Ford 8n Swinging Drawbar Hitch [[Install And Review]]

I have wanted one of these swinging drawbar hitches for my Ford 8n forever. I have always used a drawbar on the lift arms. It has always worked good, but without stationary links to the top. A trailer will push it up going down a steep hill. Although that is a pain. It wasn’t my biggest reason for purchasing this hitch. Earlier this year I got a two basket hay tedder. I hooked it up to the drawbar on the lift arms to give it a try. It worked, but not well at all. The PTO shaft was barely long enough. As well as hit the draw bar going over any hump. Therefore it was time to bite the bullet.
Personally I have never had a tractor with a swing hitch. Therefore it was a learning experience putting it on. Thankfully it was not rocket science. If I would have had bolts and not have had to do some fab work on the brackets. I feel like I could have had it on in no time. Probably around 30 to 45 minutes.
I put it through the ringer on our first hay cutting this year. I teddered some, but raked about 12 acres with it. It worked great for both. The biggest advantage was with the old ground driven David Bradley Hay Rake. With the hitch all the way out I could make pinpoint turns. This helped me at the ends of my windrows turning to go back and double them.
So far this hitch has worked great. It has been well worth the money and time I spent on it. Drilling out the holes and grinding the opening for the PTO was a small pain. Although the price I payed for it made it worth it. Make sure you have 4-5/8 1 1/4 bolts and a 3/4 drill bit. I hope this video helps some one out or gives someone a good laugh. Thank you to everyone who has watched, commented, and subscribed!

[@danielbowman4819]

Ordered one several months ago, finally installed it a couple of days ago. Pretty easy job!

[@jerryf609]

Much better than the draw bar on the lift arms.

[@andrewrife6253]

If it's any consolation, every other store that sells this type of hitch has the exact same stock photo. Steiner, tractor parts warehouse, eBay, Amazon, etc. I've seen some orange ones but they all have the same angle and orientation which leads me to believe they are all made by the same factory. You'd be surprised how common this is in almost every industry.

[@TheKiltedHomesteader]

I had the same problems when I put mine on my 8n. Lots of grinding on the hitch plate around the PTO. The hole was not cut well. On the underside I bought regular bolts instead of the studs and nuts. It worked well that way.

[@johnwallacemcclure1143]

I was hoping your video would show how a drawbar attaches to that original bracket which I also have.

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks for that info. I already had the brackets on back and bottom, just didn’t know what they were for. I think I just need the actual drawbar and pin, thanks man. Love your style. -Brad

[@FishHuntCookTinker]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the encouragement and watching!

[@TheKiltedHomesteader]

Also, use grade 5 or 8 bolts on the back to keep the hitch from swinging. Grade 2 are likely to bend and then would be difficult to remove.

[@FishHuntCookTinker]

That’s probably a good idea. Thanks for the advice. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jongeddes09]

I think one of these hitches might need to end up on my 2N. I've got a little trailer that I pull sometimes that's just the right length and height to turn into a tip deck when I hook it to the drawbar and raise the 3 point up all the way. It's handy but I'd like the opportunity to have the stability that comes with a fixed height hitch, too.

[@TheTrothKeeper]

Thanks for the video! I have to do the same on my old 861.

[@jacklabloom635]

I hope it works for you.

[@dylanhockaday9878]

They had a bar that wood go in to the old hitch and wood hook on the draw bar that hooked to the arms and also check out red rock manufacturers for some cool thangs for the 8n

[@FishHuntCookTinker]

I saw pictures of those when I was looking for my hitch. Never heard of Red Rock. I’ll check them out! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@danielbowman4819]

Is the ones that Steiner tractor parts and Dennis Carpenter tractor parts sells come from the same supplier?

[@markcdeyoung3118]

Probably wouldn't want to have to beat it off 😅

[@benterkanian1597]

What about your lift arms chains to keep them out of the tire???

[@michaelt5082]

So what your saying is that you live in the real world:). I didn't have time to clean the interior of my service van over 20 + years. 😂I have a 600 and I have to modify new parts also. Grinder fixes all. Lol Another thing I did is tap out all bolts that hold anything.

[@FishHuntCookTinker]

I try to stay grounded 😂. A grinder fixes all till you grind to much! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@billypirtle1443]

That's what I did just got 4 bolts took care of not swinging.

[@davidward6626]

Looks good though

[@southernfamilyfarm7418]

How does the hitch work with the Tedder and pull type rake

[@corybeard3426]

Mine came with the correct bolts

[@nathanielnewsome9198]

What is the thread pattern on the 5/8 bolts

[@FishHuntCookTinker]

I believe it was 5/8-13. I fully intend to check and put it in the description, but forgot all about it. I purchased them from Tractor Supply and I believe they only carry 5/8-13 in their bulk bins. I will try and remember to check to be sure. Thank you for watching!

[@byronstevens3790]

mister your not a fisherman or hunter