Drawbar/hitch questions.

Hello. I have a 9N (front mount/12V conversion). We are looking to set the tractor up to pull a small hayride wagon around the property Labor Day weekend. I am looking for some advice on how to properly set the drawbar so it keeps the trailer "level" for the ride.
Here is a photo similar to what I have right now. I have the stabilizer bars and the drawbar lock on the left side.


1.) First question is do I need a lock for the right side? When I look at the parts available, I do not see a left and a right application specified. If the "left" one I have swapped to the right, the groove for the stabilizer bar is on the bottom. I am assuming then that one bracket is all that is needed, is that correct?

Also, while browsing web images I saw these setups:





2.) What is the outermost bracket for...it appears to go from the drawbar up under the axle housing?
3.) what is the proper name for this outer bracket?
4.) Do I need them for my hayride set up??
Thanks. Mike

The set up you have will work only one drawbar lock is
required to keep the drawbar from rolling.
Make sure your pin through the hay wagon hitch has a lynch
pin on it to keep it from popping out.
Also I would take it for a test drive pulling the hay wagon keep
in mind that the additional weight can and will push the tractor
when you try to stop.
For safety put a cover on the PTO shaft and you may also
want to secure the quadrant lever so it will not raise up the
trailer and try to dump it.
The other picture is just a different drawbar lock set up using a J hook

The outer set of bars that go under the tractor are stabilizer or anti-sway bars. They help keep the attached implement from moving left to right. The ones that you have that go up and connect to the rocker are called stay bars and help keep the lift from moving up/down.

2.) What is the outermost bracket for...it appears to go from the drawbar up under the axle housing?
3.) what is the proper name for this outer bracket?

Those outermost bars that go from the drawbar up under the axle housing are "sway bars" or "stabilizer bars".

They keep your implement or as in your case, your drawbar centered and prevent any sideways or left to right movement.

And yes, for a truly safe drawbar set up, I would use them.

Hitch Setup looks good, just be sure you lock down
the lift lever,
So many of these upper stabilizer bars have been
bent by someone getting off the tractor, hanging
their foot on the lift lever.

Also check out the wagon, hitch, wheels tires,
trailer that the kids are going to be riding, insure
its in excellent condition. You do not want someone
to get hurt an their family sue.

Rather than worry about locking your touch control lever, just use the PTO lever on your left side to disable the PTO and the lift arms.

Your "stay" bars will keep your hitch at the proper height.

mbramble,

You and I seem to have posted just about the same time as to what the stabilizer bars where called. Didn't mean to step on your toes. :wink:

I would buy that underaxle bracket from the Old Hokie. It lets you add an 8N style real drawbar to your 9/2N.
All those doohicky stay bars and sway bars give me the creeps.
Wagon load of kids and you make a sudden stop and have the wagon tongue shoved right up your rear end.
That was the dumbest decision Ford ever made to not put a drawbar on those tractors.

Thanks everyone...I appreciate the tips.
Mike

No problem Caryc!!

Might be a good idea to check and if your ins. covers you off the premises. Some don't.

I/We pull trams at farm shows, and I see many safety issues, when transporting people and therefore try to avoid any problems.
#1 I will never use a 9N, 2N that do not have brakes up to standards, to slide the wheels. I do however use the 600, even though all the above are lightweights, for a big load, especially on hilly conditions.
I always use a mounted "rear view mirror" as I have had people jump off, when in motion.
I always use a safety chain attached to some something solid on each end, and secured by a bolt and nut, thru the links. Aso the law requires this.
I adjust or move the tractor drawbar to the right height of wagon, especially the tram, as they use 12" tires and it cause the hitch to be pointed upward on the ball. I also make sure I have the right ball size.
Before going uphill, shift down to a gear that will not stall the motor, and don't try to back down. I have replaced hay wagon tongues, that got bent not doing the above.
Make sure all people remain seated on permanent chairs, or have a guard fence around them.
If running at night, have lights flashing or a swag vehicle, follow, with blinker lights.

Charles Krammin SW MI

Everyone:
Thanks for the safety and liability tips. I will be the only driver, and my daughter and a few of her cousins will be the only passengers. The "hayride" will be around the family property on groomed trails that are fairly level. The trailer is an old Holsclaw 3 rail motorcycle trailer that we built a wooden flatbed with sides on it. Low speed fun for the kids, singing farming/tractor songs.

I ordered the sway/stabilizer bars and the PTO cover. Funny, I never thought about the PTO cover before, as a New Holland finish mover usually lives behind this little tractor. I also zip tied the lift lever, so it cannot raise just to be safe.

Thanks again for the suggestions and keep them coming if anyone has anything else to add.
Mike