Challenger 35, Challenger 45 and Challenger 55 Agricultural Tractors Caterpillar

Illustration 1	g00344901

The machine utilizes an electro-hydraulic system in order to operate the three-point hitch linkage. Electronic switches and a microcomputer are used in order to control the hydraulic system. The three-point hitch is standard equipment on the machine. Machines that are not equipped with a three-point hitch can be equipped with a heavy-duty swing drawbar. Machines that are equipped with three-point hitches have the standard drawbar.

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Movement of hitch linkage and implements can cause personal injury. Before operating the three-point hitch, ensure that no person or object is in the area of the implement or hitch.

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Accidental lowering of the three-point hitch linkage while roading can damage the road surface and implement and cause an accident resulting in personal injury. When transporting three-point hitch mounted equipment, raise the implement by placing the three-point hitch control lever in the fully rearward position. Set the adjustable stop against the front edge of the lever to help prevent accidental forward lever movement. Set the three-point hitch raise/lower switch to the raise position as an additional transport position safeguard.

The three-point hitch is operated from the side console. The following items are used in order to control the three-point hitch: three-point hitch control lever, three-point hitch lower rate control, height limit control, three-point hitch raise/lower switch, external position control switch and draft/position control (if equipped with electronic draft control) .

Three-Point Hitch Control Lever

Illustration 2	g00349412

Height of the implement and depth of the implement is controlled by the three-point hitch control lever (1) . The three-point hitch control lever activates the external position control switches when you push the lever fully forward. Pull the lever in the rearward direction in order to raise the hitch. Push the lever in the forward direction in order to lower the hitch.

Note: The engine must be running in order to lower the three-point hitch.

An adjustable depth stop is located on the right side of the control lever. The depth stop sets the lower travel of the lever. In order to adjust, loosen knob (2) and slide the stop in order to contact the lever at the desired position. Tighten the knob once the depth stop is in the correct position. If necessary, the three-point hitch control lever can be pulled sideways in order to bypass the depth stop.

Three-Point Hitch Lower Rate Control

Illustration 3	g00349481

The lower rate control is used in order to vary the speed of lowering the three-point hitch. Rotate knob (3) in the clockwise direction in order to increase the rate of lowering. Rotate knob (3) in the counterclockwise direction in order to decrease the rate of lowering.

When you adjust the rate of lowering, start by rotating the knob fully in the counterclockwise direction. Rotate the knob in the clockwise direction until the desired rate of lowering is attained.

Height Limit Control

Illustration 4	g00349482

Height limit control (4) will limit the maximum height for the three-point hitch. Use height limit control (4) in order to prevent large implements from striking the rear of the cab. Rotate the knob in the clockwise direction in order to increase the lift height. Rotate the knob in the counterclockwise direction in order to decrease the lift height.

Note: The height of an implement can affect productivity when you turn the machine. Only use the minimum that is needed to allow a turn. The time that is required to raise the implement and the time that is required to lower the implement is minimized.

Rotate knob (4) fully in the counterclockwise direction in order to set height. The hitch will raise approximately to 1/2 of the full upper position. Pull the three-point hitch control lever fully in the rearward direction. Slowly turn the height limit control in the clockwise direction in order to raise the implement. There should be 100 mm (4 inch) of clearance between the machine and implement.

Three-Point Hitch Raise/Lower Switch

Illustration 5	g00349484

Three-point hitch raise/lower switch (5) allows the operator to rapidly raise the implement to the position that is set by the height limit control. Switch (5) allows the operator to lower the implement to the position that is set by the three-point hitch control lever. Switch (5) is located next to the programmable up/down shift switch. The switches can be used together at the end of the field when you are turning. Pressing the front of the switch lowers the implement and pressing the rear of the switch raises the implement.

Note: The three-point hitch raise/lower switch should be placed in the RAISE position when you are transporting equipment.

External Position Control Switch

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Clearance in the three-point hitch linkage area increases and decreases with the movement of the linkage. To prevent injury, do not stand on or near the implement or between the implement and machine when operating the external position control switches. When moving to the opposite side of the machine, move around the machine or implement to avoid entering the hitch area. Never allow an assistant to use the control switch on the opposite fender when attaching equipment.

Illustration 6	g00349486

External position control switch (6) is provided in order to assist the operator in attaching an implement. The switches (6) are located on the rear of the fenders. When the switches are released, the switches return to the OFF position.

The following conditions must exist in order to activate the external position control switches:

• The parking brake is applied.

• The transmission control lever is in the NEUTRAL position.

• The PTO is disengaged.

• The engine is at low idle.

Note: The status light for the hitch and the hitch disabled symbol will be diplayed when you activate the external position control switch.

In order to use the switch, stand at the side of the machine while you press and while you hold the top part of the switch in order to raise the hitch. Press and hold the bottom area of the switch in order to lower the hitch.

Note: Operation of the switches will cause the hitch to move at a slower rate.

In order to transfer the control of the three-point hitch back to the three-point hitch control lever, use the following procedure.

1. Toggle the three-point hitch raise/lower switch to the LOWER position. If the switch is already in the LOWER position, toggle the switch to the RAISE position and back to the LOWER position.

2. Move the three-point hitch control lever slowly in the rearward direction in order to capture the hitch. If necessary, move the three-point hitch control lever slowly in the forward direction in order to capture the hitch. The hitch enabled symbol will display on the Machine Performance Monitor. The status light for the hitch will be turned off. The three-point hitch linkage is now phased with the three-point hitch control lever.

Draft/Position Control

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To avoid injury from unintentional hitch movement, always set the draft/position sensitivity to position 1, position control detent (fully counterclockwise) when not using draft control, such as when working near the hitch and attached implements, or when transporting or roading equipment.

Illustration 7	g00349613

Draft/position control (7) adjusts the sensitivity of the optional electronic draft control. Rotate the knob fully in the counterclockwise direction in order to operate the hitch in the position control detent. Rotate the knob fully in the clockwise direction in order to operate the hitch in the most sensitive setting. The hydraulic system will respond to changes in draft load with large movements of the implement. Turning the knob in the counterclockwise direction will progressively decrease the amount of linkage movement that is relative to changes in the draft load. The rate of linkage movement will also decrease.

Observe the implement while you pull the implement through the ground. If the hydraulic system reaction is too great, reduce the sensitivity by turning the draft/position control in the counterclockwise direction a few degrees. Continue this process until the amount of implement movement is acceptable.

Note: The draft/position control (7) causes the implement to raise with increasing draft load. If necessary, readjust the three-point control lever after you change the draft/position control setting.