Introduction
Position tractor square-on to the implement and slowly back the tractor until the drawbar and the implement hitch hole(s) line up.
In this section you’ll learn the basic’s of putting the drawbar into position when attaching a trailed implement onto a tractor. Once the task is completed and you can manoeuvre the machinery and remove the trailed implement for storage.
To attach and remove a trailed implement will first need to perform a visual check of the tractor and implement looking for problems and damage which may have occurred during the previous operating period, this is important and will save you money in the long term.
Hitch the implement
Always adjust the drawbar height as recommended by the operator’s manual. When attaching an implement to the drawbar, use a jack, jack stand, or block to hold the implement tongue at the height of the drawbar. Don’t try to lift heavy equipment by hand it may result in injury.
Position the tractor square-on to the implement and slowly back the tractor until the drawbar hole and implement hitch hole(s) line up. If you have problems aligning the hitch, back the tractor beyond the hitch points with the implement and tractor drawbars in line. Insert the drawbar pin in the implement hitch hole then inch forward or back. When the holes align, the pin will drop into place.
Place the tractor in park and apply the handbrake before dismounting. Place the drawbar pin through the holes. Secure it to prevent it coming out during operation. Use drawbar pins that have a locking device to keep them in place. Never use your fingers to align the holes. Raise or remove any implement supports.
Where there is a shackle or clevis hitch end on the implement drawbar, attach it to the top plate of a similar fitting on the tractor drawbar. If the tractor is fitted with a swinging drawbar, position and lock it in place.
Hitching the implement: Place the draw bar pin through the holes. If holes do not quite align, put the pin in and creep forward or back and it drops into place.
Unhitch and detach the implement
Check the operator’s manual for the implement. Implements are usually stored in the lowered position. Lower all mechanically and hydraulically raised components.
Stop the tractor and place it in park with the handbrake on. If you must uncouple wheel-carried equipment on sloping ground, chock the wheels to prevent it from rolling. If the ground is soft, position a bearing plate (e.g. solid timber) under all support stands. Lower stands or position supports, as many implements are not balanced when unhitched from the tractor. Support the implement drawbar at the correct height so that it is ready for hitching next time. Remove and store drawbar pin.
Working Safely
In addition to the general safety precautions:
Secure the pin with the locking device.
- Take care when attaching and unhitching heavy equipment.
- Ensure operator and assistant are conversant with appropriate hand signals.
- Before attaching or removing any type of implement always consult your operator’s manuals for safe and correct procedures, for both the tractor and implement.
- If possible, always connect and disconnect a trailed implement on flat ground.
- Never try to operate the tractor from the ground when attaching or removing implements.
- Keep assistants clear when tractor is in gear.
- Reverse towards the implement slowly.
- Hitch only to the drawbar..
- Be careful with heavy loads when travelling down hill. Select appropriate gear and trailer loading
- Don’t carry passengers on towed equipment.
- Maintain safe travel speeds.
- Use transport links. (safety chains)
- Put wide machines in transport position.
- Watch the overhead hazards.
- Be careful when making sharp turns.
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