply ++ has the China stuff. Probably workable, not for me as quality used the same price, and new can pay for itself.

1-3/8" - 6 spline has been the standard PTO spline for 540 rpm for years. 1-1/8 was the small one and there are slip on adapters to step them up to 1-3/8", if needed.

Say what you want about over-running-clutches (ORC) on PTO shafts or transmission PTOs, but they have saved many over the years, even experienced sober adults. There are ORCs that are female 1-1/8" for the tractor shaft with 1-3/8" male for the implement.

 

[Jim.ME]

My second post so please bear with me. My son is now in the market for attachments to his T30. What parameters should he look for to determine what will work? We’ve found some older items but they are pricy vs similar items that are new. He’s not concerned for original antique stuff but useable tools, he’s got 40 acres to play in.

He’s in eastern Colorado, Elbert County, I doubt Home Depot has what he needs but I’ve been wrong before.

So where does one find useable tools and what parameters does he need to look for?

Thanks

Welcome to the forums.

Does he have an idea of things he wants or needs to do with the tractor? What is the terrain of the 40 acres, flat, hills, steep? Open, scrub, forested? Driveway to maintain? Snow removal? An idea of those things may help get better ideas/answers.

 

[BradMugs]

While my grandfather was a farmer I unfortunately I don’t know what a 2 bottom plow is. I’m sure I’ll learn

The property is typical Colorado plains. Pretty flat and rolls down to where the water runs if a heavy rain hits. There are maybe 6 stunted trees on the property and wild grasses.

He needs to turn his garden, pull a feed wagon around, he does have a lot of livestock that he moves around weekly.

Then snow to move and a driveway to clear of ruts after a rain

 

[Jim L WA]

Sounds like a back blade and draw bar to start with.

 

[BradMugs]

Ok new information and new question- is my T30 a Catagory 1 - 3 point system. I’d run out and measure it but it’s an hour away.

 

[Ericp351]

Yes- see above. 1st system = 1. John Deere acting sissy/ copy = 2. Itty Bitty for heavy duty Lawn Mowers = 0. Et Cetera.

 

[560Dennis]

One thing I look for is abuse In operation. Welds to the frames in critical areas. Usally the weld are easy to spot cause they are not very good and many times redone. So take a flashlight and wire brush off the crud . Sometimes your have to crawl through the weeds to get to them . Tongue hitch for example ,axle bearings lack of grease . Some of my recommendations. You ll see what I’m talking about as soon as you walk up a few of them after awhile . Take a camera and post them for comments.

 

[Tom H.]

For or tools check eBay for Ferguson wrench. Get 2 if you can find them. The head size is 1-16, and 11/16. Fits all of the bolts on the tractor except the engine, and fit in the tool box in ff of the fuel tank.

 

[BradMugs]

I’ve been doing a lot of reading and Google searches for implements. Most of the ones we are interested in appear to be the 3 point system. One thing I don’t see in the manuals are the measurements for the 3 point system, probably because there was only one at that time. Is there only one standard or can someone give me the range os sizes to look for. I would imagine a width and height of the triangle and +- for off brands.

thanks

 

[BradMugs]

Would a Massey Ferguson model 57 reversible 18” plow work behind a TO-30?

 

[Ericp351]

Hi again. You're overthinking- as stated, get a classic Cat #1- 2 bottom. MANY Ford's and Massey -Ferg's made. Others. If A # 57 (whatever) is that- buy it. If not.... MAYBE you can load the tires, tune the engine, and try a 3 bottom. Better off- do not reinvent the wheel: To 20/ 30= 2 bottom. MF 35 = 2 OR 3 bottom et cetera. All cat 1.

 

[Jim.ME]

The pictures I find of a 57 are of 3 and 4 bottom roll-over plows (first picture). Your son's T(O?)30 will not begin to handle such a plow. Also here are pictures of a one and two bottom plows of the type you should be looking for.

 

[BradMugs]

Hi again. You're overthinking- as stated, get a classic Cat #1- 2 bottom. MANY Ford's and Massey -Ferg's made. Others. If A # 57 (whatever) is that- buy it. If not.... MAYBE you can load the tires, tune the engine, and try a 3 bottom. Better off- do not reinvent the wheel: To 20/ 30= 2 bottom. MF 35 = 2 OR 3 bottom et cetera. All cat 1.

I probably am overthinking it but driving 150 miles each way to see something that is too big, or worse spending money on something that doesn’t fit has me concerned- maybe after we’ve see a few and own some I will stop being worried.

From another reply the 57 is way too big for my tractor

 

[BradMugs]

The pictures I find of a 57 are of 3 and 4 bottom roll-over plows (first picture). Your son's T(O?)30 will not begin to handle such a plow. Also here are pictures of a one and two bottom plows of the type you should be looking for.

View attachment 86589View attachment 86587View attachment 86588

Thank you very much! Very helpful

Again are the Dimensions for a 3 point system the same or what are the ranges I’ll looking for I’d go measure but won’t be there until next week and my kids are working too much to bother right now.

 

[Brian-S]

Thank you very much! Very helpful

Again are the Dimensions for a 3 point system the same or what are the ranges I’ll looking for I’d go measure but won’t be there until next week and my kids are working too much to bother right now.

The Ferguson TO-30 has an industry standard Category-1 3pnt hitch - most 3 point implements you'll come across will be CAT-1 . That said the implements you buy must be within the operating capabilities of the tractor. TO-30s are at the lighter end of the spectrum and many CAT-1 implements are to big. Also keep in mind there are several other hitch sizes - CAT-0, CAT-2, CAT-3 and CAT-4.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-point_hitch

 

[Ericp351]

Mr. Brad- hey man, I'm on your side, JUST get a proven cat 1 . 2 bottom. Done! Like if your wife wants a new 1 qt. measuring cup- just buy a 1 qt. measuring cup and move on! Cool little tractor. Enjoy. @ least 3 men said the same thing, 1 guy with (fine) pictures!

 

[Jim.ME]

Thank you very much! Very helpful

Again are the Dimensions for a 3 point system the same or what are the ranges I’ll looking for I’d go measure but won’t be there until next week and my kids are working too much to bother right now.

Dimensions for standard three-point hitches can be found on the internet, below are a couple examples. The pin and pin hole sizes are standard for each category. Most of the standard lower draft pin width spacing and mast heights given in charts are for implements. Older or homemade implements and attachment dimensions may vary some but in general the tractor arms will accept the variances; pin size is most important. The arm spread of the tractor can vary a few inches from minimum to maximum as they are not fixed, the arms can swing. The top link attaching point on the tractor and the use of a top link allow for mast height variances.

Your son's tractor has a Category 1, 3-point hitch (unless someone has modified it). You need to look for Category 1 implements. Your son's tractor is on the light side so he could have trouble keeping the front wheels on the ground with a heavy implement, like a wide brush hog type mower or disc harrow for a couple. Is it Category 1 is the main question you need answered when looking at an implement. If the seller doesn't know then you can get into dimensions.

 

[BradMugs]

Mr. Brad- hey man, I'm on your side, JUST get a proven cat 1 . 2 bottom. Done! Like if your wife wants a new 1 qt. measuring cup- just buy a 1 qt. measuring cup and move on! Cool little tractor. Enjoy. @ least 3 men said the same thing, 1 guy with (fine) pictures!

I have no problem doing what your saying but I’m not sure I know what your saying. What is a proven cat 1 .2 bottom. I think you’re saying is proven ( one that they say works on a Ferguson tractor). Cat 1 is the pin diameter. Not sure what a 2 bottom is.

problem with my definition of proven is the items I’ve found don’t mention that they work on anything in particular.

as for a 1 qt measuring cup, I’d ask glass,plastic, metal. With or without an oil separator?