Pat's Easy Change quick hitch: woods vs pat's

   / quick hitch: woods vs pat's #1  

ymarianne

Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
48
Location
catskills in upstate NY
Tractor
2008 MF 1531
My first tractor is being delivered this week. I'm getting a Woods rotary cutter and Woods finish mower with my MF 1531. My dealer suggested the Woods quick hitch, which makes sense since I'm getting Woods implements. Does anyone know the difference between Woods and Pat's? I've read such glowing reviews on Pat's I hesitate to get anything else. Would appreciate your opinions as I'm ordering one this week. Thanks.
 
   / quick hitch: woods vs pat's #2  
Welcome to the world of tractor ownership!

You are really talking about two different types of quick hitch systems. I'm sure you looked at them visually but lets start there:

Woods: Woods Equipment Company - Quick Hitches

Pats: PAT'S QUICK HITCH C2 - Agri Supply

Its really an issue of preference. Many use either type of system and are happy with it.

With all woods implements, the Woods style quick hitch would definately serve you well, but its won't work with all brands/types of implements. That is where Pats is more flexibile.

I have used Pats for 5 years and would never own a tractor without them. Well built and easy to use.

Hope this helps.
 
   / quick hitch: woods vs pat's
  • Thread Starter
#3  
2 different types of systems? they both looked the same to me; how are they different? Also, I couldn't find a price on the Woods. I'm wondering if it's alot more expensive. Thanks!
 
   / quick hitch: woods vs pat's #4  
They look the same to you?

The Woods unit is a solid one piece unit with a fixed width at the lift arms. As mentioned, that can be the problem as it may not fit all implements.

The Pats system are two individual pieces, each that attach to the lift arm.

I don't have any information for you on pricing on the woods QA but I know that Harbour Freight sells one for like 90 dollars
 
   / quick hitch: woods vs pat's #5  
The Pat's is just a couple of snatch hooks to extend the lift arms.
The Woods is a frame, there are many lo/no name brand versions of it.

Supposedly you can change implements without leaving the tractor seat with the full frame ones, unless there is a PTO shaft to deal with.
Unless you have exactly the same geometry on your implements you will have to mess with the height of that top hook when you change implements.
Even then it might not reach far enough into the implement frame to find the top link pin.
I have an el-cheapo version of the full frame, it works but I don't find it to be any sort of time (or labor) saver.
Quite frankly I only keep it around to avoid cutting the PTO shaft for my tiller, it spaces the tiller back about 3 or 4 inches - just right, but only a fortunate coincidence.
I think the other thing with these kwik hook up devices is that you probably need the lower pins and lift arms to agree on level, i.e. if the implement and tractor are tilted a little differently you will lift and latch one side, continue lifting and probably move the implement before the other side engages. Probably fine if you have everything on a flat concrete garage floor - I don't.

Hmmm, I guess I'm saying I wouldn't bother with either one, but I don't mind hopping off the tractor to hook things up - and have to anyway for tiller, mower and everything that has hydraulics.
FAR more useful is telescoping arm ends and I don't think the Pat's hooks work with those.

So, please tell me, why do you think you want/need either one ?
{other than the salesdroid suggested/recommended something more for you to buy}
 
   / quick hitch: woods vs pat's #6  
Pats work great for me. I have telescoping link arms and Pats and I can hook up ANY implement quite quickly with no muscle needed. Back the arms under the implement.... Lift..... And they are locked onto the pins. Just get off and hook up your top link and off you go. Wouldn't be without them.:)
 
   / quick hitch: woods vs pat's #7  
johnk is absolutely correct. Pats works with telescoping arms.
Makes life a whole load easier and faster.
 
   / quick hitch: woods vs pat's #8  
The Pat's is just a couple of snatch hooks to extend the lift arms.
The Woods is a frame, there are many lo/no name brand versions of it.

Supposedly you can change implements without leaving the tractor seat with the full frame ones, unless there is a PTO shaft to deal with.
Unless you have exactly the same geometry on your implements you will have to mess with the height of that top hook when you change implements.
Even then it might not reach far enough into the implement frame to find the top link pin.
I have an el-cheapo version of the full frame, it works but I don't find it to be any sort of time (or labor) saver.
Quite frankly I only keep it around to avoid cutting the PTO shaft for my tiller, it spaces the tiller back about 3 or 4 inches - just right, but only a fortunate coincidence.
I think the other thing with these kwik hook up devices is that you probably need the lower pins and lift arms to agree on level, i.e. if the implement and tractor are tilted a little differently you will lift and latch one side, continue lifting and probably move the implement before the other side engages. Probably fine if you have everything on a flat concrete garage floor - I don't.

Hmmm, I guess I'm saying I wouldn't bother with either one, but I don't mind hopping off the tractor to hook things up - and have to anyway for tiller, mower and everything that has hydraulics.
FAR more useful is telescoping arm ends and I don't think the Pat's hooks work with those.

So, please tell me, why do you think you want/need either one ?
{other than the salesdroid suggested/recommended something more for you to buy}
Reg makes some good points. I prefer no QH because they extend the implement further behind giving it more leverage on the tractor - a step closer to the tail wagging the dog. Still, I find uses for both. I prefer the Pats because you retain the ability to match any implement spacing as conveniently as the std setup while, if you lack the extendable/telescoping arms, hookup is easier. That way I dont always have to change implements for my wife on her tractor.
  • Due to the different geometry of the two setups Pats will lower your lift capability several % while the full frame QH will only change it about 1%. - Pats effectively extends the 3ph; the full frame QH extends the implement. Pats will lift further but will lower the lift force available.
  • Typically on both setups you lose the articulation normally provided by the outer balls and force all duty to the inner balls where the arms mount to the tractor. This is usually only a problem when you want to tilt the implement sideways.
You dont get something for nothing with any QH. Each have their sacrifices and all are mechanically inferior to the std setup. A std setup with telescoping ends cant be beat when all things are considered.
larry
 
   / quick hitch: woods vs pat's #9  
I have the Land Pride version of the Woods QH. They are similar in having the top hook adjustable, which I find a must. I'm pleased with the QH I own.

I've only seen pictures of the Pat's system, so I can't comment on it's quality or ease of use.

In any case I wouldn't have a rig without some sort of QH, especially if it doesn't have telescoping draft arms. My tractor doesn't and I hated hooking up implements before I got the QH.

If you feel like helping the economy out of recession, there is the Delta Hook QH.
 
   / quick hitch: woods vs pat's
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Reg - it wasn't the dealer's suggestion, it was mine. When I saw them hook up the brush hog, I thought how am I going to do that? Then I read all the comments here about quick hitches and started to investigate. Here's a video on Pat's that I found useful. Agdeal | farm equipment for sale, tractors, combines, used and new
Wish they had one on the woods solid piece hitch so I could see the difference.
I do have a concrete floor in my barn. I think the Woods version would be fine if I only bot Woods implements. But Pat's would be more likely to be compatible other implements, say on an old such a deal auction find.
 
 
 
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