trepunkts

Trepunkts is a term used in Swedish to describe a mounting or connection system based on three attachment points. The most common reference is the three-point hitch used on agricultural tractors, where three points provide a stable, versatile link between the tractor and an implement. In general, a trepunkts arrangement consists of two lower lift arms and a single upper link forming a triangular configuration.

In tractors, the three-point hitch allows implements to be attached, lifted, lowered, and angled. The lower arms carry most of the load, while the upper link controls alignment and angle. Hydraulic or mechanical lift systems raise and lower the arms, enabling easy attachment and safe transport. This design helps the implement follow ground contours and maintain stable operation even on uneven terrain. Common implements include plows, cultivators, harrows, seeders, and mowers. Variants of the system are categorized by size and pin standards, with commonly referenced classes such as Cat I, Cat II, and Cat III in some regions, each specifying pin diameters and spacing.

Historically, the three-point hitch is closely associated with innovations by Harry Ferguson in the early 20th century, and it became widely adopted in the mid-20th century, notably with Ford and other manufacturers. Over time, it has become a standard feature on many tractors worldwide, often integrated with other power take-off and hydraulic systems to extend functionality.

Beyond agricultural use, the term trepunkts can also describe any three-point mounting concept in machinery or construction contexts, though in everyday Swedish usage it most often refers to the tractor hitch.