Adding Holes To Drawbar

Has anyone drilled out the lower two holes on the drawbar mount? The holes are there in the crossmember to use as a location guide. Is it easier to leave it on and drill it out using the frame crossmember as a guide? Or mark the drawbar mount, take it off and drill it standing up with it clamped on a workbench?

 

Probably not too hard in place, if you pre-drill a small diameter pilot hole, say 1/8" to 3/16" or so, with a steady hand.

Use plenty of pressure, low speed, and sharp bits. Lessen the pressure as the bit breaks out the back. A drop of oil helps.

 

X2 for drilling in place. My lower straps on the drawbar were welded/ rusted on...

At least until I tried pulling a silage wagon out of dried mud.

 

At least they line all the square head bolts up.

 

I need the lower holes to mount the Ramsey PTO I picked up a few days ago.

I’ve also seen others use the lower holes to mount a pintle hitch and still use their tailgate.