Handy Don 16,062 #1 Posted yesterday at 08:41 PM (edited) The mid-hitch on my 854 (pre-Attach-a-Matic) is pesky to operate when mounting the mower deck. Small, awkward levers plus clevis pins to lock closed or open. As well, I’m nearly done adapting a heavy Allis-Chalmers mid-mount grader and I’m concerned that for doing real work the factory hitch might not be strong enough. I have a couple of recent mid-hitches off of 500-series tractors and am contemplating an upgrade! Has anyone gone this route? Would it make more sense to find a way to strengthen the factory hitch? From measuring, I know these are not a direct replacement. The newer hitch’s: - Overall height is ½” less (4.5 vs. 5.0 inches) which moves the “mount point” a half-inch higher (the fore/aft position is the same). To keep the deck happy, I’d cannibalize another pair of side plates to add the ½” to the height. - Right side plate doesn’t have the pivot shaft for the PTO clutch/idler pulley’s support arm. I’d add that. - Clearance to the tie rods might be tight where the locking mechanism juts forward (lengthening of the later frames put more distance between the hitch and tie rods) Edited yesterday at 08:43 PM by Handy Don 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 45,816 #2 Posted yesterday at 08:46 PM (edited) Tried it and the 2 things you mentioned is true. The PTO arm and the tie rod interference (short frame brings the rods closer to the hitch. ) Unless you plan on pounding on some serious hard pack dirt I don't think the normal hitch would be a problem. Edited yesterday at 08:47 PM by squonk 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 11,546 #3 Posted 23 hours ago Different generation WH grader blades had 2 types of mounts. The early mid mount - like a mower deck, and the later that used the Unidrive plow / tiller mount. So, would you rather do a "push" mount or a "pull" one?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
