| TOP ROCKSHAFT DESIGN WITH ADJUSTABLE LIFT LINKAGES |
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The two lift linkages have built-in floataion for implements to follow ground contour. Floatation can be locked out by inserting the two lock-out pins. Each linkage also has a screw adjustment for implements to ride level when raised. The levelling feature is usually made one time or can come in handy with specialized applications. Note that the screw adjustment can also slightly raise or lower the lift height but this is intended to use regularly. Details on the vertically adjustable main frame to adjust lift height follow.
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| ADJUSTABLE LOWER ARM SPREAD |
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The top rockshaft design also allows the lower lift arm spread to adjust. More implements can be used on one hitch. For example, Category-2 implements have wider hook-up points than Cat-1 implements and our Cat-2 hitches will adjust to hook-up both. The Cat-3 hitches also hook-up both Cat-3 and Cat-2 implements. (See hitch specifications for complete details.) This is also a handy feature with smaller implements, since some have stud pins and others have clevis-type hook-up points. While these features make our hitches user-friendly, standard Quick Hitches can also be used, but is not required.
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| NO-SWAY STABILIZER |
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One unique feature of front hitches is that front implements (usually) should have no side-sway for controllability. Our stabilizer mechanism is a truely exceptional design that allows the arms to adjust for implement hook-up (as discussed above) and allows no side-sway once the implement is connected. Stabilizer bars connect each lower lift arm to the center stabilizer yoke. There are no loose pins or sliding mechanisms. With machined ball ends on each end of the stabilizer bars, this is a strong and practical design that offers exceptional strength and wearability. Versatility is superior. Wearability is second only to other rigid and bulky designs don't move much. A special limited-sway stabilizer is available for use with guidance systems.
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| LIFT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT |
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Our hitches accomodate 2WD, FWD and 4WD tractors, high-clearance "mudder" and low-profile "orchard" tractors or row crop and utilty tractors equally well. The vertical hitch frame adjustment allows the hitch to be raised or lowered to correctly set lift height. This accomodates the various front tire sizes on these different tractor configurations. The hitch can also be raised higher than "standard" for some specialized applications. Front spray booms, for example, can be raised higher for more clearance.
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| LIFT CYLINDERS & CONNECTIONS |
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Larger models have two hydraulic lift cylinders and smaller models (for tractors under 65 hp) have one lift cylinder. Hydraulic fittings are furnished with the cylinders and the two-cylinder models have connecting hoses up to the tee. Lift cylinders are connected to one hydraulic outlet on the rear of the tractor. Some tractors may have mid or front-mounted outlets that can be used. Power-beyond valves can also be used. Cylinders are double-acting and the hitch can be connected for lift- only or with down pressure. As standard equipment, fitting and breathers are provided for lift only and a single long hydraulic hose is connected to the outlet. For down pressure, simply replace the breathers with connections to a second hydraulic hose connected to the same outlet. We can furnish down pressure connections upon request. The long hydraulic hoses and matching couplers are not included and usually obtained locally.
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| TOP LINK & LIFT ACTION |
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As on rear hitches, the top link is screw-adjustable to adjust implement pitch. Our top links are not too short to optimize lift range and lifting power at the higher end of the lift range. Like the top link, the lower lift arms are the right length to position implements close to the tractor and have effective lifting range and lifting power. The lower arm pivot points are positioned slightly under the front of the tractor, whenever possible, for a compact fit.
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| INTEGRATED & COMPACT |
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We have always featured hitch mounting brackets that fit over the front axle. The strength is built into our heavy over-axle mounting frames with no bulky under-axle framework. This avoids reducing the underbelly clearance and offers the best integration with the tractor. Note that over-axle mounting is not always possible, notably for smaller tractors that have no side frames and some newer "contoured" tractor frames. In such cases, the mounting assembly is placed under the front axle for practicality.
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| INTERCHANGABLE DESIGN |
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Our hitches can be installed on many different brands and models of tractors. You can often "transfer" Buckeye hitches when upgrading to a (reasonably) similar-sized tractor, same brand or not. Hitch Mounting Frames are uniquely designed for every tractor model (or series). We do not offer "will fit" mounting hardware, which is generally impractical and can otherwise sacrifice design integrity. When mounting the hitch on a new or different tractor, simply change the Mounting Frame (usually) without buying a whole new hitch. A wide selection of Mounting Frames are available for over 500 tractors - from the newest models to many made since 1960.
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| RUGGED AND DEPENDABLE |
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We have had many comments on how we have "plenty of iron" in our hitches. The weight of the hitch generally replaces about two-thirds of the weight of a full set of front weights. If anything, a hitch can be doing more on front than a set of "dead" front weights. Machined and welded ball joints, alloy pivot pins and engineering with integrity without wasted iron are less-easily-seen features that put our hitches to work for years of dependable service. Expect the front hitch to last as long as the tractor does.
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