What does a cat 0 3-point hitch mean?

A Cat 0 3-point hitch means Category 0 three-point hitch, which is the smallest standardized hitch size for garden tractors and very small sub-compact tractors under 20 horsepower, designed for light lawn and garden work. Category 0 specifications include lower link pins 5/8 inch diameter, top link pin 1/2 inch diameter, spacing between lower arms about 20 inches, and lift capacity typically 500 to 1000 pounds, much smaller than Category 1 which has 7/8 inch lower pins and lift up to 2000 pounds. Cat 0 hitch is used for small implements like 3 to 4 foot mowers, small garden tillers, and small plows for home gardens and estate maintenance. It was common on older garden tractors from John Deere, Cub Cadet, and Wheel Horse, but today many modern sub-compact tractors use limited Category 1 instead, which can handle Cat 0 implements with bushings. The three-point hitch system itself includes two lower arms and one top link that control implement height and angle, invented by Harry Ferguson. Cat 0 implements are less widely available now, and many manufacturers focus on Cat 1. If you have Cat 0 tractor, you are limited to very light implements, and you must ensure not to overload hydraulics. Cat 0 means smallest size class in tractor hitch system, intended for lawn and garden, not farm work.