The 3-point hitch comes in a number of distinct varieties.
You can use them with several types of compact and subcompact tractors, lawnmowers, etc.
So, to understand which type actually suits your need, we analyze a 3 point hitch dimensions diagram in this article.
The diagram presents you with all the parts of a 3-point hitch and a dimensions chart follows with all the relevant measurements.
The article concludes with a comparative analysis of the different types of 3-point hitches.
3-point hitch dimensions Diagram:
This diagram shows the standard dimensions of a 3-point hitch irrespective of the manufacturer.
Unless you need something out of the ordinary, you can use this chart as your guide.
3-Point Hitch Dimensions Chart
| Category | Upper link hole diameter | Upper link pin diameter | Lower link hole diameter | Lower link pin diameter | Lower hitch point span | Mast Height | Width of ball |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category 0 | 20.32 mm or 51/64 inch | 15.87 mm or 5/8 inch | 22.86 mm or 9/10 inch | 22.22 mm or 7/8 inch | 508 mm or 20 inches | 304.8 mm or 12 inches | 38.1 mm or 1.50 inches |
| Category 1 | 25.65 mm or 1.01 inches | 19.05 mm or 3/4 inch | 28.70 mm or 1.13 inches | 27.94 mm or 1.10 inches | 660.4 mm or 26 inches | 381 mm or 15 inches | 40.64 mm or 1.6 inches |
| Category 2 | 25.65 mm or 1.01 inches | 25.4 mm or 1 inch | 28.70 mm or 1.13 inches | 27.94 mm or 1.10 inches | 825 mm or 32.48 inches | 610.11 mm or 24.02 inches | 44.96 mm or 1.77 inches |
| Category 3N | 32.00 mm or 1.26 inches | 31.75 mm or 1.25 inches | 37.34 mm or 1.47 inches | 36.58 mm or 1.44 inches | 825 mm or 32.48 inches | 685.04 mm or 26.97 inches | 44.96 mm or 1.77 inches |
| Category 3 | 32.00 mm or 1.26 inches | 31.75 mm or 1.25 inches | 37.34 mm or 1.47 inches | 36.58 mm or 1.44 inches | 964.95 mm or 37.99 inches | 685.04 mm or 26.9 inches | 44.96 mm or 1.77 inches |
| Category 4N | 45.21 mm or 1.78 inches | 44.96 mm or 1.25 inches | 50.8 mm or 2.00 inches | 51.05 mm or 2.01 inches | 920 mm or 36.22 inches | 685.04 mm or 26.97 inches | 57.4 mm or 2.26 inches |
| Category 4 | 45.21 mm or 1.78 inches | 44.96 mm or 1.25 inches | 50.8 mm or 2.00 inches | 51.05 mm or 2.01 inches | 1166.62 mm or 45.93 inches | 685.04 mm or 26.97 inches | 57.4 mm or 2.26 inches |
Comparison Of Different Hitch Types:
Currently, we have 7 different types of 3-point hitches.
So, knowing the dimensions only may not help sometimes.
So, here we will discuss their general usage and adaptability.
Category 0 3-point hitch:
This is the first category of 3-point hitch and you will find it exclusively on compact lawn or garden tractors.
It can match with 20 inches implements.
Thus, it suits for lightweight and light-duty tasks only.
| Category | Tractor HP | Approximate max weight |
| Category 0 | Up to 20 | 500 pounds |
Its 20 inches implements may seem a bit smaller.
But when you consider this in terms of its weight capacity, it turns out to be pretty handy.
It can effortlessly match with black blades, plows, thatchers, tillers, and many more. That’s why it boosts the value of the used tractors.
With this hitch installed, even a secondhand garden tractor with a variety of attachments can command a considerable sum.
Several famous brands manufacture tractors with this hitch, namely the Club Cadet, Bolens, Case, or John Deere.
Category 1 3-Point Hitch:
As an upgrade to category 0, you can use category 1 on the subcompact and compact tractors. It can go up to 50 hp.
| Category | Tractor HP | Approximate max weight |
| Category 1 | 20-50 | 2,000 pounds |
While using a category 1 hitch, the rare blade functionality, tiller dimensions, and other relevant factors need to be taken into account.
A category 1 hitch will not work well will all tractors made for it.
It is important that the tractors are capable of pulling the tasks coupled with the hitch.
For instance, a medium-duty 4′ tiller is all a Bolens G152 can handle.
On the other hand, a 5′ or 6′ tiller goes fine with a John Deere 2025r.
Limited Category 1:
For a few limited-edition subcompact tractors, you will need a limited category 1 3-point hitch.
Here you will get identical mounting dimensions of a category 1 hitch.
However, the travel of the lifting arm and ground clearance make the difference for this hitch.
With this hitch, your tractor may fail to pull off some basic implements.
Category 2 3 point-hitch:
Every tractor with an HP of more than 40 will have a category 2 hitch.
When you opt for some heavy-duty tasks, this is the hitch you would not as it can pull up to 5,000 pounds.
| Category | Tractor HP | Approximate max weight |
| Category 2 | 40-125 | 5,000 pounds |
You will have to buy its parts new as there are hardly any used parts for sale.
You can modify your category 1 hitch, using a bushing or altering the pin, to use in place of a category 2 hitch.
Its interchangeable balls also offer another viable solution.
You will find it in essential but heftier tools, e.g., rakes, liquid sprayers, back blades, planters, box scrapers, etc.
Category 3 3-point hitch:
This category is made for mostly industrial use.
So, if you are handling tractors for household use, there is barely any chance that it will have a category 3 hitch.
| Category | Tractor HP | Approximate max weight |
| Category 2 | 80-225 | 15,000 pounds |
The only major thing to look for here is the category 3N.
You may either opt for the quick hitches to match the needs of the 3N hitch.
Or, the bushings of category 2 hitch will do the job for you.
The widespread application of this category is in the field cultivators, row-crop cultivators, and other agricultural use.
Category 4 3-point hitch:
As its immense weight capacity and the HP rating suggest, this category of hitch is for the most heavy-duty tasks in agricultural use.
It can pull a massive 20,000 of maximum weight, which is sufficient for the bulkiest of tasks using tractors.
| Category | Tractor HP | Approximate max weight |
| Category 4 | 180-400 | 20,000 pounds |
FAQs about 3 point hitch dimensions diagram
Which 3-Point Hitch Is Suitable For Household Use?
Well, for household use, category 0-2 hitches are used. They come with compact and smaller tractors.
What Size Pins For A 3-Point Hitch?
Based on the tractors and other factors, the pin size varies from 19 mm to 45 mm.
Do The Stabilizer’s Dimensions Change With Hitch Size?
Yes, it changes proportionately to keep the hitch and tractors in conformity.
Final Words:
The crux of all is that you need to match your tractor’s requirements while buying a 3-point hitch.
So, the 3 point hitch dimensions diagram discussed above shows pretty much everything you could need while shopping for one.
Even if you are a beginner, keep our dimensions chart as your guide. Along with this, consulting the vehicle manual could be an ideal option.