What is a snap coupler?

dmkacb

New User
I saw someone selling a "Snap Coupler" for an Allis Chalmers B tractor. The ad had a photo, but I could not tell how it works, what it is used for or how it attaches to the tractor. Does it attach to the drawbar? Replace the drawbar? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
On a B, it is an option to upgrade to newer implements. The drawbar is reversed and mounted with special brackets. The snap coupler is bolted to the drawbar. The DB is also braced from the crosstube for added support. The rear rockshaft is replaced by one that is similar to the one used on a CA. It uses 2 hydraulic cylinders and has latches mounted on the arms.
The snap couple implements are like a reversed 3 point hitch, where it has 1 point at the bottom and 2 at the top. With the snap coupler, you can back into an implement to latch it, reach back and hook the 2 latches, lift and drive away. You don't have to get off of the tractor to connect or disconnect equipment as you do on a 3 point. Bob
 
Thank you Bob. From what you are describing, it sounds to me like there are other parts that I would need to obtain to go with this as the photo does not show other types of supports or hydraulic cylinders or anything like that. It is just a single piece shaped kind of like a bullet with a yellow label on it that says snap coupler. I saw a separate listing for a snap coupler tool bar which from the photo sounds like it may be the item to either attach the cylinders to or maybe it is the part to brace the DB to the cross tube. Either way it sounds like a fairly expensive proposition to get the complete set up. Thank you again for the information and the education.
 
What would go through the big round hole in the middle? what is the small bolt in front of the round hole for? I"m going to do a Google search to see if I can find a photo of one of these attached to a "B" tractor.
a120632.jpg
 
I may be wrong, but the item in your picture looks like nothing more than part of the snap coupler off a WD45, or maybe a late CA, at least to me.
 
That is the bell for a snap coupler. There should be a spring and hook that also go around the large pin that gose through the big hole. I believe the small bolt is a stop for the hook of the snap coupler. I"m still somewhat new to AC myself, but am so close to finishing my WD45 restoration soon, so don"t quote me on this.

You also may want to check out Agco parts book online. You can check out the parts books for free over there.
 
I have a couple of WD's and a snapcoupler plow and blade. I do not use the snap coupler. I took it off and bolt everything on. I use the old pin-hitch on all my AC equipment. Heard too many stories from the old timers of it "snapping" off and the plow walking up the back tires on top of the driver.

Snap coupler is fine for show, but for a working tractor I bolt it on.
 
The problem came with the snap coupler bell and the old pin style lift arms. The correct lift latches should allow the implement to break clean way from the tractor. either way you'll get the benefit of the traction boost system, you just don't have the convenience of the unhooking.
AaronSEIA
 
I have a snap coupler on mine, but the only implement I have that uses it is the three bottom plow... But I do like it. I do have to get out of the seat to hook it usually (I'm new to it), but it is rather simple for 1 person to do it all, and unhooking is just as simple. Swapping the drawbar is a bit of a pain, but I only put the plow on very rarely so it's not a big deal to me.

And I agree with what Aaron SEIA said, as long as you have the snap coupler bell housing AND the proper snap latch arms (and not pins), you should be okay.
 
Snap coupler was invented and patented by those working at AC. Nothing repeat nothing to do with any ford parts.
 
I had an old D-14 with all kinds of snap couple equipment.

sub soiler, pond scoop, roto baler, two corn drill, 8 ft disc, double disc plow, 2 bottom 14" flat bottom plow, and some other things I can not remember.

but all those years I did realize the danger of that snap couple coming un hooked while using a ground engaging tool. so each time I hooked it up I got under there and checked to be sure the pin was hooked proper and the spring was tight on the hook.

as I heard of a man getting hurt bad by the under belly coming unhooked and the plows coming over on him, hitting him before he even knew anything was wrong, was told the family sold all AC tractors, equipment and bought another brand and they had a lot of equipment, but too dangerous for them.

If I still had that type equipment I guess I would attach sometype safety chain from implement to tractor, around the snap couple, as you do when you hook up your trailer to the back of the pickup.

you only get one chance, my friend broke a lower arm on his fergy 3 pt hitch and the bush hog started crawling up the other side tire after him before he got the tractor stopped. accident ruined both rear fenders, ruined the rear tire and scared the you know what out of him.

guess that is why it is so dangerous to let kids drive our old junk tractors.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top