pick up hitches

[stingray]

is pick up hitches rated, for example an automatic pick up hitch for a Massey ferguson 135 tractor, what is the load and pulling capacity of the Automatic pick up hitches

[essexpete]

Yes definitely rated but I guess you would need a handbook.

[deltasierra]

I do not remember seeing any ratings for draw bars or hitches in those days, we certainly carried 3tons plus the tare weight so maybe 4 tons total. The usual test was that if the front wheels stayed on the ground most of the time it was OK, at least the 135 had fairly reliable brakes and a PU hitch that stayed locked, other makes were lethal on both counts.

[Malcolmcw]

In most cases if the hydraulics will lift the pickup hitch into the lock position then the load will be taken on the hitch. However ther is also a need to consider the front wheels, if they are leaving the ground then the tractor is unsafe. So as a rule of thumb the hitch will take what the hydraulics will lift

[deltasierra]

In many cases the hitch would pick up much more than was safe, some hitch hooks were quite a way back from the axle ( Leyland ). After a year of two of use many would wear enough to allow the trailer to jackknife upwards, a trailer drawbar through the back of the cab when tipping ruins your day.