manual 3 point hitch handles

Hello fellow sears tractor owners,

I have a manual 3 point hitch (917.253060) that I picked up separate from my 1973 SS16. I installed it yesterday. I have a plow hooked to it currently. The straight long part of the handle where it would run somewhat parallel to and go up toward the seat measures around 5" away from the side of the hitch plate. Also with the plow in the down position the straight part of the handle is level with the ground and pointing away from the back of the tractor. From the bend where it is attached to the hitch plate to the 90 degree bend at the handle it measures 11 1/2". I have not measured other hitch handles, but this seems to be shorter than others. I think it may be for an older smaller tractor. I would like to know what my model hitch was designed for. Have any of you had or seen this before ?

HI
I HAVE SEVERAL SUBURBANS WITH 3 POINT HITCHES INSTALLED, ABOUT A DOZEN HAVE THE SHORT HANDLES AND ONLY MABY 2 OR 3 HAVE HAVE THE LONG HANDLES, I HAVE SEEN ALL KIND OF EXTENSIONS WELDED OR CLAMPED ON TO HELP LIFT HEAVER LOADS, I BELIEVE ROPER MADE A CLAMP ON EXTENSION. ALSO I HAVE A 19.9 THAT CAME WITH THE LONG HANDLE AND SHORT LOWER LIFT ARMS THAT REALY WORK WELL TO LIFT HEAVY LOAD. DON'T KNOW THE REASON FOR SUCH LONG LOWER LIFT ARMS.
HAVE A GOOD ONE
JIMMY

Georgia SS,
Thank you for the reply.
Wow, sounds like you have a tractor to use for each month.
Have you had problems with the handles hitting the seat in the up position or the rear bottom inside edge of the fender when down ?
I've had my SS16 (my sons actually) for a few years now. We are getting into it as a father son project. I searched the web and found a good site that has allot of information.  searstractormanuals.com . There is a long list of sears tractors and accessories. (about 11 different part numbers for a 3 point hitches).  I found the list by clicking on Help Files then Identify your tractor by model number.

Aaron

I believe that the 3 point hitch in my 1st post has been modified. I just bought another 3 point hitch 917.253060. both hitches have the same number with very different handles. The newest hitch to my collection will clear the seat.