Editing Tractor (section)

=== Three-point and quick ===
{{main|Three-point hitch}} 
 
The drawbar system was virtually the exclusive method of attaching implements (other than direct attachment to the tractor) before [[Harry Ferguson]] developed the [[three-point hitch]].<ref>Ferguson's patents for three-point hitch:
*  Ferguson, Harry. British patent no. 320,084 (issued:  3 July 1928)   
*  Ferguson, Harry [https://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?docid=01916945&PageNum=1 "Tractor-drawn agricultural implement"] U.S. patent no. 1,916,945 (filed:  6 June 1929; issued:  4 July 1933)</ref> Equipment attached to the three-point hitch can be raised or lowered [[hydraulic]]ally with a control lever. The equipment attached to the three-point hitch is usually completely supported by the tractor. Another way to attach an implement is via a quick hitch, which is attached to the three-point hitch. This enables a single person to attach an implement quicker and put the person in less danger when attaching the implement.

[[File:Tractor3pointhitchDubMay04.jpg|thumb|left|A modern three-point with a quick hitch attached]]

The three-point hitch revolutionized farm tractors and their implements. While the [[Three-point hitch#History|Ferguson System]]  was still under patent, other manufacturers developed new hitching systems to try to fend off some of Ferguson's competitive advantage. For example, International Harvester's [[Farmall]] tractors gained a two-point "Fast Hitch", and John Deere had a power lift that was somewhat similar to the more flexible Ferguson invention. Once the patent protection expired on the three-point hitch, it became an industry standard.

Almost every tractor today features Ferguson's three-point linkage or a derivative of it.  This hitch allows for easy attachment and detachment of implements while allowing the implement to function as a part of the tractor, almost as if it were attached by a fixed mount.  Previously, when the implement hit an obstacle, the towing link broke or the tractor flipped over.  Ferguson's idea was to combine a connection via two lower and one upper lift arms that were connected to a hydraulic lifting ram.  The ram was, in turn, connected to the upper of the three links so the increased drag (as when a plough hits a rock) caused the hydraulics to lift the implement until the obstacle was passed.

Recently, [[Bobcat Company|Bobcat's]] patent on its front loader connection (inspired by these earlier systems) has expired, and compact tractors are now being outfitted with quick-connect attachments for their [[loader (equipment)|front-end loaders]].