UNDERSTANDING YOUR TRACTOR'S
HITCH AND HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Make sure to select a tractor with a hitch and hydraulic system
strong enough for the tools you need.

HYDRAULICS 101: LIFTING, LOADING, DIGGING

Don't ignore the hydraulic capacity of any tractor you're considering. The hydraulic systems runs everything from the power steering and brakes to loaders, backhoes, and other attachments. Look for a 'GPM' figure, or gallons-per-minute;the higher the number, the greater the hydraulic capacity of the tractor.

Hydraulic systems are also generally available in two types: open-center and closed-center. The important distinction for you to be aware of this: an open-center system constantly circulates hydraulic fluid, meaning faster response times when you lift the loader or other hydraulic implement. The closed-center system remains in an 'idle' state until it's called on to power an attachment.

PRO TIP:

Some tractors have a single hydraulic pump that powers both steering and implements. This can cause less steering power when using a hydraulic implement with a heavy load (a full loader bucket, for example).

HOOK IT UP: HITCH BASICS

You'll probably see references to a tractor's 'three-point hitch'. This hitch consists of the three 'arms' at the rear of the tractor, and serves as the mounting point for many of your implements. The two lower arms, or 'lift arms', do most of the heavy lifting. The upper arm, or 'top-link', serves to stabilize the implement, while allowing adjustment for the angle of the implement.

THE IMATCH ADVANTAGE

The John Deere-exclusive iMatch hitch takes a lot of the work out of attaching implements. The iMatch hitch system allows you to connect the hitch and PTO shaft to any compatible implement, without leaving the operator's seat. Not every implement is iMatch compatible, so consider implement availability before you opt for the iMatch system.

HITCH CATEGORIES & DIMENSIONS

HITCH CATEGORY	TRACTOR POWER	TOP LINK PIN DIAMETER	LIFT ARM PIN DIAMETER	LOWER HITCH SPACING
1	20-45 HP	3/4 in (19mm)	7/8 in (22mm)	28 in (710mm)
2	40-100 HP	1 in (25 mm)	1 1/8 in (29 mm)	34 in (860 mm)
3	80-225 HP	1 1/4 in (32 mm)	1 7/16 in (37 mm)	40 in (1,000 mm)
4	More than 180 HP	1 3/4 in (44 mm)	2 in (51 mm)	48 in (1,200 mm)

Limited Category 1 3-Point Hitch

Some sub-compact tractors like the John Deere 1 Series may have a "limited" category 1 hitch. That indicates that the hitch is lower to the ground and may not lift as high or open as wide as a standard full-size category 1 hitch. For those tractors with lower ground clearance, you may need to search for implements that are made specifically to work with "limited" category hitches.

In 1953, Wyatt (JR) Smith bought Smith Tractor Company. Smith originally purchased a Ford tractor dealership until the company took on John Deere products in January of 1987. Since then, Smith Tractor Company has proudly provided John Deere equipment and service throughout Florida & Alabama. Our customer base is built on relationships and in today’s corporate world that is a rare commodity. You will find quite a bit of inventory if you take a trip to one of our locations.