782 Sleeve Hitch
 

What would it take to put a sleeve hitch on a 782? I took the tunnel cover off last night and am trying to figure out how the lift rod connects to the hydraulic lift linkage. It doesn't look like there's enough room between the frame and the existing linkage to fit a lift bar. Does this require different linkage for the deck lift mechanism?

There is plenty of room. The lift bar will slide right in next to the frame. In front where the lift arm is, you will see a large hole in the side of the frame on the right side as you are sitting in the seat. This hole is where you will slide the pin in to hold the lift bar to the lift rock shaft.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...stallation.jpg

You can see the access hole in this picture:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...2/DSC01833.jpg

Lift Bar
 

So, does the pin that holds the lift bar go through the ram of the cylinder too? I looked last night and that's the only hole in the frame I remember seeing.

Also, what are the dimensions on the lift bar? I am pretty sure it's a straight piece, not bent - just need to know the spacing of the holes and some ideas on stock size.

Thanks!

It is 26" long x 1-3/8" wide.
Both holes are 1" in from each end to the center of the hole.
The one hole is 1/2" diameter and the other hole is 3/4" diameter.
One hole is counter sunk for the head of the pin to set in.

I'll go out and get a pic of mine in a few minutes.

Align the hydro pin with the opening in the side for removal and installation before you do anything else.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...Dsc02285-1.jpg

Position of lift bar
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...Dsc02284-1.jpg

Remove OEM pin and install longer pin thru lift bar and back into hydro lift bracket:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...2/DSC02283.jpg

lift arm
 

I installed one on my 1811 and it is the same set up as yours. I didn't think it would fit either but when I finally got the correct lift arm from nice people on this forum it went in without a hitch. I was going to buy the OEM longer pin but it was like $9 so I went to Home Depot and got one with several holes in it for about $3.50 that was about 1/2 inch longer than the OEM pin but worked firne because of the extra holes. Be sure and put some heavy grease in the holes and bushing on the hitch before installing it.

Perfect
 

Hey guys - i haven't worked on it yet, but the countersinking part is the key. I was expecting a bolt or something. Thanks for all of the pictures and input.

Nate