3pt or Snap Coupler
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Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=52741
Printed Date: 12 Sep 2025 at 11:03am
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Topic: 3pt or Snap Coupler
Posted By: Knight63
Subject: 3pt or Snap Coupler
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2012 at 3:27pm
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Hello everybody, I have a 1953 WD and I am trying to decide whether to get a snap coupler, a 3pt, or just leave it as it is. I am 18 years old and this is my first tractor so I know very little about the subject. This tractor will be used for just about everything on my future small farm/homestead. So basically what I want to know is does the snap coupler have any major advantages that would make it a better choice over the avalibility and price of 3pt equipment? Thanks for any help.
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Replies:
Posted By: Mike56073
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2012 at 3:37pm
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First of all, does your tractor have a snap coupler already? A late WD might have one already. Even if it doesn't have the lift latches does it have the coupler bell in front of the drawbar?
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Posted By: David Grubb
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2012 at 4:06pm
My solution to this was to go with a snap coupler on the tractor , add a SC-to-3 point adapter(Factory AC), and put a fast hitch on the adapter. I can drop off the SC/3 point unit and hook up to a SC implement or hook up to any Cat II 3 point implements.
http://www.speeco.com/products.php?id=209&id2=211&prod=165
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Dave
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Posted By: Knight63
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2012 at 4:59pm
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No, it does not have a snap coupler.
I was not aware AC made 3 pt adapters. Are they any less expensive than new ones?
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Posted By: WEL(IN&TN)
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2012 at 5:22pm
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Check out the Cross 3 point adapters. They work very well on ACs. Since you will be using a variety of implements you will be better off with the 3 point set up. (My opinion)
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Posted By: DiyDave
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2012 at 6:27pm
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Snap coupler imp's are 1 hell of a lot easier to hook up, than 3 point hitch imp's. Also, they allow the traction booster system, to work. Also an excuse to collect and preserve other AC stuff! Be sure to get the authentic AC Adapter to 3 point. It, too, will let the TB system work, as it should.
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Posted By: Claus
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2012 at 6:35pm
I prefer 3pt equipment but do not like 3pt adapters. I would insist on a tractor with a factory 3pt hitch or a tractor and implements that are both Snap-Coupler. When I was a kid my Dad had a D19 with an Abbott 3pt adapter, the geometry was horrible, I remember the grader blade lifting about 12" above the ground instead of at least double that it should have been. Also many 3pt adapters do not have good anti sway qualities.
Just my opinion and I'm sure I'm in the minority here.
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Posted By: carl
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2012 at 6:41pm
the primary advantage to the snap coupler (apart from easy hook up to sc implements) is with the plow. 3pt plows have an inherent disadvantage of not being able to turn as in following the curve in a contour strip. The sc plows pull from under the tractor in the center and pivot around a single point. But if you don't have SC equipment available, everything you want is 3 pt hitch.
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Posted By: Knight63
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2012 at 7:10pm
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Thanks for the helpful advice everyone. So far I think I will be getting the snap coupler unless somebody comes around to change my mind. Someday I'm sure I'll be getting a tractor that has a factory 3pt anyway.
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Posted By: JohnCinMd
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2012 at 7:15pm
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Also, since it's your first tractor & you want to work it, read up on the safety precautions when using SC equipment, particularly the plows. They'll bite you in the arse, literally & physically.
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Posted By: BrettPhillips
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 8:48am
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I grew up with 3-point equipment, but after buying my D14 and learning about Snap Coupler, I find that I rarely use the 3-point stuff unless there is no option. For those situations, I have a factory AC 3-point adapter with the optional sway brace attachment. It works well when I need to use my 3-point sprayer or brush hog, but once you own an AC Snap Coupler scraper blade, plow, etc. you will hate to go back to 3-point. As Dave says above, SC implements are much easier to hook up, and they are often (but not always) cheaper than 3-point equivalents when you can find them. While there are some things to look out for (see JohnC's post above), I'm convinced that a properly maintained and complete Snap Coupler hitch is just as safe as a 3-point hitch.
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Posted By: JimD
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 9:08am
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Since you are in MI, you are more likely to find Snap coupler equipment. Here in Oklahoma, I've bought every piece of snap coupler equipment that was for sale. All 3 of them. Around here, if you want to work the tractor, 3 point is the only way to go. As for the traction boost system, we have 2 different hitches that still maintain the use of it. If you can find the SC impliments, then go that way. If not, you will want a 3 point for the convenience of finding the tools to do the job. The SC impliments will work better, hook up faster, and are more original for the collecting factor. It's just that here in OK, we never see them for sale. JimD
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Owner of http://www.OKtractor.com" rel="nofollow - OKtractor.com PM for an instant response on parts. Open M-F 9-6 Central.
We have new and used parts. 877-378-6543
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Posted By: Steve A
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 2:56pm
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I started out with the adapter, then after a while found it was fairly easy to retrofit the 3 pt stuff (old ford rotary mower, discs, rear blade) to snap coupler. Easier and quicker to hook up.
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