Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 hydraulics, PTO and implements: what can you do with 13–15 hp?

How exactly does the Mitsubishi MTX15 PTO work, and which implements can you actually mount on a 13 to 15 hp mini tractor? The PTO and hydraulics of the Mitsubishi MTX13D and MTX15D are set up differently from many European tractors — think of the 2-point hitch with toolbar and the Japanese JIS PTO shaft. In this article we explain the whole system, including the PTO speeds, the lowering speed knob and a realistic implement selection.

Suitable for the entire series: Mitsubishi MTX13D and MTX15D.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 hitch: 2-point with toolbar, no cat.1

Important to know before you buy implements: this series does not have a category 1 three-point hitch, but a 2-point hitch with toolbar. A rotary tiller clamps directly onto that toolbar. Standard European cat.1 implements therefore don't simply fit; keep this in mind when choosing implements. The rear track width is adjustable in two settings: 755 or 905 mm, so you can match the wheels to the implement and row spacing. You'll find all other dimensions in the technical specifications of the MTX13 and MTX15.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 hitch control: auto-return versus PAC

The two models differ in hitch control:

• MTX13D — auto-return: lever backward = raise; once the hitch is up, the lever automatically returns to neutral. Lever forward = lower under the implement's own weight.
• MTX15D — PAC (Position Auto Control): position control that lets you set the implement height, with the hitch holding that position. Finer working at a fixed depth or height.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 lowering speed knob: and the "fault" that isn't one

Under the control panel is a lowering speed knob: turn counterclockwise = lower faster, clockwise = lower slower. Turn it all the way clockwise and it acts as a hydraulic lock, so the hitch won't lower AT ALL anymore. This is a common "fault" that isn't actually a fault: the knob is simply closed. So always check this first before starting troubleshooting .

The advice from the manual: let the implement lower more slowly on hard ground (otherwise the tiller will jump out) and faster on soft or sandy ground.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 PTO: three speeds and a JIS 35mm shaft

The PTO shaft has three speeds at 2700 engine rpm:

Please note: the PTO shaft is a Japanese JIS 35mm shaft. For European implements with a 1 3/8" 6-spline connection, you'll therefore need an adapter.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 working speeds: the speed chart on the fender

On the fender there's a speed chart with guideline values per task: tilling and ridging at approximately 0–2 km/h, harrowing at 2–4 km/h and transport up to 15 km/h. The machine offers 6 forward gears (3 gears × high/low) for this, with travel speeds ranging from 0.81 to 11.76 km/h forward. You can read how to shift smoothly between the ranges in our article on the operation of the MTX13 and MTX15.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15: what can you realistically do with 13–15 hp?

With 13 hp (MTX13D) to 14.9 hp (MTX15D) and a machine weight of around 535–540 kg, these are true horticultural tractors. Realistically achievable, based on owners' experiences:

• A tiller with a working width of 1.10 to 1.30 metres — the core task of these machines.
• A light rotary mower.
• A snow blade.
• A trailer for light transport work.

Too heavy are a wide flail mower and heavy ploughing work. Keep in mind that PTO power is always lower than engine power — what's "15 hp" on paper doesn't fully reach the PTO shaft. So choose your implement with that in mind.

Keeping Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 hydraulics healthy

The hitch shares its oil with the gearbox: together one 12-litre housing. Fresh, clean transmission oil is therefore directly linked to the health of your hydraulics. Change it according to schedule (first time at 100 hours, then every 200 hours) and replace the hydraulic filter for the first time after 100 hours and then every 300 hours.