If you’re confused about which category of 3-point hitch you need for your miniature universal 3-point adapter, we’re here to help. In this article we’ll take a brief look at the three points, how they’re classified, and how you can tell which category will fit your attachments.
What is a three-point hitch?
A three-point hitch is the most common way to attach tractor attachments to the back of a tractor. Common tractor attachments that use three-point hitches are plows, harrows, and mowers.
As the name suggests, a 3-point hitch uses three points of contact to couple with the tractor. These three points form a triangle, which allows the accessory to be kept in a fixed position in relation to the tractor.
Hydraulic adjustments
On modern tractors, the height of a 3-point hitch can be adjusted hydraulically. This will allow you to set certain fixtures at the correct angles and depths, as well as lift them completely off the ground for transport.
The height of the two lower hitch arms can normally be raised hydraulically, but will be lowered by gravity rather than hydraulic power. The reason three-point hitches cannot be hydraulically lowered is to reduce the possibility of the tractor operator hydraulically pushing the three-point attachment into the ground, which would raise the rear end of the tractor and lower traction on the ground.
A valve is usually fitted to the tractor to control the speed at which the 3-point hitch is lowered to the ground.
What are the three point attachment categories?
3-point hooks are divided into five different categories, numbered from zero to four. Although the design of each 3-point hitch category is the same, the sizes of the hitch pins and the bottom hitch clearance vary by category.
Each 3-point hitch category is designed for a specific tractor power range, with category zero being the lowest power and category 4 being the highest.
Attachment of 0 to 3 category points
Horsepower
Category 0 three-point hitches are designed for smaller subcompact tractors with a total drawbar power of less than 20 hp.
Hitch Pin Diameter/Bottom Hitch Spacing
The lower links as well as the upper link pin diameter measure 5/8 inch. The bottom hitch spacing is set to 20 inches.
Category 1 – 3-point attachment
Horsepower
A Category 1 hitch is the next size up and is used on compact tractors with 20 to 45 horsepower. Category 1 instruments are very common in size.
Snap pin diameter/bottom space between snaps
A Category 1 hitch has different hitch pin diameters for the top and bottom link. The top link will measure 3/4 inch, while the bottom hitch pins are larger at 7/8 inch. The lower hitch clearance is also increased to 28 inches.
Category 2 – 3-point attachment
Horsepower
3-point hitches that fall into category 2 are designed for tractors with a power of 40 to 100 horsepower. This is built heavier than Category 1 and is intended for heavier equipment.
Diameter of the hook/bottom space between the hook
The upper link hitch pin diameter on Category 2 hitches measures 1 inch, while the lower hitch pins are slightly larger at 1 1/8 inches. The distance between the bottom hooks is 34 inches.
Category 3 – 3-point attachment
Horsepower
Category 3 3-point hitches are designed for tractors with 80 to 225 horsepower.
hitch pin diameter/bottom hitch spacing
The upper link pin diameter is 1 1/4 inch while the lower link pin diameter is 1 7/16 inch. The bottom link snap spacing is set to 40 inches.
Category 4 – 3-point attachment
Horsepower
A category 4 three-point hitch is designed for tractors from 180 to 400 hp.
Hinge Pin Diameter/Bottom Hinge Space
The upper link pin diameter is 1 3/4 inches while the lower link pin diameter is 2 inches. The bottom link spacing is set to 48 inches.
Using three-point hitches with your minicar
Being able to use a tractor implement with the miniature can get you out of a jam when the tractor is down, or if you just need to move equipment while the tractor is running.
Our solutions for this is a miniature 3-point adapter. This is a simple accessory that has a miniature quick connect on one side and a 3-point hitch on the other side. Once you have this attachment attached to your skid steer, you can easily attach your tractor implements and use or move them as needed.
Most miniature 3-point adapters will come in Category 1 or Category 2 sizes, as these categories cover the most common miniature power ranges.
conclusion
Now that we’ve taken a look at what determines the category of a 3-point hitch, you should be able to easily size your implements and determine what size 3-point hitch you’ll need. You can check out our collection of miniature three-point adapters here!
These guidelines will work with both miniature adapters and tractors. If you need more information about 3-point hitches, contact us today!
