Where to Grease the 3 Point Hitch Linkage — and How Often
The 3 point hitch linkage contains more grease-able pivot points than most tractor operators realise — and most of them are under-greased in practice. The lower link pivot pins, the rock shaft arm connections, the lift rod pivot, the top link ball joints, the levelling box pivot, and the lift arm-to-check-chain connection points all carry significant loads and require regular lubrication to prevent fretting corrosion and premature wear. A hitch that is not greased regularly develops play at each pivot point — play that multiplies through the linkage geometry to produce excessive implement movement under draft load.
This guide identifies every grease point on a typical rear 3 point hitch, specifies the correct grease type, and gives a practical lubrication schedule that matches how the hitch is actually used in the field.
Complete Grease Point Map for a Rear 3 Point Hitch
The pivot pins where the lower links attach to the rear axle housing. These carry the full implement draft load and are the most heavily loaded pivot points in the entire linkage. Grease nipple typically located on the pin housing — one nipple per side. Grease at every 50-hour service interval during the season.
On some tractors the lower link pivots forward to a point on the rear axle housing rather than straight back. This front pivot also needs greasing. Location varies by tractor model — check the tractor lubrication chart for the precise location on your machine.
The pin connecting the lower link to the lift arm or lift rod. This pin cycles through a significant arc on every lift-and-lower operation. Grease nipple on the pin housing or through a drilling in the pin itself. Grease every 50 hours or weekly during heavy-use periods.
The levelling box — or right-hand link — allows independent length adjustment of one lower link for implement levelling. Its pivot points at both ends require greasing. Often overlooked because it is less accessible than the main lower link pivots. Grease every 100 hours or at seasonal service.
The ball-and-socket joints at each end of the top link carry significant compressive load during draft work and tension during mowing or levelling. Grease nipples are usually present on the ball housing — apply grease until the old grease is displaced from the socket seal. Grease every 50 hours during heavy draft work.
Ball ends without a grease nipple rely on manual application of grease to the ball surface. Remove the implement, clean the ball end, and apply a coating of multipurpose grease at the start of each season and after any extended storage period. Ball ends with grease nipples should be greased every 100 hours.
The pivot points where the check chain anchors to the rear axle housing experience continuous fretting as the implement moves laterally in the field. Grease these at the seasonal service and mid-season if operating in muddy or wet conditions that wash grease from the pins.
Correct Grease Type for 3 Point Hitch Pivots
Use NLGI Grade 2 multipurpose lithium-complex grease or calcium-complex grease for all 3 point hitch pivot points. These greases provide adequate load-carrying capacity for the draft loads the hitch experiences, good water resistance for outdoor use, and temperature stability from cold morning starts through heat generated during extended operation. Do not use chassis grease (NLGI Grade 1) for hitch pivots — it is too soft and will be displaced from heavily loaded pivot pin-bushing interfaces under draft load. Do not use NLGI Grade 3 grease in cold climates — it does not flow adequately from grease gun to nipple at low temperatures.
For replacement hitch components, browse our 3 point hitch kit catalog including check chain assemblies and lower link ball ends.
3 Point Hitch Replacement Parts
PRR Tractor Part stocks complete hitch kits, check chain assemblies, ball ends, lift arms, and top links for major tractor brands. Contact us with your model and category for compatible replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 Point Hitch Parts — Check Chains, Ball Ends and Kits
Keep your hitch greased and replace worn components before they cause implement handling problems — we stock all the parts you need.
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