Abstract: A sway adjustment apparatus includes a casing, a fastener positioned within an interior of the casing, a first seal positioned near a first end of the casing between the fastener and the casing, a second seal positioned near a second end of the casing between the fastener and the casing, a cover positioned at a first end of the fastener, and end member positioned at a second end of the fastener. A first set of external threads on the fastener cooperate with internal threads in the casing. The first set of external threads and the internal threads are positioned between the first seal and the second seal. Rotating the fastener in a first direction extends the fastener from the casing. Rotating the fastener in a second direction retracts the fastener into the casing. The end member maintains the position of the fastener within the casing.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a first ground-engaging implement and a second ground-engaging implement connected to a chassis. The first ground-engaging implement moves within a first movement envelope with respect to the chassis, and the second ground-engaging implement moves within a second movement envelope with respect to the chassis. A lift arm is connected to the chassis and positioned between the first and second ground-engaging implements. The lift arm moves along a range of movement between a raised position and a lowered position. The lift arm is entirely positioned outside both of the first movement envelope and the second movement envelope within the entire range of movement between the raised position and the lowered position, such that the lift arm is permitted to move along the entire range of movement between the raised position and the lowered position without abutting the first movement envelope or the second movement envelope.

Abstract: A coupling device for attaching a power lift of a tractor to an attachment includes a link mounting region having coupling units for the articulation of an upper link and two lower links of the power lift, and an apparatus mounting region for fixing the attachment. A coupling unit assigned to the upper link is movable in a translatory manner in a vertical direction running perpendicular to a transverse direction. The coupling units are movably disposed on a device base of the coupling device, and the coupling units assigned to the two lower links are movable in a translatory manner in the transverse direction.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a tow bar assembly for towing the implement with a towing vehicle. The tow bar assembly includes a tow bar mounted to a part of the implement by a first pivot bearing so as to be pivotable about a first vertical axis. The tow bar assembly includes an arm parallel with and spaced vertically below the tow bar. The arm is attached to the part of the implement by a second pivot bearing so as to be pivotable about a second vertical axis that is coaxially located with the first vertical axis.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a lower link of a three-point hitch of a tractor, includes a first stabilizer element and a second stabilizer element, which is supported so it can move with spring action relative to the first stabilizer element along a common longitudinal axis. A first limiting member is connected with the first stabilizer element, which in a closed position forms a first stop which interacts with the second stabilizer element to limit compression movement between the two stabilizer elements. A second limiting member between the two stabilizer elements forms a second stop to limit the compression movement relative to a corresponding end stop of the stabilizer when the first limiting member is brought into an opened position.

Abstract: An implement hitch is disclosed for a tractor, wherein the hitch is fitted with a mechanism for stabilising lateral movement of lifting arms of the hitch. The lifting arms are raised and lower by respective hydraulic cylinders. The stabilising mechanism has a locking pin that is automatically retracted to an unlocked position by means of a flexible linkage when the lifting arms are in a lowered position. In the invention, the opposite end of the flexible linkage from the locking pin is connected to an anchoring point provided on the hydraulic cylinder serving to raise and lower one of the lifting arms.

Abstract: Stabilizer for a lower draft link of a three-point hitch of a tractor, the stabilizer comprising a first stabilizer member and a second stabilizer member which is movably connected to the first stabilizer member by a spring-loaded centering mechanism, wherein the second stabilizer member can be rotated with regard to the first stabilizer member to modify the overall length of the stabilizer. A locking bracket is pivotally connected to the first stabilizer member for blocking a rotation between the stabilizer members by engaging the locking bracket with a blocking groove formed in a circumference of the second stabilizer member. Furthermore, a locking cover is provided for disabling a movement between the stabilizer members in a closed position.

Abstract: A stabilizer (1) for a link of a three-point suspension system of an agricultural tractor has at least one telescope (8) consisting of a tube (5) and a piston (6). Said tube and piston are coupled elastically by at least one spring (7) and can be adjusted in length by means of threads (12, 13). At least one retaining clip (15) which can engage over an abutment (17) is held pivotably on the tube (5). To increase the load-bearing capacity of the stabilizer (1), the stop surfaces (18) of the retaining clip (15) are connected in a tensionproof manner by means of at least one bridge (30). Said bridge (30) engages over the outer side of at least one contact surface of the abutment (17) by means of the stop surface (18).

Abstract: A stabilizer (1) for a link of a three-point suspension system of an agricultural tractor has at least one telescope (8) consisting of a tube (5) and a piston (6). Said tube and piston are coupled elastically by at least one spring (7) and can be adjusted in length by means of threads (12, 13). At least one retaining clip (15) which can engage over an abutment (17) is held pivotably on the tube (5). To increase the load-bearing capacity of the stabilizer (1), the stop surfaces (18) of the retaining clip (15) are connected in a tensionproof manner by means of at least one bridge (30). Said bridge (30) engages over the outer side of at least one contact surface of the abutment (17) by means of the stop surface (18).

Abstract: A swivel drawbar hitch has a first cradle having a first pivot mechanism located ahead of a connection between a drawbar and the swivel drawbar hitch, the swivel drawbar hitch further including an elongated second cradle coupled to the first cradle and further having a second pivot mechanism, the first cradle pivotable about a horizontal axis of the swivel drawbar hitch, the elongated second cradle pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the swivel drawbar hitch.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing at least two lift arms on a tractor has a center portion disposed below the power take-off of the tractor. A plurality of angled legs connect to and extend downwardly from the lift arms. A space is formed by the angled legs to allow for connection of an implement to the PTO of the tractor.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing at least two lift arms on a tractor of the present disclosure has a center plate disposed below the power take-off of the tractor. A plurality of angled legs connect to and extend downwardly from the lift arms and adjustably connect to the center plate. A space is formed by the angled legs to allow for connection of an implement to the PTO of the tractor.

Abstract: A three point hitch for a work machine includes a first and a second draft link each having a mounting end portion and a free end portion opposite the mounting end portion. Mounting end portion being mounted to a first side of a work machine to allow upward and downward pivotal movement of the free end portion beside an upwardly and downwardly extending fixed structural element of the work machine. Mounting end portion of the second draft link being mounted to a second side of the work machine opposite the first side to allow upward and downward pivotal movement of the free end portion of the second draft link. A sway restrictor mounts on the free end portion of the first draft link and restricts sideward swaying thereof toward and away from the structural element. A counterweight for use with the three point hitch is interchangeable with a fluid motor.

Abstract: The sway restrictor includes a bracket attachable between the draft link or arm and an adjacent upwardly and downwardly extending structural element of a work machine, and is operable for substantially restricting or preventing relative sideward movement therebetween, particularly swaying of the hitch, while allowing relative upward and downward movements thereof, including tilting movements.

Abstract: A sway block for a three-point hitch of an agricultural implement has a frame for supporting a tow hook; and the frame in turn has two substantially parallel right-angle plates. A respective pair of levers is hinged to each right-angle plate by pins; and each pair of levers is associated with a respective lock member operated from above by an operator using an actuating mechanism. The sway block performs the dual function of preventing sway and supporting a tow member.

Abstract: A sway block for a three-point hitch of an agricultural implement has a frame for supporting a tow hook; and the frame in turn has two substantially parallel right-angle plates. A respective pair of levers is hinged to each right-angle plate by pins; and each pair of levers is associated with a respective lock member operated from above by an operator using an actuating mechanism. The sway block performs the dual function of preventing sway and supporting a tow member.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural tool carrier has a lifting carriage mounted between the front and rear sets of wheels. A tool bar adapter is mounted to the lifting carriage below the frame for connection to a tool bar that supports planting and cultivating equipment. Laterally spaced-apart stabilizing legs are rigidly mounted to the frame and extend downward along opposite sides of the lifting carriage. The tool bar has a pair of braces, each of which engages a support member on a lower portion of each of the stabilizing legs to restrain the tool bar against lateral movement. Causing the carriage to lift raises the tool bar and disengages the braces from the support members.

Abstract: The sway restrictor includes a bracket attachable between the draft link or arm and an adjacent upwardly and downwardly extending structural element of a work machine, and is operable for substantially restricting or preventing relative sideward movement therebetween, particularly swaying of the hitch, while allowing relative upward and downward movements thereof, including tilting movements.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an attachment for a tractor is disclosed. The hitch has a frame having a top member and a bottom member. The top and bottom members are joined together by a pair of side members forming a structure with an orifice. Each of the top and bottom members are hollow in a cross section, as are each of the side members so that a fluid contained in the members can flow from one member to another.

Abstract: A wear pad on a linkage of a work machine is disclosed. The linkage includes a first and a second linkage member in a telescoping relationship. The wear pad includes a first end having a first thickness and a second end having a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. The wear pad also includes a flat wear face configured to slidably interface with the first linkage member. A fixed surface has a bore formed therein. The bore is configured to receive an attachment member to securely attach the wear pad to the second linkage member.

Abstract: A tracking hitch assembly couples to the drawbar of the tractor in a conventional manner. To prevent the hitch from pivoting with respect to the drawbar, the hitch includes an adjustable hitch stabilizer which engages the lift arms of the tractor. When a pivoting force is exerted against the hitch, one lift arm is placed in tension, and the other lift arm is placed in compression. Thus the hitch is prevented from pivoting with respect to the drawbar.

Abstract: For use in landmine clearing, a hitch system providing backup with anti-jack knife and anti-dive, the system includes a hitch assembly and a roller assembly. The hitch assembly has a hinge axis housing containing a hinge shaft and a connector shaft housing containing a stop block having a first side that engages a flat region on the hinge shaft and a second side that engages a biasing spring that is held in the connector shaft housing using an end cap. The roller assembly includes a roller frame that is rigidly mechanically coupled to the hinge shaft. The biasing spring is selected to provide a compressive bias to the stop block such that the roller assembly selective rotates about the hinge axis housing when the roller assembly is subjected to a landmine detonation, and such that rotation of the hinge shaft is prevented during normal forward, reverse, and turning maneuvers.

Abstract: A three point hitch for a cart-type utility vehicle wherein the utility vehicle comprises a vehicle frame that includes an axle housing and an upper frame cross member. The three point hitch comprises a pair of spaced apart lower draft links, each pivotally mounted to the axle housing and extending rearward, the lower draft links having connection features at free ends thereof for connecting to an implement. A beam extends in a lateral direction parallel to the upper frame cross member. A rockshaft extends parallel to the beam and is pivotally connected to the beam. A lift bracket is fixedly connected to the rockshaft. Two upper links are fixedly connected to the rockshaft and extend rearward, the upper links located above the lower draft links. Two vertical links connect the upper links and the lower draft links. Endplates are fixedly connected to the beam and are connected to the vehicle frame by pins that also are used to pivotally connect a cargo box or platform to the frame.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is mounted on a frame of an agricultural tractor. The hitch assembly includes a pair of draft links pivotally mounted on the frame, a drawbar support fixed to the frame between the draft links, and a pair of sway blocks fixed to opposite sides of the frame. Each sway block has an upper end fixed to a side of the frame and extends generally downwardly to a lower free end. The lower free end of each sway block is positioned below a plane defined by a bottom surface of the drawbar support. Each sway block is preferably tapered from a wider front side to a narrower rear side to form an inner surface which faces inwardly and rearwardly. A wedge plate is mounted beneath the drawbar support. The plate extends generally laterally from a left end surface to a right end surface, and each end surface is slanted in order to matingly engage the inner surface of a corresponding one of the sway blocks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for connecting a device or implement to a tractor wherein the tractor is equipped with a conventional three-point hitch. The apparatus includes a frame having a top member and a bottom member, which are joined together by a pair of side members. Each side member is adapted to be pivotably connected to a hydraulic lift arm of a tractor and the top member is adapted to be pivotably connected to a top arm of a tractor. Each of said side members further adapted to be pivotably connected to a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is adapted to be pivotably connected to said tractor. The stabilizer bars prevent lateral movement and upward movement of the frame when the frame is connected to a tractor.

Abstract: A strut is provided for a three-point hitch device used to attach farm implements to an agricultural tractor. The strut is substantially symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis of symmetry, and has a system for adjusting its length along the axis. The adjusting system has fast, discrete length adjustment devices, and two infinite length adjustment devices. The two infinite length adjustment devices are located on opposite sides of a dividing member positioned crosswise to the axis of the strut.

Abstract: A draft link of an agricultural tractor three-point hitch has a recessed pocket on the inside surface thereof. The recessed pocket has a convex back wall surface with a center of curvature. A bumper is disposed in the pocket and has a concave inner surface complementary to the convex back wall surface of the pocket. The convex outer surface of the bumper is eccentric to the convex back wall surface of the pocket resulting in a wedge shaped bumper. The bumper is rotatable in the pocket about the center of curvature. The position of the bumper in the pocket determines the extent to which the eccentric outer surface projects from the pocket. This projection determines the amount of lateral sway of the draft link.

Abstract: A side strut (5) for a lower steering arm of a tractor has a single-action hydraulic cylinder and a setting unit with a hollow cylinder (17) and an adjustable setting element 20. The setting element (20) includes a threaded bore (30) which receives a threaded rod (32). The hydraulic cylinder has a first attaching element (6) to connect to a tractor. The threaded rod (32) has a second attaching element (7) to connect a lower steering arm. In the fully moved-out position of the hydraulic cylinder, the setting element (20) is rotatable by an actuating lever (33). Thus, the threaded rod (32) moves in and out. To prevent any rotation, a first holding element (36) is provided. The actuating lever (33) engages the holding element in a rest position.

Abstract: A wedge shaped bumper for the draft link of a tractor three point hitch is adjustable along the length of the draft link and has a concave curved surface in the longitudinal plane of the draft link. The longitudinal curve allows the bumper to be shorter in length than a flat surfaced wedge bumper while providing the same change in thickness. The bumper mounts to the draft link in a longitudinal channel formed by upper and lower walls on the draft link having tapered engagement surfaces to transmit vertically loading from the bumper to the draft link without shear loading of the bumper mounting bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stabilizing the two lower steering arms (1) of a tractor. The lower steering arms (1) can be actuated by a hydraulic power lift (9). Each lower steering arm (1) is associated with a side strut (6) which includes a single-acting hydraulic cylinder (7) to stabilize and secure the lower steering arm (1). A pre-selection valve (12) and a control valve (13) enable the hydraulic cylinders to be connected to the power lift (9) either via a line or loaded separately by a second pressure source (P2). Thus, independently of the actuation of the power lift (9), the two lower steering arms can be centrally centered by the hydraulic cylinders (7).

Abstract: A device for stabilizing the two lower steering arms (1) of a tractor, with the lower steering arms (1) actuated by a hydraulically operated power lever (9). The arms are each associated with a side strut (6) with a first single-acting hydraulic cylinder (7) for stabilizing and fixing purposes. A line connection between the first single-acting hydraulic cylinders (7) and the power lever (9) can be effected by a control valve (13). In order to center the lower steering arms (1) and set the arm to a pre-determined dimension of spread, even when no implement is attached, the line (14) which leads to the second single-acting hydraulic cylinder (10) of the power lever (9) contains a pressure-controlled first return valve. A bypass line (21) with a second return valve (22) is provided to lock in the direction opposite to that of the first return valve.

Abstract: A device for mechanically establishing the lowest point a three-point tractor hitch can sink to. The device comprises a modified chain which is attached at both ends to the towed implement near where the lift arms are attached to the implement. The chain's middle portion is draped over and adjustably attached to the top link, with the result that as the lift arms are lowered the chain draws taut and prevents the lift arms from sinking any lower.

Abstract: A side strut (5) for a lower steering arm (1) of a tractor has a single action hydraulic cylinder (9) whose piston (12) includes first attaching means (6) to be connected to the rear of the tractor. The strut (5) also has a telescopic unit (10) and a setting unit (11). The hydraulic cylinder (9), the telescopic unit (10) and the setting unit (11) are arranged, one behind the other on a longitudinal axis (20). The setting unit serves to achieve a categorical setting and the telescopic unit (10) serves to offset the change in the length of the side strut (5) when the lower steering arm is deflected sideways.

Abstract: An implement-positioning apparatus used on an implement-towing vehicle such as a tractor includes a draft arm, a lift link, and a mechanism coupling the arm and the link together. The mechanism selectively permits floating arm movement (and therefore floating implement movement) relative to the link. In the improvement, the mechanism includes a clevis-like attachment member fixed on the link and having two arms, each with a slot extending therealong. A pivot-mounted selection member is coupled to the attachment member by a pin through the slots and moves between a first position engaging the attachment member and a second position away from the attachment member. When the selection member is in the second position, the pin is free to move along the slots and thereby permit the draft arm and the implement coupled thereto to "float" and, within limits set by the length of the slots, seek its own elevation under the urging of external forces.

Abstract: A work vehicle for carrying an implement and for tranversing both on-road and off-road surfaces is disclosed. The vehicle has a longitudinal centerline, a left side and a right side. The vehicle includes a frame, a hitch mounted upon the frame for coupling an implement to the vehicle, a moveable ground support device disposed at each side of the vehicle and associated with the frame, and an adjusting apparatus. The hitch allows lateral movement, or sway, with respect to the frame. The moveable ground support devices elevate and support the frame with respect to the surface and allow traversing of the frame with respect to the surface. The adjusting apparatus includes a cam follower coupled to the hitch and a cam coupled to the frame. The cam has a full sway surface, at least one partial sway surface and a substantially no sway surface.

Abstract: A stabilizing device comprising a rigid anti-sway roller journalled about a wear axle is mounted on an agricultural tractor. The device provides a rigid stabilizing opposing force between the draft links and the rear structure of the tractor, while allowing the draft links to be easily raised and lowered. The device also includes a special assembly whereby the stabilizing force can be varied by adjusting the distance between the roller and the rear structure. The adjustment is accomplished by rotation of a nut on a connecting bolt or rotation of a threaded bolt thus eliminating the need for adjustment shims.

Abstract: A lifting rod for the lower steering arm of a tractor, at the ends of the lifting rod, has connecting elements in the form of a connecting yoke 6 and a ball joint 7. The connecting yoke 6, via a threaded rod 9, is threaded into a threaded bore 10 of a tubular rod element 11. The rod element 11 is received in the housing bore 21 of the housing 8 and is movable along the longitudinal axis 17. The rod element 11 and the housing 8 are able to assume two different positions relative to one another, with the lifting rod length being fixed in one of the two positions. In the other position, both may assume a floating relationship relative to one another.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is disclosed for use with endless track land vehicles that allows an implement mounted by a three-point hitch arrangement up to about 15 degrees arcing movement off the longitudinal axis oriented in the direction of travel of the land vehicle. A pivotal mounting means is connected to two horizontal arms which are joined at the rear by another member. The mounting means and connecting arms form a four-sided polygonal structure which can be raised or lowered by a hydraulic ram since the arms are pivotally connected at the corners. Finally, a telescoping linkage assembly, after the hitch assembly has been raised through 75 percent of its travel, urges the implement mounting means on the rear vertical connecting arm into a common, pre-selected travel position.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch having a body, the body connected to a first vehicle at a central point about which the body is rotatable. The body also includes a radially offset connecting point at which the body is rotatably connected to a second vehicle. The rotatable connections of the body to the first and second vehicles accomodates vertical offset between one or more links connecting the vehicle. The arc of rotation of the body may limited by a pair of protruding stops.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for a work vehicle, such as an agricultural tractor, includes a pair of mounting brackets, a rocker pivotally mounted on the brackets, a pair of draft links secured to the brackets, a pair of actuators coupled between the brackets and the rocker and a pair of lift links coupled between the rocker and the draft links. The mounting brackets are generally C-shaped unitary structures that include a rocker support, an actuator support and a draft link support, preferably all lying within a common plane, permitting forces to be transmitted to the bracket and to the vehicle with a minimum of lateral bending stress. The brackets are preferably identical to one another and include mounting pads on both sides, permitting the brackets to be interchangeably mounted on either the left or the right side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for use with a pair of tractor lift arms for selectively detachably attaching implements to the tractor. The hitch apparatus includes a pair of hook members that are detachably attached to the lift arms of the tractor. A spreader bar extends between the hook members and functions to both attach the hook members to the lift arms and to retain the hook members apart from one another at a preselected distance. A safety arm is pivotally connected to the hook members and is biased via a spring in a first position over the hook mouth for preventing an implement shaft from exiting the hook, or in a second position whereat the implement mounting shaft can easily be inserted or withdrawn from the hook mouth.

Abstract: A row sensing wand triggers a power cylinder to move the upstanding vertical members of a U-shaped guidance frame left or right to move the lift arms of a three-point hitch on which a cultivator is mounted for maintaining it in alignment with the row crops being cultivated. The guidance frame is movably mounted on a guide tube connected to the tractor drawbar.

Abstract: A side strut 6 for the lower steering arm of a three-point attaching device of a tractor is telescopic and has a first telescopic member 14 and a second telescopic member 15 which are able to carry out relative movements relative to one another along an adjustment axis 16. A locking pawl 19 may allow maximum possible relative movement or a limited amount of travel. Complete locking is also possible. For setting the various positions which the locking pawl 19 is able to assume relative to the telescopic members 14, 15, a fixing device 31 is provided which takes account of the respective stop regions 24, 30 for the locking pawl 19 or which, for the purpose of allowing the entire relative movement between the maximum limits, may be disengaged from the locking stops 23. This measure, in addition to permitting standard adjustment within the limits of the usual floating movement, allows a limited floating movement. Furthermore, it achieves complete locking and fixing in this position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side strut (6) for the lower steering arm of a three-point hitch of a tractor. Locking catches (24, 25) are provided to cancel the floating position which the two telescopic members (14, 15) of the side strut 6 may assume relative to each other. The catches (24, 25) lock the members via locking contours (29, 30) of a locking recess 28, which surround and secure to a locking journal (31). The two locking catches (24, 25) are arranged at the sides of the telescopic members (14, 15). The locking catches have their pivot axis of the articulated journal (27) the points of contact between the locking contours (29, 30) and the locking journals (31), in a locked position, positioned on a connecting line. The line extends parallel to the sliding axis (16) and through the pivot axis of the ball eye (13). In this way, it is ensured that the locking catches (24, 25) and also the side strut (6), together, are not subject to any bending moments resulting from any tensile or compressive forces.

Abstract: An adapter for enabling a tractor having a three point hitch to pull an implement designed for connecting to a sleeve hitch. The adapter comprises a frame with two parts, one part attachable to a three point hitch and a second part having a hole for receiving a pin to connect the adapter to the bracket of an implement. Two bolts, one on either side of the hole for the connecting pin, can be turned to threadingly engage the bracket and thereby prevent rotation of the implement about the pin. The three points of the adapter to which the tractor attaches are two spaced apart, coaxial bars and a member with a throughhole in it, located above and between the two bars, all connected to the frame.

Abstract: A horizontal guidance control system for a standard three point tractor hitch is disclosed. The system employs the use of a manual control element which actuates a pair of hydraulic cylinders contained in a pair of hydraulic adjusters. The control element causes the extension of one cylinder and the retraction of the other cylinder, thereby causing controlled horizontal movement of a pair of pull links of the tractor hitch.

Abstract: A hitch guidance mechanism for an agricultural vehicle having a pair of movable draft links for coupling to an implement and having a pair of brackets attached to the rear end of a frame of the vehicle. The brackets are positioned above and on opposite sides of a PTO shaft which projects from the frame. Pivot arms are pivotally suspended from the brackets. Left and right sway block supports are pivotally coupled to the lower ends of the pivot arms. The sway block supports are rigidly interconnected to each other by a rectangular plate and an adjustable length rod. A pair of sway blocks slidably engage the draft links and are adjustably fixable to the sway block supports. An actuator is coupled between the frame and one of the sway block supports for controlling lateral movement of the sway block supports, the sway blocks and the draft links.

Abstract: A mechanism for coupling a mower deck to a powered vehicle and having push arms pivotally connected to the vehicle between the front wheels of the vehicle and coupled to the front portion of the deck for pushing the deck in front of the vehicle. A member or outrigger extends outwardly from the rear of one of the push arms and supports a rear side portion of the deck and thereby establishes a pivot point for the deck outwardly from the rear of the push arm such that as the opposite side of the deck rides over a bump in the ground the side of the deck carried by the member or outrigger will not dip an undesirable amount.

Abstract: A tractor includes front wheels and rear wheels. A three-point hitch connects a yoke to the tractor. The yoke is stabilized by stabilizer arms which are connected under the rear tractor axles and to the frame of the tractor forward of the rear tractor axles. The stabilizer arms lock up the yoke so that it is rigidly fixed to the tractor when an earth working implement tilling the soil is stressing the yoke. The stabilizer arms are connected to the yoke by chain links which permit the yoke to be raised and lowered by the three-point hitch, but which prevent any lateral movement or flexibility to the yoke. This rigidity in part is by having the chain link connection of each stabilizing link straddle the connection of the three-point hitch to the yoke. In addition, the two stabilizing arms are connected by a cross brace which is bolted in place. The cross brace may be unbolted in the event a power takeoff shaft is to be used, which would otherwise be blocked by the cross brace.

Abstract: A three point hitch mounted on the rear of a pick up truck has a pair of lift draft arms connected to a hay bale carrier. Pivot connections having upright pivot pins attach the lift draft arms to a transverse shaft allowing the lift draft arms to be folded adjacent each other below the rear bumper of the truck. Crank arms secured to opposite end of the shaft are connected to hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies. The piston and cylinder assemblies are operable to rotate the shaft to selectively raise and lower the lift draft arms and bale carrier mounted thereon.