Fasthitch on SMs/SMTA's

Allen Goodman · Dec 3, 2012

Guys,

Got into a discussion with a guy on Saturday. He has a SMTA with a fasthitch. Asked him who in the area adapted fast hitches because I've seen a half a dozen SM's/SMTA's in the area with fast hitches. He said it was an option. Told him other than a SC that fast hitches weren't put on until the 100 series (200-400's). Who's right?

DeltaRed · Dec 3, 2012

I've seen several MTAs with the fasthitch.I think that was an option.What I dont know(never paid attention) is if theMTA had the 'bosses' on the houseing(like 400/450),or used an 'adapter'plate of sorts.

gene bender · Dec 3, 2012

Correct they werent installed at the factory from what i have read but in the field were installed.

Zachary Hoyt · Dec 3, 2012

I think maybe M+W made adapter plates that fitted to the axle housing bolts.
Zach

D Slater · Dec 3, 2012

Transmission housings are the same casting for a SMTA to 450. SM housings don't have all the bosses they do.
When they came out with the fast hitch for a 400 the transmission top covers were changed to have mounts for some of the fast hitch attaching parts. SMTA top covers dont have the mounting holes.
Second type fast hitch that came out in 1956 didn't use transmission top attaching points and will bolt on to a SMTA.
SMTA made in 1954, hitch that would bolt on to a SMTA without adapters not out until 1956. Doesn't add up that it was a SMTA option.
When dealers started getting fast hitch attachments. Did they install some on SMTA tractors or sell the attachment for the customer to put it on whatever, probably so.

jim warehime · Dec 3, 2012

A guy here in md has a smdta with a fasthitch. It was installed using a adapter kit that was produced by m&w. When the tractor was restored they discovered the kit was made by m&w. Have seen a few smta with the fasthitch and they usually have the m&w style adapter kit. Jim

robgIN · Dec 3, 2012

ours has a fasthitch, I was told IH offered a retrofit kit or attatchment after the 50 series came out to install the hundred series fasthitch on SMTA. Ours was originally just the drawbar like M, SM but was converted sometime in the 50s. I believe it is the 400 style fasthitch that is on it.

Duanes · Dec 3, 2012

DSlater is correct! Had a guy say his SMTAD came out with one on it;however I know where the tractor came from and it did not have one on it.It"s ok he added one it"s his tractor ,but just don"t try to pass off something that"s not accurate ie;Super HTA"s

mkirsch · Dec 3, 2012

It is definitely a retrofit option on an SMTA.

I am unclear as to whether the 400-style hitch was ever "officially" installed on an SMTA. That would require modification/replacement of the transmission top cover or a fabricated bracket.

The 450-style hitch (also used on the 560) is a direct bolt-on without any modifications.

wolfman · Dec 3, 2012

I wish I had all the FARM JOURNAL magazines from late 1953. I'm sure that there was a full page ad of a SMTA-FH. I remember the wierd looking decal. Only months later the 400 was introduced at the Pa farm show. The decal might even have been SMDTA-FH.

Allen Goodman · Dec 3, 2012

Thanks guys. I knew/know you could retro-fit a hitch. This guy is the second one in the area that says they were an option. The first guy, I showed him a plate that was welded on to adapt the hitch. Lucky enough there was another SMTA (at a pull)on site so I could show him the mods. Finally convinced him that at least his was adapted. Still swore it was an option.

CNKS · Dec 4, 2012

My parents took Progressive Farmer. I read all the Farmall ads. In 1953 I was 15. I remember the SMTA ads, and the first ad that came out with the hundred series, when the 100-up had fast hitch. I do not remember a SMTA with fast hitch ad. I did drive one round with one of the first fast hitch SC's the local dealer had. It was loaned to my vo ag teacher for a couple of days when I was a sophmore in high school. My dad never had a fast hitch tractor, I left the farm in 1961, began a tractor hobby in 1998, and got my first fast hitch tractor, 460 HI Utility about 2004.

Ol' Gimpy · Dec 4, 2012

Guys,I"ve read or heard this arguement before.The early Fast Hitch used two hydraulic cylinders,one the raise and lower the hitch bail,the other to tilt/level the hitch,like for plowing.The small cylinder could be removed,and the hitch "Pinned" level.No SM-TA had two remote hydraulic valves available,so how could the early unit be used??? The later "450" type hitch could be installed,as it only needed one control valve,and I think IH offered the Fast Hitch unit as a "Field Attachment",as offered for the late Super A-1 and others.My take?? The Fast Hitch was NOT offered on the SM-TA from the factory,certainly not the early type unit.

wolfman · Dec 5, 2012

My dad had a 1952 Super C with the axle-clamp mower. About 1955, the IH dealer installed a fast hitch on our SC if we bought a FH implement. New 7 ft mower and the fast hitch installed for $360. Big bucks back then. Would be like $3600 now. (Still have the FH C and mower; That rig mowed like 300 acres a year for 25 years til the haybine came to the farm).

Fasthitch on SMs/SMTA's

Allen Goodman

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DeltaRed

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gene bender

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Zachary Hoyt

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D Slater

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jim warehime

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robgIN

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Duanes

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mkirsch

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wolfman

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Allen Goodman

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CNKS

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Ol' Gimpy

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wolfman

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