ASAE S217.

12 DEC01 (ISO+730-1:1994)

Three-Point Free-Link Attachment for Hitching

Implements to Agricultural Wheel Tractors

Proposed by the Advisory Engineering Committee of the Farm and of the quantity of equipment in use designed to ASAE S217.11 and
Industrial Equipment Institute: adopted by ASAE March 1959; revised consider these differences when completing new designs. Table 0
1961, 1962, 1963, June 1964, December 1966, March 1971, February summarizes the differences between ISO 730-1 and ASAE S217.11. It is
1972, April 1974, February 1975; revised editorially April 1977; presented only as a brief overview of the differences. Designers should
reconfirmed December 1979, December 1984, December 1989; revised review both Standards so that they are fully aware of any subtle
December 1991; reaffirmed December 1996, December 1997, December differences not contained in this overview.
1998; revised editorially March 1999; reaffirmed December 1999; 0.2 Implement mast: The standard implement mast height is shown in
reaffirmed for one year January 2001; revised December 2001 to provide Table 4, dimension ‘‘h’’. There is no change from ASAE S217.11
specific comparison to ISO 730-1:1994 E. implement mast heights for Category 1 and 4. Category 2 and 3 ASAE
implement mast heights are approximately 125 mm shorter. Footnote 1
0 Forward of Table 4 notes the ASAE S217.11 implement mast heights to inform
both the tractor and implement designer for consideration during the
0.1 This document is equivalent to ISO 730-1:1994 E. Differences transition period of their equipment to ISO 730-1.
between ASAE S217.11 and ISO 730-1 pertain to the following areas; 1)
implement mast height, 2) PTO to lower hitch point distance, 3) power 0.3 PTO to lower hitch point: ISO 730-1 provides a dimensional overlap
stroke, 4) mast kick-up, and 5) two Category 4 sizes. Designers of new with ASAE S217.11 in the horizontal dimension from the PTO to the
tractors and implements shall design to ISO 730-1, but should be aware lower hitch points when the lower link is horizontal for Categories 1 and

Table 0 – Comparison

Dimensions in mm

Description Hitch Category ISO 730-1 ASAE S217.11

Dimensions associated with Implement

Implement mast height (Clause 0) 1 460+/-1.5 457

2 610+/-1.5 483
3 685+/-1.5 559
4L 685+/-1.5 686
4H 1,100+/-1.5 Not Available
Special hitch categories (Clause 0.7) 1N 400 Not Available
2N 683 Not Available
3N 825 822.5–825.5
4N 920 919–922

Dimensions associated with tractor

PTO to Lower hitch point (Clause 0.3) 1 500–575 508–559

2 550–625 508–559
3 575–675 508–559
4L 575–675 508–559
4H 610–670 Not Available
Minimum transport height (Clause 0.4) 1 820 813
2 950 914
3 1,065 1,016
4L 1,200 1,120
4H 1,200 Not Available
Power range (Clause 0.5) 1 610 559
2 650 610
3 735 660
4L 760 762
4H 900 Not Available
Upper link attaching points (Clause 0.6) 1, 2, 3, 4 −3 to 3 deg Not Specified
+10 to 15 deg

ASAE STANDARDS 2002 81

 Table 1 – Categories SAE J711 MAR91, Tire Selection Tables for Agricultural Tractors of
Future Design
Category PTO power at rated rotational frequency of engine1) SAE J2708 APR93, Agricultural Tractor Test Code
kW ISO 789-1:1990, Agricultural tractors—Test procedures—Part 1: Power
tests for power take-off.
1 up to 48
ISO 2332:1993, Agricultural tractors and machinery
2 up to 92
3 80 to 185 — Connection of implements via three-point linkage
4 150 to 350 — Clearance zone around implement.
1)
Determined in accordance with ISO 789-1.
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this part of S217.12 (ISO 730) the following
definitions for components and dimensions in 3.2. The last element of the
2. This overlap allows the designer to meet both ASAE S217.11 and ISO definition number in 3.2 is also the key number for the element of
730-1 with the same components. This condition is not the same for dimension in Figures 1, 2 and A1.
Categories 3 and 4 as the ISO 730-1 minimum dimension is 16mm
longer than the ASAE S217.11 maximum. As a result, tractors and
equipment designed for use in the North American market should be 3.1 General
designed to the minimum ISO dimensions. This will assure backward 3.1.1 linkage: Combination of one upper link and two lower links, each
compatibility between new tractors and old implements. articulated to the tractor and the implement at opposite ends, in order to
0.4 Minimum height for highest position: ISO 730-1 recognizes the connect the implement to the tractor.
growth of tire sizes in the industry, which accounts for differences 3.1.2 hitch point: Articulated connections between link and implement.
between ISO 730-1 and ASAE S217.11 in the minimum height for the
highest position (transport height). NOTE 1 For geometrical purposes the hitch point is the centre of the
articulated connection between link and implement.
0.5 Power range: ISO 730-1 recognizes the growth in both tractor power
and implements size. These larger fully mounted implements require 3.1.3 link point: Articulated connection between link and tractor.
additional power range. NOTE 2 For geometrical purposes the link point is the centre of the
0.6 Upper link attaching points: ISO 730-1 recognizes that implements articulated connection between link and tractor.
worldwide can generally be divided into two classes; 1) those requiring 3.1.4 three-point hitch coupler: Device which facilitates the connection
near parallel lift and 2) those requiring maximum tail clearance when fully of the tractor three-point linkage to the implement.1)
raised. Clause 4.1.2 for these reasons specifically requires two different
upper link points on the tractor. 3.2 Linkage components and dimensions
0.7 Special hitch categories (narrow): ISO 730-1 recognizes special 3.2.1 upper link: Upper linkage element, fitted with an articulated
‘‘narrow’’ hitch categories commonly used in the North American ‘‘row’’ connection at both ends.
crop market. This information is found in Footnote 1 of Table 2.
3.2.2 lower link: Lower linkage element, fitted with an articulated
0.8 Category 4 light and heavy: ISO 730-1 recognizes the need for both connection at both ends.
a ‘‘light duty’’ and ‘‘heavy duty’’ hitch category within the current Category
4 power range. 3.2.3 upper hitch point: Articulated connection between the upper link
and the implement.
3.2.4 lower hitch point: Articulated connection between a lower link
1 Scope and the implement.
This part of S217.12 (ISO 730) specifies the dimensions and 3.2.5 upper link point: Articulated connection between the upper link and
requirements of the three-point linkage for the attachment of implements the tractor.
or equipment to the rear of agricultural wheeled tractors. 3.2.6 lower link point: Articulated connection between a lower link and
It specifies four categories to be used on different ranges of agricultural the tractor.
tractors as shown in Table 1.
Category 4 has been divided into two parts, 4L and 4H, depending on the 3.2.7 upper hitch attachment: Pin, usually detachable and forming part
location of the power take-off (PTO). Category 4L and 4H dimensions of the upper link assembly, by which an upper link is secured.
apply to tractors with the PTO, respectively, below and above the rear 3.2.8 lower hitch attachment: Pin, or clevis and pin, usually attached to
axle centerline. the implement, by which a lower link is secured.
Dimensions and requirements for the three-point linkage for the 3.2.9 upper link attachment: Pin by which the upper link is connected
attachment of implements or equipment to the front of agricultural to the tractor.
tractors are given in ISO 8759-2[3].
3.2.10 linch pin: Pin, usually fitted with a spring-retaining device, by
which an articulated connection is retained in position.2)
2 Normative references 3.2.11 lift rods: Connections that transmit force to the lower links for
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in raising and lowering.
this text, constitute provisions of this part of S217.12 (ISO 730). At the 3.2.12 mast: Component that provides location of the upper hitch point
time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards are on the implement.
subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this part of 3.2.13 mast height: Vertical distance between the upper hitch point and
S217.12 (ISO 730) are encouraged to investigate the possibility of the common axis of the lower hitch points.
applying the most recent editions of the standards indicated below.
Members of IEC and ISO maintain registers of currently valid 3.2.14 lower hitch point height: Height of the center of the lower hitch
International Standards. points above ground level when they are fully lowered using the full

ASAE S349.2 DEC98, Test Procedure for Measuring Hydraulic Lift 1)

For examples, see annex B [4] to [7].
2)
Capacity on Agricultural Tractors Equipped With Three-Point Hitch See annex B [2].

82 ASAE STANDARDS 2002

 Figure 1 – Components of three-point hitch

extent of manual adjustment provided in the lift rods in conjunction with 3.2.20 lower hitch point clearance: Clearance expressed as a radial
the movement range with the lower hitch point axis maintained horizontal dimension from the lower hitch point axis to the outside diameter of the
to the ground in a transverse plane. tyre, mudguard or other part of the tractor, measured in a longitudinal
3.2.15 levelling adjustment: Movement, measured vertically, of either vertical plane with the implement raised to transport height and all side-
lower hitch point higher or lower than the other, to allow inclination of the sway prevented.
implement, measured with one lower link horizontal. 3.2.21 pitch: Angle of the mast to the vertical, considered positive when
3.2.16 lower hitch point span: Distance between the shoulders of the anticlockwise viewed from the left-hand side of the tractor.
lower hitch pins against which the sides of the lower link ball joints abut. 3.2.22 mast adjustment: Usable range of pitch of the mast from a
3.2.17 linch pin hole distance: Distance from the centerline of the linch vertical plane. It is measured at the maximum and minimum height of the
pin hole to the shoulder of the hitch pin. lower hitch points above the ground between which the mast (3.2.12),
when using the specified mast height, can be adjusted to any inclination
3.2.18 movement range: Vertical movement of the lower hitch points between +5° and −5° from the vertical.
corresponding to the power travel of the lift, excluding any adjustment in
the lift rod linkage. NOTES
3.2.19 transport height: Total height of the lower hitch points above the 3 Mast adjustment is not shown in figure.
ground using the full extent of manual adjustment provided in the lift rods 4 Adjustment of the mast controls the pitch of the implement.
in conjunction with the movement range, with the lower hitch point axis Specifying the mast adjustment to be provided enables the tractor
maintained horizontal to the ground in a transverse plane. designer to determine the minimum acceptable adjustment of the

ASAE STANDARDS 2002 83

 Figure 2 – Dimensions of three-point hitch

Figure 3 – Distance from PTO to lower link points

84 ASAE STANDARDS 2002

 Figure 4 – Dimensions concerning tractor hitch points

ASAE STANDARDS 2002 85

 Table 2 – Dimensions concerning tractor hitch points
Dimensions in millimeters

Category

Dimension Description See figure 1 2 3 4L 4H

Upper hitch points

Diameter of hitch pin 4 0 0 0 0 0
D1 19 ⫺0.08 25,5 ⫺0.13 31.75 ⫺0.2 45 ⫺0.8 45 ⫺0.8
b1 Width of ball 4 44 max. 51 max. 51 max. 64 max. 64 max.
b2 Linch pin hole distance 4 76 min. 93 min. 102 min. 140 min. 140 min.

Lower hitch points

d2 Diameter of hitch pin hole 4 22.4 ⫹0.25
0 28.7 ⫹0.3
0 37.4 ⫹0.35
0 51 ⫹0.5
0 51 ⫹0.5
0
Width of ball 4 0 0 o 0 0
b3 35 ⫺02 45 ⫺0.2 45 ⫺0.2 57.5 ⫺0.5 57.5 ⫺0.5
l1 Lateral distance from lower hitch point 4 359 435 505 610 or 612 610 or 612
to centerline of tractor1)
l2 Lateral movement of lower hitch point 4 100 min. 125 min. 125 min. 130 min. 130 min.
L Distance from end of power take-off to 3 500 to 575 550 to 625 575 to 675 575 to 675 610 to 670
center of lower hitch point, with the
lower link horizontal2)3)
1)
It may be necessary to vary these dimensions in the case of specialized implements. Where a shorter distance between the lower hitch points appears necessary,
the following values are preferred:

218 mm for category 1;

364 mm for category 2;
435 mm for category 3;
489 mm for category 4.
2)
If a three-point hitch coupler is used, dimension L may be shortened accordingly, so that the distance between PTO and power input connection (PIC) remains the
same.
3)
Dimensions apply only to nominal diameter [1] 35 mm PTO-shafts and shall be increased by 100 mm if a nominal diameter [1] 45 mm PTO-shaft is used.

length of the top link in relation to the points of attachment of the lower hitch points to the point of convergence formed in the vertical
linkage. It also permits the implement designer to determine the range longitudinal plane by the top link and the lower links (see Figure A1).
of operating depths of the implement over which pitch adjustment can
be obtained. 4 Tractor
3.2.23 torsional free float distance: Vertical distance that either of the 4.1 Dimensions
lower hitch points can move free relative to the other to allow the
implement to roll, with lower links initially horizontal. Dimensions apply to the tractor equipped with the normal range of tire
sizes as recommended by the tractor manufacturer.
3.2.24 transport pitch: Pitch reached by the mast when lifted to
standard transport height from a position with horizontal lower links and 4.1.1 Hitch points
vertical mast. The dimensions concerning the hitch points shall be as given in Figures
3.2.25 horizontal convergence distance: Horizontal distance from the 3 and 4, and Table 2.
lower hitch points to the point of convergence of the lower links when the 4.1.2 Upper link point
lower links are horizontal and laterally symmetrical, seen in a plan view Upper link point arrangements shall be provided so that transport pitches
(see Figure A1). of −3° to +3° and +10° to +15° can be achieved with the standard mast
3.2.26 vertical convergence distance: Horizontal distance from the height.

Table 3 – Lift, movement range, and levelling adjustments

Dimensions in millimeters

Category

Definition Subclause 1 2 3 4L 4H

Lower hitch point height 3.2.14 200 max. 200 max. 230 max. 230 max. 230 max.
Levelling adjustment 3.2.15 100 min. 100 min. 125 min. 150 min. 150 min.
Movement range 3.2.18 610 min. 650 max.1) 735 min. 760 min. 900 min.
Transport height point (lower point axis to be horizontal throughout) 3.2.19 820 min. 950 min. 1,065 min. 1,200 min. 1,200 min.
Lower hitch point clearance 3.2.20 100 min. 100 min. 100 min. 100 min. 100 min.
Mast adjustment height 3.2.22
highest position 508 min. 610 min. 660 min. 710 min. 710 min.
lowest position 200 max. 200 max. 230 max. 255 max. 255 max.
Torsional free float 3.2.23 60 min. 60 min. 75 min. 75 min. 75 min.

1)
For tractors with PTO power above 65 kW, this dimension shall be 700 mm minimum.
86 ASAE STANDARDS 2002
 Figure 5 – Dimensions concerning implement hitch attachments

4.1.3 Torsional free float 4.3 Interchangeability

Torsional free float shall be provided at a distance as given in Table 3. Provisions shall be made in the design of the lower links, or by the use
It shall be possible to block the torsional free float. of double-ended hitch attachments, to enable implements based on the
4.1.4 Lift, movement range and levelling adjustments dimensions of Category 1 to be fitted to linkages made in accordance
The ranges of lift, movement range and levelling adjustment shall be as with Category 2 or vice versa. The same applies in the case of
specified in Table 3. Categories 2 and 3.
4.1.5 Convergence distances
5 Implement
See Annex A.
5.1 Dimensions
4.2 Restriction of transport height The hitch attachments dimensions shall be as given in Figure 5 and
Table 4.
Tractors shall have means by which the operatorcan easily restrict the
transport height by, for example an adjustable stop, particularly to avoid
damage to the PTO-shafts of the machine.

ASAE STANDARDS 2002 87

Table 4 – Dimensions concerning implement hitch attachments
Dimensions in millimeters

Dimension Category

(see Figure 5) Description 1 2 3 4L 4H

Upper hitch attachment

d1 Diameter of hitch pin hole 19.3 ⫹0.2
0 25.7 ⫹0.2
0 32 ⫹0.25
0 45.2 ⫹0.3
0 45.2 ⫹0.3
0
b 1⬘ Width between inner faces of yoke 44.5 min. 52 min. 52 min. 65 min. 65 min.
b 2* Width between outer faces of yoke 69 max. 86 max. 95 max. 132 max. 132 max.
Lower hitch attachment
Diameter of hitch pin 0 0 0 0 0
D2 22 ⫺0.2 28 ⫺0.2 36.6 ⫺0.2 50.8 ⫺1.1 50.8 ⫺1.1
b 3* Linch pin hole distance 39 min. 49 min. 52 min. 68 min. 68 min.
l Lower hitch point span1) 683⫾1.5 825⫾1.5 965⫾1.5 1,166.5⫾1.5 1,166.5⫾1.5
Other dimensions
d Diameter for linch pin hole
for upper hitch pin 12 min. 12 min. 12 min. 17.5 min. 17.5 min.
for lower hitch pins 12 min. 12 min. 17 min. 17.5 min. 17.5 min.
h Mast height2) 460⫾1.5 610 ⫾1.5 685⫾1.5 685⫾1.5 1,100⫾1.5
1)
It may be necessary to vary these dimensions in case of specialized implements. Where a shorter distance between the lower hitch points appears necessary, the
following values are preferred:

400 mm for category 1;

683 mm for category 2;
825 mm for category 3;
920 mm for category 4.
2)
Additional mast heights may be provided for specialized implements and frame-type three-point hitch couplers as given by other standards (e.g. 483 mm for category
2 and 559 mm for category 3 as given by SAE J 715 [8]). These additional mast heights shall be within a range of +200 mm from the standard mast height given
in the table.

5.2 Clearance zone asymmetric to the tractor. For many implements, especially long multirow
The clearance for the implement shall be as given in ISO 2332, which ones, this leads to decreased quality of work.
also shows the clearance needed around hitch points. Experience shows that most implements will function well with the
following horizontal convergence distance:
APPENDIX A Category 1: 1,700 mm to 2,400 mm
(informative) Category 2: 1,800 mm to 2,400 mm
Convergence distances Category 3: 1,900 mm to 2,700 mm
This annex gives recommendations for choosing the vertical and the Category 4: 1,900 mm to 2,800 mm
horizontal convergence distances for the three-point linkage to achieve
good working conditions for implements, in particular soil-working
implements such as ploughs. A.2 Vertical convergence distance
The aim with these recommendations is to make it possible to achieve an The vertical convergence distance (see Figure A1) is important for stable
effective tractor-implement combination under all conditions. working conditions and makes it possible
— to reduce the influence of tractor movements (pitching, rolling,
A.1 Horizontal convergence distance turning) on connected implements;
The horizontal convergence distance (see Figure A1) is of great — for designers of implements to apply the optimal technical
importance for the horizontal stability of implements. (See Annex B [9] to decisions and design criteria for working bodies of an implement
[16].) and to use the mass of the implement properly:
If the horizontal convergence distance is too large, the lateral stability of — to provide for wide interchangeability of tractors and implements
directional implements is decreased. For ploughs this means an uneven designed by different producers.
and crooked first furrow. To achieve these properties for a linkage, it is recommended that the
If the horizontal convergence distance is too short, non-directional vertical convergence distance is not less than 0.9 times the tractor
implements, such as harrows, easily find equilibrium positions somewhat wheelbase.

88 ASAE STANDARDS 2002

 Figure A1 – Convergence distances

ASAE STANDARDS 2002 89

 Annex B 1953, No. 4, pp. 54–56.
(informative) 10. Ferlage, B. Normung der Dreipunktaufhängung am Schlepper.
Grundlagen der Landtechnik, 1956, No. 7, pp. 89–106.
Bibliography 11. Thaer, R. Untersuchungen über die Dreipunkataufhängung der
Geräte am Schlepper. Grundlagen der Landtechnik, 1956, No. 7, pp.
B.1 Literature concerning main body of standard 72–88.
12. Cowell, P. A. and Makanjuola, G. A. The lateral stability of tractor
1. ISO 500:1991, Agricultural tractors—Rear-mounted power take-off—Types 1, implements, with particular reference to the three-point linkage.
2 and 3. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 1996, vol. 11, No. 3,
2. ISO 7072:1993, Tractors and machinery for agriculture and forestry—Linch pp. 153–169.
pins and spring pins—Dimensions and requirements. 13. Makanjuola, G. A. and Cowell, P. A. Optimization of the lateral
3. ISO 8759-2:1985, Agricultural wheeled tractors—Front-mounted linkage and dynamic behavior of tractor-mounted implements, Journal of
power take-off—Part 2: Front linkage. Agricultural Engineering Research, 1970, vol.15, No. 3, pp. 201–220.
4. ISO 11001-1:1993, Agricultural wheeled tractors and implements—Three-
point hitch couplers—Part 1: U-frame coupler. 14. Makanjuola, G. A. The lateral dynamic behavior of tractor-mounted
5. ISO 11001-2:1993, Agricultural wheeled tractors and implements—Three- implements. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 1967.
point hitch couplers—Part 2: A-frame coupler. 15. Kepner, R. A., Bainer, R. and Barger, E. L., Principles of Farm
6. ISO 11001-3:1993, Agricultural wheeled tractors and implements—Three- Machinery, 3rd ed., AVI Publishing Company, 1978.
point hitch couplers—Part 3: Link coupler. 16. Jöhsson, H., A theory for the Influence of the Hitch on Lateral
7. ISO 11001-4:1994, Agricultural wheeled tractors and implements—Three- Displacement of Implements. Journal of Agricultural Engineering
point hitch couplers—Part 4: Bar coupler. Research, 1989, vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 33–52.
8. SAE J 715-OCT 88 Three-Point Free-Link Hitch Attachment of Implement to
Agricultural Wheeled Tractors.

B.2 Literature concerning Annex A

9. Skalweit, H. Die Führungskräfte von Schlepper-Arbeitsgeräten bei
den genormten Anbausystemem. Grundlagen der Landtechnik,

90 ASAE STANDARDS 2002