Dutch 4 Report post Posted May 29, 2002 If any of you guys have tried to use an older front blade hitch on a newer tractor (full hood), you know that the lift brackets hit the sheet metal. Incidentally, that old style hitch (without the brackets) is identical to the grader (belly) blade hitch. I took one of the old style hitches and removed the brackets. In the place of the brackets, I welded on a piece of 1.5” ID square tubing. Then I took a length of 1.5” OD square tubing, welded on a vertical arm. The tubing with the arm will slide inside the tubing on the hitch. It can be removed to use the hitch as a grader blade, and inserted to use the hitch for a front blade. Plus it will clear the hood on newer tractors. (I used an extra long vertical arm because I had it, it already had perforations, and I use it for other attachments) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnmonkey 4 Report post Posted May 29, 2002 Great idea Dutch, where can you purchase the metal 1-1/2 ID, OD? John H Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thedaddycat 11 Report post Posted May 29, 2002 That's the ticket Dutch! I'll use something like that to get downpressure on the grader blade like I was telling you about, probably using the spring to take shock load. I can see rotating the ID part 90 degrees to position the lift arm horizontal under the tractor while using the hitch to grade. The grader control arm could attach to the same holes used by the dozer lift rod. I posted a big post on the NCH(new club house) about my Johnny Bucket set up. You might like the counterweight extension and rear lift adjustment plate. I mistakenly posted it as a reply to "Bladin' and having Fun", but e-mailed to Kent to see if he could change it to a new post. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sun41bird 0 Report post Posted May 29, 2002 dutch could you show how the belly blade hooks up? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted May 29, 2002 Herb ya mean dont take a torch to he hood??????? doug Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch 4 Report post Posted May 29, 2002 Tom, Grader blade uses same hitch turned around. Here's a link...... [A href='http://www.simpletractors.com/attachments/grader_specs.htm']http://www.simpletractors.com/attachments/grader_specs.htm[/a] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch 4 Report post Posted May 29, 2002 John, Any welding or metal fab shop should either have it or can get it. If they work with that size, they will probably give you the little bit you need (it's scrap to them). Just make sure you get 3/16" thick stuff. Any lighter won't do the job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BJennings 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2002 The mod. looks great. I don't suppose anyone has an extra grader or front mount blade that they would be willing to part with? Would like to get one to fit on my Big Ten! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeH 0 Report post Posted May 30, 2002 I have an extra "old style" front blade hitch for sale. If anyone is interested please email me for details. Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HubbardRA 16 Report post Posted May 30, 2002 Thanks Dutch, I like the idea of the same mount for belly or front. Got to do some measurin, markin, cuttin, and weldin, to the one I fixed up last weekend, then I can set up both. Rod H. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites