Cat 2 or cat 3

[peterfarmer!]

buying a new 115hp tractor which has cat 3 linkage I am on cat 2 at the moment,the dealer will put cat 2 on instead if I want but I would like to know if there is any benefit with cat3 before I change

 

[Barleymow]

need more room to fit the hooks into, older implements might need tweaking

 

[Finn farmer]

buying a new 115hp tractor which has cat 3 linkage I am on cat 2 at the moment,the dealer will put cat 2 on instead if I want but I would like to know if there is any benefit with cat3 before I change

So no swappable lift arm balls then? I like the hook style lift arms, 'cause they let you decide which you use (cat 2 or cat 3). Really depends on your machinery, no use in getting Cat 3 lift arms if your machines have Cat 2 mounting points. We' ve both Cat's, so we have Cat 3 lift arms and some Cat 3 - - > Cat 2 balls.

 

[Mouser]

No advantage to you if everything is cat2. As said cat 3 hooks are too big for some machines

 

[Lincsman]

Cat 3 is obviously stronger, I take it the actual arm will be stronger as well?.. do you have implements where there is a lower link jaw it quite tight to get the cat 2 hook in?

 

[nick...]

Got cat 3arms on both my tractors but use cat 2balls on everything apart from short discs..as mentioned if using old stuff the hooks mak fail to fit in the provided space
Nick...

 

[Cowabunga]

Get the Cat3 hooks. The top link will be heavier and stronger but is the most likely to foul with light implements.
I remember being asked to look at someone's new 6470 which had an old cat1 moleplough fitted and the complaint was that the links wouldn't drop to work. It took all of five seconds to work out that the top link hook was jamming at the rear, against the frame of the moleplough as it was being lowered. Two minutes with an angle grinder to sort it out.

Cat 3 tractors will almost invariably be supplied with a set of 3/3 and 3/2 balls, so six in all.

Oh, and tractors designed for Cat3 linkage, or 3N to be precise, which are to be attached to Cat3 implements, which have the longer cross shafts, so that the links will angle more out in work. Many existing implements have Cat3 optional attachment points. This gives an advantage of better implement following on sideling land for soil engaging implements, such as ploughs. Imagine extending the links forward 'virtually' under the tractor and they will meet further back under the tractor, giving that extra sideways stability so that the implement is subject to more self-centring. Ideally those virtual lines should meet just in front of the front axle. Sometimes with larger tractors and Cat2, and certainly Cat1 implement frames, the links will be near parallel, so there is very little stability in work and ploughs, for instance, will not give a consistent front furrow width as a result.

 

[peterfarmer!]

Cat 3 is obviously stronger, I take it the actual arm will be stronger as well?.. do you have implements where there is a lower link jaw it quite tight to get the cat 2 hook in?[/QUOTE

 

[peterfarmer!]

All impliments are minimum 4 years old the only problem seems to be the sprayer top Link bracket the quick release cat 3 hook won’t fit

 

[rob h]

All impliments are minimum 4 years old the only problem seems to be the sprayer top Link bracket the quick release cat 3 hook won’t fit

if that's the only problem get cat 3.and tell them you need a top link without a hook.they are pointless and a weak point with heavy implements. We are replacing them with standard top links as they wear and become dangerous

 

[Andrew]

All impliments are minimum 4 years old the only problem seems to be the sprayer top Link bracket the quick release cat 3 hook won’t fit

Wouldn't have a QR top link if you paid me. They are too weak for modern implements, get an enclosed end on the top link.

 

[peterfarmer!]

Just had a friend round with an enclosed top link end and it’s fits fine

 

[C.J]

All impliments are minimum 4 years old the only problem seems to be the sprayer top Link bracket the quick release cat 3 hook won’t fit

It's not just the bulk of a cat 3 Q.R toplink , its all that weight swinging about when not in use,wearing out the threads.

After 17 years I've changed my worn out cat 3 Q.R toplink for one with cat 3 to cat 2 standard ends.
Should have done it years ago - much lighter for hitching up.