Just How Dangerous is the Snap Coupler Arrangement.

Bill VA · Sep 25, 2016

A few posts back, I asked about a WD and in just looking at that tractor, which had a bottom snap coupler and reading about the snap coupler arrangement, I kinda like it. One of the attractions of acquiring/owning a WD or WD45, for me is using/tinkering with snap coupler attachments. I see them come up from time to time - and just like AC WD/WD45 tractors compared to other make tractors, they are a lot of bang for the buck; so are snap coupler implements.

However......

I've read some disturbing posts regarding the snap coupler releasing on the bottom, the implement coupler falling to the ground, digging in and then pivoting up around the two lift arms and hitting, hurting or potentially killing the operator.

My concern is not so much me - because as it presently stands, it's looking like I'm going to be the one cremated, ashes flushed down the toilet and the family dog getting the casket, grave site and tombstone......

My concern is one of my kids getting hurt.

Soooooo - give me a reality check. Is the snap coupler arrangement an accident waiting to happen? If I'm looking for some kind of quick hitch (other than 3pt), should I start looking for a fast hitch IH Farmall?

Thanks!
Bill

BushogPapa · Sep 25, 2016

The "Snap-Coupler " is completely SAFE..as long as the Release Latches are also used on the rear lift arms..

If the "Snap-Coupler" should ever un-couple, the latches drop the implement readily..NO Problem..

Believe me, I have Verified that they work and NEVER had the coupler un-couple unless I was changing implements..

NOW..the WD originally came with NO Snap-Coupler and used a Cross-Pin to attach the Plow, DrawBar, etc... IF that Pin should get loose and fall out...

while Plowing...the Plow will tip up and hit the operator, because the WD Lift Arms were solidly attached to the lift links and would NOT release...

If you have a WD with no Snap-Coupler be SURE the cotter pins are Completely bent and in GOOD condition..OR, buy a "Snap-Coupler ( WITH Lift Latches) and be sure you are safe..!

Ron..

wolfman · Sep 25, 2016

Never heard of any trouble, let alone any accident, with the AC snap coupler. I put in many, many hours on the WD-45 with 3-bottom plow; chopped silage with forage harvester and wagon behind; baled hay with wagon behind; Snap-coupler 3-point and bale spear and carried hundreds of round bales to the cattle. One tough dependable hitch. I had many weights on the 45 and used it on these Pa hillsides. Even took it to a couple county fair dead weight pulls. Did I mention the AC snap coupler is one tough, dependable hitch. Later I had a couple D-17s that I put the SC 3-point on and carried thousand pound round bales to the cattle. Amazingly tough hitches, kind of fool proof.

BushogPapa · Sep 25, 2016

You can find very good 3-point conversions for the WD/WD-45 that snap into the Snap-Coupler and the "Traction Booster will still operate and it makes the tractor even more versatile..

Ron..

wolfman · Sep 25, 2016

I have an original AC snap coupler 3-pt. $1000 won't buy it.

tomstractorsandtoys · Sep 25, 2016

I have heard what you are referring to as well. The answer was a small piece of log chain bolted to the tractor and looped thru the hitch as a safety. It will not in any way interfere with the implement. But like posted below the lift latches should unhook. Tom

JMS/.MN · Sep 25, 2016

Grew up with a WD45 and 3-16 Snap Coupler plow.... started farming in 1972 with a D17 and Snap Coupler plow. Never heard of any unhooking until I came to this board...But, if you had the early WD plow, with the sleeve that slipped over and pinned/bolted to the lift arms, instead of the spring-loaded lift latches, then, yes, if the drawbar pin fell out, the plow could go up onto the operator. The Snap Coupler system is definitely easier/quicker to hook up than a 3ph system.

fastfarmall · Sep 25, 2016

I seen one unhook and dig in the ground at out local plow day, pinned the driver up against the sterring wheel, he's lucky there was a lot of help there, That was on a wD-45, He wrapped a good chain around it, and was back plowing the next year.

Traditional Farmer · Sep 26, 2016

I've used a variety of snap coupler implements rear blade,plows,disks,subsoiler etc and they can come loose the closet call I had was with a sub soiler using it to grub some bushes.Apparently some bushes must have grabbed the chain that works the snap coupler bell release and the tongue of the sub soiler came unhooked flipped the subsoiler up on the rear of the tractor one of the latches came unhooked the other did not.Broke the latch but it still had the piece on the sub soiler that was hooked to it held tight had to take a small sledge hammer and beat it loose.The sub soiler didn't hit right to hit me thankfully.Used a safety chain on all those implements after that.The CA I have now I just use the old style pin and clevis and its more secure than the snap coupler bell hitch.

16-30 oilpull · Sep 26, 2016

they are safe if you don't drive to fast. a 45 will haul a 3 b plow in third gear, but stay in second and if you have big rocks use safety chain.

farmerwithmutt · Sep 26, 2016

Knew of one guy that had a bale mover on a 3 point and only attached at the bottom and it swung like you said and got him in the cab. So it doesn't matter it's all in the operator . The only problem I had with a snap coupler was throwing the drawbar on and when you get to do it every day with one that's been heavily reinforce that's a chore.

Butch(OH) · Sep 26, 2016

Grew up in an area that was heavily A-C and never heard of it until I read it on the internet. That being said I have seen photo documentation of two different accidents and both had snap couplers but no lift latches. I would say that the design is more dangerous now than it used to be due to years of wear and unknowledgeable people using them. Put a new spring in the coupler, use lift latches and be absolutely certain that the coupler release chain has slack in all operating conditions and don't fret it further. Otherwise use a chain as others have advised, doesnt take long to do and solves potential issues.

1206SWMO · Sep 26, 2016

Use a safety chain and you will be OK...In the mid 1960's I was helping a neighbor plow using his WD-45 and 3 bottom plow....He wanted me to pull clear to the fence,lift the plow,and back up so we didn't have to plow the ends out.....One time I pulled to the fence and clutched it..I looked back and the plow was standing straight up in the air...One more foot forward and it would have went over center pinning me to the steering wheel..

Many years ago a guy 20 miles SE of me was disking with a WD-45 and the SC disk come unhooked and got him..He lived but had injuries that bothered him the rest of his life..In the Rich Hill,MO area in the late 1950's a lady was plowing on a WD-45 diesel and the plow came unhooked and killed her..Her husband was in the lead on an identical tractor..

Yes,they can come unhooked so use the safety chain and everything will be OK..Accidents with the snap couplers were mostly few and far between...

maxwell99 · Sep 26, 2016

I had a D14 with snap couple hitch, I checked the hook pins and cotter keys in that hook from time to time as I had heard all those horror stories, make sure to the top lift arm latches had good springs so they would unhook as designed, safety chain is a good idea,

Never had a problem, but all hitches can cause problems,

my friends 3 pt hitch lower arm broke loose at the ball, bush hog when sideways and was crawling up the other side tire after him, before he got it stopped, ruined fender, rear tire and his britches, could have been a total disaster in a few seconds more,

Hard to believe, but this all happens in just a few seconds,
You must crawl under the tractor and look at all connections, hitch arm connections, safety pins etc.

JimIA · Sep 26, 2016

As stated below the snap coupler system is very safe. But as in any system accidents can happen. We teach a class every year at the Orange Spectacular for this reason. I will attach a link for some help.
Snap Coupler

BushogPapa · Sep 26, 2016

Yes, but it will plow more ground on less gas in a day, pulling a 4x14 AC Semi-Mounted plow..

Dad and I could plow 50 acres in one long day with 2 WD-45's with 4x14"...

Agreed, stay in 2nd, 3rd is do-able but is not the best idea, does not plow as well either in 3rd ( with 3 Btm).

Nothing like turning Sod with those AC plows..could go all the way across the field and never break the ribbon of turned soil..!!

Why use a "Safety Chain"..?? If the Lift-Latches are on the Lift arms, they WILL release immediately if it were ever needed..

Loaded tires and maybe some front weights are always a big Plus..!

hd6gtom · Sep 27, 2016

Bill these guys are telling you WRONG. I had a plow come unhooked over 30 years ago, landed on top of me. LIFT ARM LATCHES DID NOT RELEASE. Still suffer terrible back pain 24/7. I still have the tractor and plow but don't use them any more. If you buy it please replace the c shaped spring in the snap coupler latch under the tractor. Alan at R&R Equipment told me they get weak and will not hold the latch in place correctly.

Leroy · Sep 27, 2016

Around me do not atempt a 4 bottom behind a WD45, it will not work. Back in early 60's uncle got sick and was bedridden in spring. Neighbors and church members got together to get spring work done. One church mwmber from about 12 mile away brought his WD45 and that 4 bottom plow that he use at his home, droped it in the ground and could not move it. Tractor sat rest of day and he helped on whatever else he could do. Uncles 70D was eventually taken off manure spreader and put to his 3 bottom plow and was a load. And neighbor across the fence so ground was same could only pull a 3 Bottom with his WD45. Uncle was sold a 3 bottom with the WD he bought new, I never saw him plow with it but a few years later baling for him saw that 3rd bottom laying in junk pile, tractor would not handle it.

Wilberton · Sep 28, 2016

Don't use snap couplers. Take them off and switch to the older pin hitch. I bolt everything on.

BushogPapa · Sep 28, 2016

Well, I guess you truly have some tough soil to plow..

There was only time I used the 3-Bottom and that was in some Black-Jack that got too dry and I wanted to finish it..

I started breaking the Cover-Boards off and leaving Black Rubber on the ground when the tires slipped..!!

Long established Alfalfa and nnalert is no problem at all either..ALWAYS 2nd Gear..

It all came down to "Conditions"
Never any other time have I had to drop the 4x14" and that includes some of the hardest ground you will find..(Yellow Wax and Black Wax)..

I hear from some that they have harder ground to turn, but I very much doubt it.. Maybe that WD-45 didn't have ALL 4 tires Loaded, with more front weight..
Mine will pull so hard, you have to HOLD the Hand Clutch back and that is with ALL of the spacers removed from the Hitch Spring..and still have the front off the ground and STILL in 2nd gear...

The WD=45 will make a Monkey out of mast any tractor smaller that a 620/630 JD and then, not bt much..

It really doesn't make any difference, we have gone way past those days (but I DO still have that outfit)..

BushogPapa · Oct 2, 2016

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG........

USE the Snap-Coupler, can't you understand WHAT we have posted.?

A Snap-Coupler IS SAFE as long as the lift link Latches are used..

IF, for some reason ( or ANY Reason) that "Bolt" would break or come out.you stand a chance ot being killed..

PLAIN and SIMPLE...WAKE UP....

Traditional Farmer · Oct 3, 2016

What do you think holds the snap coupler bell to the tractor? Same 'bolt' as you describe it that holds the plow pictured.And as myself and others have experienced the plows and subsoiler do not always come loose cleanly from the tractor and can in fact injure the driver.

Just How Dangerous is the Snap Coupler Arrangement.

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