In the second part of our workshop series on adding some mod cons to a classic AgroStar, we overhaul the three-point linkage as well as install new lights and refit the panels. Another element to this particular chapter
is how to mount a new ladder hitch system to the tractor’s rear end — not really relevant to the UK and Irish markets but still interesting to see how this type of hitch design has altered over the years

In the first part of our classic AgroStar 6.21 overhaul we took off the panels and fitted an extra spool valve. Since then we had the metal panels prepped and spray painted, and the roof and rear mudguards were replaced with new ones. While the painters were doing their job, the mechanics installed new LED work lights and a pair of LED beacons, which were supplied by Hella.

Work lights were Hella’s Power Beam 1800 Compact units, each rated at 1,850 lumen: the front lights are a flood-type light, while those on the back mudguards are a spot light. We also added two K-LED Rebelution beacons, fitting them to the custom-made mounting brackets. These lights are very flat so less susceptible to low-hanging branches and are available in rotating and flashing versions.

Big job around the back

Supported by Walterscheid, we replaced all of the three-point linkage components. While the replacement drop arms and stabilisers are standard off-the-shelf items, the lower link arms were custom-made to pretty much the original design, albeit fitted with Cat III hook ends. The new lift arms are a bit longer than the originals, which will be a bonus when we fit the larger tyres and will still allow a decent amount of space between the tractor and implement.

Although not relevant to UK and Irish owners, because the tractor is in Germany, we fitted it with a new ladder hitch complete with rigid K80 ball coupling. Walterscheid’s KU398K ladder hitch frame is a special adaptation for the AgroStar with all of the necessary holes for the pto stub etc. The rigid K80 ball offers a tongue load of up to 3,000kg, but the actual tongue load is dictated by the tractor’s axle load, which, in the case of our Deutz-Fahr AgroStar 6.21, is slightly more than 3,000kg.

To gain type approval, the frame needed to have its own identification plate; alternatively the set-up would have had to be approved by an accredited institute.

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