Hitch for Hesston 1363 Swather

sandel · Jun 7, 2017

Recently purchased a new Hesston 1363 disc mower/conditioner. It came with a hitch arrangement which requires fitting an
extension on the tractor drawbar which the machine hitch connects to. But the machine hitch is also a conventional clevis type
arrangement so you can connect to the drawbar in the normal manner. My question is how important is it to use the drawbar
extension? It is a P in the A to use so is it critical to the machine operating correctly and more importantly, should a person
expect dire consequences from not using it? Thanks.

Brendon-KS · Jun 9, 2017

The extension is there for several reasons. Most importantly, it provides more tire clearance when turning - without it the tongue would get into the tire pretty quick. It also creates a means to reduce slop in the hitch. The extension is adjusted to fit the tractor drawbar with the set screws on the sides and bottom which eliminates the slop that would exist in a regular clevis hitch. These screws don't need to be tight to the drawbar - you should still be able to slip the extension on and off once they are locked down with the jam nuts. Lastly, the PTO driveline length is designed for the extension in place so if you eliminate it you'd need to cut down the shaft.

Hitch for Hesston 1363 Swather

sandel

Member

Brendon-KS

Well-known Member

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