TEA 20 three point does not hold a constant height

Ian Beale

Member
I've been harvesting grass seed and have been reminded that the three point linkage on our TEA 20 does not hold a constant height.

Any recommended solutions?
 
It sounds like it is working as designed. It should be made to work against a draft load as it does not have position control built in. If you know the height you need you use a set of braces that lock the drawbar at that height and disable the lift control lever so it doesn't try to lift hydraulically.

There are 2 options if you want position control. First is an adapter know as a Zane Thing. This was designed years ago and the designer has died (I think) so you can't just buy one but may be able to get the design and make your own. The second is to buy a newer tractor that had position control.
 
The inventor of the "Zane Thang", Zane Sherman, passed away in 2018.

Position control can be purchased a bunch of places. Google "3 point position control". Or this p/n: UF70721
 
I built my own, using the directions at
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HVIHMdKAt78SyFUJh_2TPtCimbTqA9-O
A little confusing at first, but turned out easier than I thought, and seems to work well.

Bought a chunk of 2x3 box steel on Amazon, then cut the other flat pieces out of it. The square holes don't have to be square, they just make it easier to make adjustments. Didn't have any cork friction material on hand, so I used a sheet of 1000 grit sandpaper instead. Probably have to replace it someday, but works well for now.
 

Ian you are in a position [ oh a pun :D ] to support a local industry.
The Australian designed and manufactured ' Fergie Positioner ' is made in Tasmania and I can testify it works a treat .
It was voted ' Best agricultural innovation ' at the Royal Melbourne Show the year it was released . It is a really discrete design that is hardly noticeable.

http://www.fergy.com.au/positioncontrol.htm

It might take a day or two to receive a reply but post is fast . The gadget takes a half hour to fit and requires little if any adjustment .
 
Next question

I'm not sure if this allows you to vary the height on the run.

I have to deal with variable heights of grass so have to alter the harvesting height to suit.

Does it allow that?
 
The DIY one appears to since it's directly connected to the lift arms. As you move the control forward, the cork friction disc should allow the egg-shaped plate to rotate with the control. Once you stop moving the control, the lift arm position now will take over the control (using the cork friction) keeping it at the same height.

If you build it, let us all know how it worked out!
 
Yup. For larger movements, you just hold the lever off-center (either up or down) and let go when it gets close to where you want. As mentioned, the friction disc slips against the force from your hand until you let go, then it moves the lever back to center. How fast it moves depends on how far you hold the lever off-center (and how fast the engine is turning).

For smaller movements, just bump the lever a bit. I didn't try to measure, but I'd guess I could get a 1/4" step at the front of the mower that way.

Of course your original control lever has to move freely for this to work. I had to take mine apart and clean up the pivot, it was binding from all the rust in there.

(quoted from post at 15:46:20 04/01/20) Next question

I'm not sure if this allows you to vary the height on the run.

I have to deal with variable heights of grass so have to alter the harvesting height to suit.

Does it allow that?
 
I was having the same concern with my Ferguson TO-30
I installed a Zane Thang, works great I can set my controls where I want it
and it stays right there
 
I was having the same concern with my Ferguson TO-30
I installed a Zane Thang, works great I can set my controls where I want it
and it stays right there.
 

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