Delta Hook initial review

[Charlesaf3]

Thought I'd share some of my thoughts on the delta hook, for those who might be interested. Only a few hours on them really, so this is mainly a first impression - I'll try to update.

Delta hook, for those who don't know, is like a skidsteer Quick attach system, only for the 3 point hitch. Advantage is that it makes hooking and unhooking from most implements a breeze - under a minute at most, less for stuff without a PTO.

The major downside of the system is the expense - you have to buy a control plate for the tractor, and a receiver plate for each implement. Not particularly more expensive than FEL quick attach, but you feel it more since the system isn't "priced in".

The expense is justifiable - the parts are REALLY beefy. Lots of steel.

The plates take a little of the weight capacity of the 3pt - they sit a bit back, and probably weigh around 130 pounds between the receiver and the control plate. Not been an issue for me, but to let people know.

The system also changes the angle of things a bit due to the geometry of attaching it - basically its like it adds 4 inches or so to your toplink. If you have a long hydraulic top and tilt, like I did to work with my Pats easy change, this might cause problems with some implements like a box blade.

I think a hydraulic top link is basically essential to get proper use out of the system - just like a FEL QA, you want to angle the plate back and forth to slip the equipment on and off. Tough to explain, but I'm sure anyone who's used a QA knows exactly what I'm talking about.

The control and receiver plates stick a bit when new - this problem can be solved by buying teflon spray at NAPA or TSC and spraying the plates before using them. I'd say this is an essential step as well.

So far the customer service from the manufacturer has been superb.

All in, I'd highly recommend them to those who switch implements a lot - it makes life MUCH easier. I had the Pats easy change before, which is a nice system, and this is miles superior. Its also miles more expensive....

But its nice to literally be able to pick up and drop attachments without getting out of the seat.

 

[Charlesaf3]

oh, a thought on attachments - in order to work properly the attachment side plate has to be more or less up and down, and decently above the ground. So things that aren't naturally in that position need stands - for me that's my cheap rake and rear blade. I'm currently using a piece of firewood.

Otherwise, if the lower pins would be basically right above the dirt naturally, theres no room to come from below with the plate.

 

[LetsRoll]

Charles....since you have pats easy change. Did you take them off? Also, could you post some pictures so we can see how it works.

Thanks,
Cliff

By the way, I've been considering this set up for my father-n-law. He's up in his years, but he still gets around just fine. But, there will be a time when hooking up implements will be a problem for him do to the implements weight and his age. So, I'm wanting to make life a little easier for him. He's been good to me, so its my turn to return the favor.

 

[Charlesaf3]

It'd be a good system for someone like your father in law. Or the merely lazy like myself

The Pats had to come off, though I initially wanted to leave them on underneath for implements that I only use once a year and thus don't justify their own receiver plate. They have a sort of "implement catcher" piece that comes up from the Pats, and interferes with the delta hook. I'm thinking of cutting that piece off to leave the Pats underneath, but haven't decided whether its worth it or should just sell the Pats.

I'll try to get some pics up in the next few days.