Draft sensitive three point hitches have been around now for over 50 years and have been considered standard equipment on North American farm tractors for about the last 30 years. Draft sensitive three point hitches became a standard part of a farm tractor for some very basic reasons:

1.They reduced implement costs. 2.They improved the maneuverability of the tractor implement combination. 3.They allowed the propelling tractor to operate at reduced weight. 4.Some ground engaging implements have reduced pull when used with an active draft sensitive hitch.

The draft sensing mechanisms on current tractors come in a various configuration: some are electronic, some are mechanical and others are the torque sensing type. The hitches themselves are powered by open center hydraulic systems, closed center hydraulic systems, and variable pressure- variable flow hydraulic systems. The response time on these hitches vary from something in the order of 10 cycles per second to above 60 cycles per second. Whichever system is used, they still meet the expectations of the North American farmer.