Challenger 35, Challenger 45 and Challenger 55 Agricultural Tractors Caterpillar

The following procedure describes attaching implements and detaching implements directly to the three-point hitch linkage. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Quick Hitch" for information on attaching implements to the optional quick hitch.

Show/hide table

Sudden movement of the machine or the three-point hitch while connecting implement hydraulics or the PTO drive shaft can cause personal injury. Always lower the implement to the ground and stop the engine before entering the three-point hitch linkage area to connect auxiliary equipment.

Show/hide table

Bystanders can become trapped between the machine and the implement when the operator is backing the machine to connect to an implement, causing personal injury or death. Make sure that the surrounding area is free of any personnel before maneuvering to connect an implement.

Show/hide table

Some mounted equipment can interfere with the cab when raised, damaging the cab ROPS or causing personal injury. To prevent interference with the cab, set the hitch lift height control to the minimum setting before attaching an implement. Slowly adjust the height control as needed to ensure that a minimum of 100 mm (4 inch) of clearance exists between the implement and cab when the implement is fully raised.

Prior to Attaching an Implement to the Three-Point Hitch

1. Adjust the sway limiters and sway blocks in order to suit the application of the implement.

2. Shorten the drawbar if equipment that is closely mounted could cause interference. It may be necessary to remove the drawbar.

3. The draft arm ball ends should move freely. If necessary, lubricate the ball ends.

4. Rotate the draft/position control knob (if equipped) fully in the counterclockwise direction in order to place the hitch in the position control detent.

   Note: The three-point hitch may lower slightly when the draft/position control knob is placed in the position control detent.

5. Make sure that the machine has proper ballast. Use the guidelines that are listed in Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Counterweight-Adjusting Machine Balance".

Attaching Implement to the Three-Point Hitch

1. Position the machine so that the draft arm hitch points are lined up with the implement hitch pins. Also, the draft arms should be slightly ahead of the implement hitch pins. If necessary, use the procedure that is listed in Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Three-Point Hitch Controls" for information on using the external position control switch in order to assist with aligning the draft arm ball ends to the implement.

2. Engage the parking brake and stop the engine.

3. Slowly inch the machine in the rearward direction until the ball ends fully seat into the draft arms.

4. Adjust the top link until the ball end can be attached to the top pin on the implement. Readjust the top link to an initial setting of 724 mm (28.5 inch).

5. Attach any additional equipment. Implement hydraulics or the PTO drive shaft could be the additional equipment.

Prior to Operating the Three-Point Hitch

1. Verify that no interferences exist between the machine and the implement.

2. Ensure that at least 100 mm (4 inch) of clearance exists between the implement and the cab when you raise the hitch.

   Use the following procedure in order to safely set the minimum clearance. Rotate the height limit control 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.

3. Check that the top link cannot contact the guard for the PTO when the implement is in the lowest position.

4. Check the PTO drive shaft (if equipped) in order to ensure that the following conditions are not present:
   • The drive shaft is extended too far.

   • The drive shaft is in a bottom condition.

   • The drive shaft is at an excessive angle while the implement is raised or lowered.

   • The drive shaft contacts the guard for the PTO.

   • The drive shaft contacts the drawbar.

Note: See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Attaching PTO Implements" for more information.

Detaching Three-Point Hitch Implements

1. Set the implement on a site that is level. Make sure that the implement is properly supported. Make sure that the implement will not fall when you uncouple the implement from the machine.

2. Relieve the hydraulic pressure in the implement hydraulics by placing all the circuits that are used by the implement in the FLOAT position.

3. Engage the parking brake and stop the engine.

4. Remove the implement hydraulics or remove the PTO drive shaft (if equipped).

5. If necessary, adjust the length of the top link in order to remove any excess load that is on the implement hitch pin. Remove the implement hitch pin and store the center link in the UPPER position with the hook that is provided.

6. Remove the implement hitch pins from the draft arms.