While were talking about SMTA's

Please don't tell me how to do it. I have done it with both 400 and 450 salvage parts. I want to see how the factory engineered the kit down to the last hose and bolt, and when it became available.

Your main question should be with the hydraulic plumbing.

The key question is not hydraulics, although that is important. It is the reason I mentioned "hoses".

The key question is when the retro-fit was offered. Did IH try to sell the 400 hitch to SMTA owners and how did they handle the lid problem? Did they make a bracket, a new lid, drill the old lid, or wait for the 450 hitch? Less importantly, what hardware did they use to control the two hydraulic cylinders on the early hitch.

I have three SMTAs with the Fast Hitch. I would like to copy the factory kit. It would add value to my tractors. This is why I want a parts list.

It has always been my understanding IH never offered a hitch retrofit until the draft controlled hitch for the 450 came along. Having had the experience with 560 hitch, IH must have included a kit that included hydraulic lines, draft controll valve, etc.

I've never been close enough on one of these. Could it be a case of farmer buying hitch and being inovative enough design his own hydraulc. Did IH ever offer a retrofit kit?

Planned obsolesence was a big deal in the '50s. Just look at the radical styling changes in the automobiles of that era; not to mention the leaps in HP development.

It seems like this issue is right up D Slater's alley. I would like to hear from him.