[Swartb]

This is a real newbie question! The flat actuating rod has a bend in it. When installing the rod, does the crown of the bar go up or down?

 

[Swartb]

Thanks Stevev, that should do it for awhile! I am in the final stretch for finishing this thing!

 

[Swartb]

Here is a picture from ebay that has the arm mounted. I am not assuming that is correct. But, I use the term "crown" as the term as it is how we determined how to properly place joists. Always crown up. I would call this "crown up". Is that what you mean by "curl down"?

 

[Swartb]

As it turns out, I may just delete the whole integral hitch thing. I just spent ALL DAY trying to get the integral hitch installed. I thought, no big deal. Set the lower in the slots, push up, release the push pins and done. Not exactly. I cannot get the hitch far enough back to line up the push pins. I have removed the shims from right side, loosened all the mounting bolts on the transmission, frame and axle housings and the right side just will not reach the holes for the push pins. I took the hitch off this LGT and now it will not go on. I checked the lower bolts and bushings, and it looks like the right side axle mounting bracket is impinging on the hitch mounting bracket. I even took a long piece of wood and hammer to try and move the rear tractor bracket back. Not a fun experience. I am out of ideas. Never in a million years expected this. Anyone else ever have an issue like this?

 

[Swartb]

It is a 68 JD 140. Yes, I took it off to restore the tractor. One of the last things to do besides finishing the deck.

 

[Swartb]

I will try that. I took the left side off to validate the 1/2 inch bolt and sleeve. Thought it might be too large but fits the slot in the hitch nicely.

 

[Swartb]

There is paint in the hole, but that is not the immediate issue. The push pins are rounded slightly on the end. I put a lamp inside to shine a light thru the hole and the pin on the right side is about 1/4" shy of the hole. I can put my little finger thru the hole to gage the distance. It is just weird. Seems the relationship between the right rear axle flange and the hitch should be the limiting factor. It seems to butt up against the flange. I took a punch and seated the 3 shims further in behind the flange (before I removed them totally to free up the back plate as much as possible) and the bolts in the flange and frame cant slightly rearward on the inside which would indicate that the flange is forward slightly of its locating holes....making for more clearance...

 

[Swartb]

any chance of a pic of where your talking about?

I have a sleeve hitch and I know I had it on the back of my 74 140 and it just pretty much snapped up into place with out any problems as I don't remember having any problems with it. The Tiller gave me static the first time Hence the tire off and the whacking with hammer. on the push pins.

I will take a pic tomorrow. Plan on removing the rear right tire for a better view.

 

[Swartb]

Is your hitch sprung at all?

if you lay it down flat on a table does each side touch or is 1 side say .25" away?

like it was used to pull something and didn't have both push pins in and the 1 side got pulled and stressed so now its not lining up at all?

due you only have the 68 140? Have another tractor to take the sleeve hitch to and try and snap it up on a different one to see if you have the same problmes.

I have a X749 ultimate, but not sure it will fit. It was on the tractor when I took it off for the restoration. A bent hitch is a possibility, but it sits pretty flat on the cement floor in the barn. I'll look specifically at that tomorrow. I am planning another fun day!

 

[Swartb]

Here is a picture. The left side is seated and the pin is in. I am going to try to pull the top of the backplate to the rear as it appears to move forward with the hitch as I loosened all the mounting bolts. If I can can't the backplate top to the rear, it might help. If that doesn't work I may just get the grinder out and make some adjustments!

 

[Swartb]

Today I shaved 1/8" inch off the hitch plate and elongated the backplate hole by 1/8" and it now latches. So, a little paint and I can reassemble! I don't think it is possible for this to have ever been right. Thanks for all the suggestions and input!