Probably a stupid drawbar question

phess11

Member
I notice in the manuals that John Deere always depicts the drawbar with the curve up. Yet, I almost always see the curve down on actual tractors. Why do people change it. Does it make that much difference?

mvphoto7032.jpg
 
It will make a big difference but it also depends on what you are pulling and the field conditions.
For instance. I hooked my 1946 A no weights and pressed steel wheels on a 2 bottom plow. Was clawing around for traction. Flipped the drawbar over to the high position so it pulls down on rear of tractor more and away I went !
 

I see the advantage of it higher. So i guess I don't see why you wouldn't want it that way all the time.
 
It's a good question. For plowing you want the drawbar in the upper position for traction. For other drawbar jobs it will depend on the geometry of the implement. For PTO jobs you will want the drawbar in the down position (and extended the proper amount as well). Mike
 
Implements like grain drills and hay rakes often have a recomended hitch hight. Then there is the pto thing.
 
I have mine in the up position for pulling my 7000 planter level and for more pull with wagons. Must be down for pto work.
 
This is not a stupid question by any means. It is one of the most
important adjustments you can make to enhance the
performance of a tractor and to save on repair costs. In most all
implement manuals their will be a section on the proper way to
position the drawbar. Years ago many implements were pulled at
there working depth for the entire field and it was very important
to let the drawbar swing as to make turning in loose soil easier
and to give the hitch a little more room before the tire got to the
radius rods to the clevis. More modern times the offset was
needed for proper alignment for PTO work and length
adjustment was also added for different implements. You can
always find the measurement for the draw pin below and behind
the end of the pto shaft in these manuals. Also be aware that
1000 and 540 rpm pto equipment the settings will sometimes be
different especially in the length adjustment. For an example a
modern day grain cart will have you shorten up the drawbar to
minimize the stress the drawbar has to take with such a
tremendous weight that gets transfered to the rear of the tractor.
You want to be very sure that when the tractor and implement
goes through a dip that the PTO shaft has plenty of room to
telescope freely without bottoming out and it also has plenty of
lap when going over a hump. I heard a air traffic controller once
say he would much rather be asked a dumb question than have
somebody make a dumb mistake. Good question and I hope this
helps. Tom
 
Thanks for all the information. I never realized how much there is to know about the drawbar.

Thanks again,
phil
 

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