Pat's Easy Change Pat's easy change system-any problems?

[artp]

I read several posts on TNB and I am interested in the system, but I wanted to know if I would need to modify anything to my Kioti CK30HST to use the system with a Kodiak 5ft box blade, Kioti 5ft finish mower, and Kioti 5ft tiller. There is some discussion about needing a longer top link with some tractor/implement combinations? Any other problems?

 

[Dyer retired]

artp,

I have a 5 foot Woods blade on my BX1800 and after wrestling to get that thing on a couple of weeks ago, I ordered a set of Pat's EZchange system. I got them yesterday and installed them right away. I can use my toplink with the system, but if I wanted a more aggressive cut when pulling the blade, I'd probably have to get another toplink to get more extension. Since I don't anticipate needing to do that, I am all set with my toplink. I have had the blade on and off the tractor since yesterday about 6 times (a few times just to convince myself that it's really that much easier than it was before) and it's really a pleasure to have on the tractor. It is very ruggedly constructed and I can't imagine doing anything that will make it fail. I had read that the directions were not that great, but I had no trouble with them....installation was about an hour, but I was really just dubbing along and taking my time. I also got the optional support post to keep the lift arms at the correct width, which I think would be necessary to make them as easy to use as possible, but I've also seen posts where TBN members have devised their own cross beams.....not very complicated to do. I wouldn't let the potential of needing a new toplink hold me back from getting the system and I'll be interested to see what others have seen for problems with the Pat's system. It sounds like you have also read the thread on Pat's EZchange, as I did, and I was impressed that if you have any questions, you can call Pat directly and he'll help you with your specific applications. Dyer, retired

 

[billbill1]

I had to buy a new longer toplink, got it at TSC for around $30 (I think) still very handy and I use it all of the time.

 

[Mike120]

I've had quick hitches and I've had Pat's.....Pat's wins by a long shot. I use a hydraulic toplink with Cat II implements and changing is no problem at all. Even though there are standards for the connection spacing on 3-pt implements, no one seems to follow them. Pat's gives you the flexibility to adjust without having to buy a bunch of bushings or plates for everything you own, or having to take something off your tractor to hook up to an implement you borrow.

 

[ae_ted]

I had to get a longer top link as billbill1 said. I got mine at TSC also about same price. I use the Pats system on my box blade, scraper blade, bush hog, finish mower, plow, disk, and lifter. The longer top link is a necessity when using the finish mower. The Pats system puts the implements back 2 to 4 inches than without it. It is a very good system but as I am a old coot, I would like to have somebody do it for me while I set on the tractor, but my wife has not agreed to do this. She did have a suggestion for me, but i cant say that here.

 

[texasjohn]

I've implemented the perfect system for me.

Pats for the lower arms

hydraulic top link..solves both the longer top link question and EASY adjustment

I made attachments from PVC pipe that fit over the handles that operate the 3ph and the top link... handles reach to rear. I can stand at rear of tractor and manipulate the top link and 3ph arms for hooking stuff up.

Nothing easier.

As many have said, PAT'S manufacturer stands behind the product... problems have been extremely few, but fixed IMMEDIATELY when they do happen.

 

[artp]

Thanks for all the posts guys! It seems that a longer top link is the only item mentioned so I am going to order the Cat1 with the support post. I too am getting along in years and any help I can get to simplify changing implements is welcome.

 

[SuperCobra]

I've got one and think it was worth the money. My original toplink still works with all my implements. Only problem I had was that there are two springs that keep the catch retracted (or is it the other way around?) when you hook up. Those springs broke right away but I find it is easier to use without the springs.

 

[curly]

I had a small problem. I bought the Cat-1 Pat's hitch and had them drop ship it to the place that was selling me my tractor. They put them on and then decided they wouldn't sell me the tractor for that cheap so they sent the Pat's hitch to me. So, the tractor I ended up getting was cat-2. I called Pat, they sent me a Cat-2 (difference in price) and I sent them back the cat-1.

So, it wasn't actually a problem with the system, I just wanted to plug them for their great customer service.

 

[texasjohn]

There must have been a batch of bad springs... one broke quickly for me, too. I called Pat and they sent me 2 in the mail... no further breaks.