fast hitch re-connection

[big moon]

I had to take the fast hitch off my 55 cub to get at the rear axle pans to empty and add more gear oil. I just spent two hours trying to get it back on. With no luck. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

[CapeCodCubs]

I had trouble too. Flip the wheels out, that helps, and get a friend to help. JimDawg from the forum caught wind of my struggles and came by to help. It definately is a two person job.

[Don McCombs]

Can you be a little more specific about what trouble you are having?

[Peter Person]

Big Moon,
I like to lift the FH with an overhead chainfall or block & tackle like this;


This frees you up to manuever the FH into place. Generally you need to tuck one side into the wheel and then the other before positioning on the finals.

An extra set of hands definitely helps but is not necessary when using the method shown in the photo.

Peter

[big moon]

Thanks for the advice. The problem I was having was getting the 3 bolts to line up. I was able to get it between the wheels O.K and I was just about there, but no cigar. What I did was put a couple jacks under the fasthitch. But the problem was I had to keep pulling or pushing on the top part. I had thought about pulling it up from above like pictured above. That may be all that I need, Sometimes you just need to walk away from a job and come back with a fresh perspective. Also maybe I will enlist the help of another.

It's a pain in the butt job, but I have to get my rear cultivators back on. Weeds are starting to grow fast now.

[Peter Person]

Big Moon,
Fashion yourself a couple of Ironworker Bull-Pins like this;


You will need to blunt the tip since it can only go into the final a short distance. You don't want to punch thru!
These tools will hold the brackets in place at one hole so you can get a bolt going into one of the other holes.

Also, there are two (2) different size hex head course thread machine bolts used to attach the bracket to the final.
(2) 5/8" - 11 x 1 1/2" and (1) 5/8" - 11 x 1 1/4" along with a 5/8" lock washer.

Peter

[CapeCodCubs]

Peter is right, and get someone to help you. I struggled with the 3 holes in the finals, both sides, pretty heavy for one person. If you have help..less chance of messing up the bolt treads

[Don McCombs]

It's also easier if you disassemble some of the Fast Hitch components. I take everything off except the two brackets, the bail and the rockshaft. Makes it lighter and easier to handle.

[danovercash]

Thought I posted last night, but it went poof! Anyways, we removed the f/h to install the sickle mower or cut off saw. Remember putting the f/h back on when I was a teenager by myself. Broke it down as in earlier post. Still a handful. After Dad bought a new lightweight chainsaw, the fast hitch has not been off.