Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

The influence of the geometry of the hitch on the behaviour of the tractor and of the implement is theoretically analysed. Three-point hitches are compared to one-point hitches. In the vertical plane the possibility, when a three-point hitch is used, to position the virtual hitch point very low and very far ahead of the implement is found to be advantageous, together with its property to allow easy adjustment of the position of the virtual hitch point. In the horizontal plane, the tractional hitch point of a three-point hitch normally does not coincide with its directional hitch point. When a one-point hitch is used the tractional and the directional hitch points coincide. This very fundamental difference gives the three-point hitch some unique properties. Equations describing the angle deflection and the lateral deflection of both directional and non-directional implements are presented. They show that a non-directional implement's lateral deflection as well as its angle deflection when used on a hillside or when asymmetrically loaded, normally are much smaller when a three-point hitch is used than when a one-point hitch is used. An equation is also presented describing the return of an implement after a lateral deflection. The theory of a laterally mobile, but stable, front-mounted three-point hitch is presented.