Tractor lift arm problem

[suffolksmallholder]

My elderly Deutz has very worn lift arms as it spent most of its early life as a plough dragger. The housing for each of the balls is very loose and today whilst doing some topping one side decided to drop said ball resulting in the topper coming off at a very funny angle. Emergency PTO stop!
Quick fix with a long bolt & oversize nuts to get the job done but I really need to do a proper long term repair.

My Q to all the tractor experts is which way should I go?

A weld-on hook-end ranges in price from £96 to £103. Some sellers include the ball in the deal. Any advice on which unit to go for please?

Or

A replacement weld-on ball-end is £24 (ish) and the cheapest option. So a pair will be half the price of one hook end.

Now I'd love to just sit in my cab, hook-up & go but there is more to the hook-end type with guide bits & cost too. I have a simple range of machinery that go on the linkage with the topper really being the one I'd like to do the hook & go to.....The others don't really need this system. Food for thought.

I'd welcome any advice/comments please.
Thanks
SS

 

[nick...]

Go for what makes life easiest for you.no need to struggle.im now 55 and do what makes life easy.not had ball ends for years and woukd never go back to them.
Nick...

 

[Deutzdx3]

I cut my ball ends off my deutz and replaced with hook ends. So much easier, faster and you can drop implements on and off with ease over ball ends.

 

[Dave W]

Just beware that some of the smaller older implements won't accept cat 3 hook ends. Cat2 are obviously smaller. It I'd have a look at your implements first and check

 

[suffolksmallholder]

Thanks for the replies folks.

https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index...ball-to-hook-lift-arm-conversion.28802/page-3
I have found the original thread on this forum re exactly what I'm doing & have just clicked on the link that @Nearly posted so two cat 2S (up to 90 HP) weld-on ball ends & balls should arrive in the post soon.
Yes to @nick... & @Deutzdx3 re making my life easier!
SS

 

[Deutzdx3]

Cat 2 will cover every thing as you can put cat 2/3 balls in for larger implements or cat 2/1 for smaller implements. Covers all basis for the size of tractor. Enjoy your new found ease of implement attachment. You'll kick your self you didn't do it sooner.

 

[multi power]

Just beware that some of the smaller older implements won't accept cat 3 hook ends. Cat2 are obviously smaller. It I'd have a look at your implements first and check

Some won't accept cat 2 hooks, never mind cat 3!

 

[Deutzdx3]

He

Some won't accept cat 2 hooks, never mind cat 3!

isn't using cat 3 hook ends. Cat 2. Cat 3 is for tractors over 140hp.

 

[multi power]

He

isn't using cat 3 hook ends. Cat 2. Cat 3 is for tractors over 140hp.

Yes I know

 

[suffolksmallholder]

Today I finally fitted my link arms back onto the tractor with the new hook-ends.
What a palarva! One pin was seized in so I was laid underneath with a 9'' angle grinder fully dressed in all spark resistant gear, cutting slices off! The sparks still went up my nose & down my neck!!! I cut the old ball ends off & tacked the new hook-ends on each arm at the correct angle then took them to the local ag engineering shop for them to weld properly.
@nick... Should make my life easier
& thanks to all those who gave advice.
SS

 

[Grouse]

Definitely the right decision - We have got Cat 3 hook ends and just use Cat 3/2 balls - this will give you full versatility with implements and once you have used hook ends - especially with wing mounted linkage controls everything else is an absolute pain up the ass x2.

I used to be sceptical, but hooking up with hook ends is now a joy !!