How to properly position hitc for pulling

WORNOUT

Member
Just starting to pull tractors and I do not know how to properly position hitch ' clubs in my area say height must be 18" or 20" hitch height' how do I determine the correct length ? what do I need to consider to obtain maximum ? pulling power? could someone point me in the right direction. Thanks
 

Ask around and get the rules for the pulls that you plan to attend. Post your location here and you will probably get help with some specific pulls. The height of the hitch should always be at the max. HOWEVER, be careful of setting hitch height and tire pressure early in the morning, then leaving your tractor sitting in the sun. You will likely get disqualified after you hook. The length of the hitch should be set at the minimum length 98% of the time. Many pullers will tell you that it is 100%, but you know that you never say never, right? The exception is when you are entering a class where you you have your tractor stripped to its bare minimum, and you know that it is heavy in the front. A wise puller will put that excess weight on the front to work for him by extending his drawbar out or backwards, so that the lever action causes the weight that is on the front to press downward on his rears.
 
Here's our club rule:

Drawbar or hitch point shall not exceed 18" from ground level for Div II tractors. Div III and Open must not exceed 20" from ground level. Clevis height for all tractors will be measured from top of drawbar. Hitch point shall be a max of 9" behind rear tires, and a minimum of 18" from center of rear wheel. Drawbar cannot be less than 5/8" or more than 1 1/4" in depth and width, and must have a 3" X 2.5 " opening. All drawbars must be in fixed position in all directions.

Note: The majority of our pullers use the 18" for pulling length. Works for most tractors..
 
A three inch hole for the hook is not nearly large enough these days of big sleds with "MAMMOTH' hooks with jump out slug welded on the top.
 
Also no braces for hitch can be attached above center of axle. Wheelie bars not attached to hitch. I would make pads at least 5x5 and adjustable.
 

Before fabricating something like wheelie bars you need to get rules/ specs from where you plan to pull. Most clubs and or pulls go by the NATPA specs, but there are some that have their own. I went to a pull once where they checked my wheelie bars that were built to NATPA specs, and they told me that I had built them wrong. They allowed me to hook but told me that I would have to convert to their design before the next time.
 

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