Device for connecting work machine to tractor

A device for removably connecting a tractor having a PTO shaft with a work machine having a power input shaft with a male spline-ended portion, the work machine also having means for connection at an upper connecting position and two lower positions thereof, the connecting device comprising:

• (a) three-point link assembly means having a pair of opposite lower links and a top link, all of said links being pivotally mounted to the tractor for upward and downward movement;
• (b) lift means for moving all of the links of the three-point link assembly means upward and downward;
• (c) an axially movable power transmission shaft having universal joints at a rearward and forward end thereof, the forward end of the shaft being connected to the PTO shaft through a front universal joint and the rearward end of the shaft being removably connected to the male spline-ended portion of the input shaft through a rear universal joint, the rear universal joint having a female spline coupling which is removably coupled to the male spline-ended portion;
• (d) a connector interconnecting the lower links and the top link;
• (e) an upper engaging portion mounted at an upper position of the connector for removably coupling at an upper connecting position of the work machine;
• (f) lower engaging portions mounted at lower positions of the connector, said lower engaging portions being removably coupled at the lower connecting positions of the work machine;
• and
• (g) a coupling assembly provided centrally of the connector for removably connecting said rearward end of the transmission shaft to the input shaft of the work machine, the coupling assembly comprising a tubular case rotatably supporting said rear universal joint axially fixed relative to the transmission shaft, and also comprising resilient support means for buffering misalignment when the female spline coupling of said rearward end of the transmission shaft is coupled to the male spline-ended portion of the input shaft.