Pat's Easy Change Vs Quick Hitch

[Gale Hawkins]

I work alone quite a bit so I have found that the IMatch with proper bushings and modifications to the implements is the best way to go. Spent the better part of one day making everything compatible with IMatch and it has been smooth sailing ever since. Anything I build or buy I try to get compatible to start with. My boxblade is the only thing left to modify, hope to do this soon.

If it were me I would get a cat 2 quick hitch since that is what the tractor is then make all the implements fit this.

I agree on getting the Cat 2 hitch. Our 265 MF is cat 2 so got Pat's Easy Change. Due to my physical limitations it makes hooking up the PTO much easier.

With most any quick hitch there is going to be some equipment modification required by older pieces.

 

[deere5105]

The consensus seems to be to go with the Cat 2 set up. A couple questions:
1) I have no Cat 2 implements at this time and don't have any plans to add any. Due to having other tractors with Cat 1 arms, I would like to be consistent in future implement purchases so to be able to share implements in case one of the tractors is down. With that being said, wouldn't it seem the best option would be to choose the Cat2 to Cat 1 set up? This allows use without bushings and in the unlikely event I picked up a Cat 2 implement I would still have the standard arms for Cat 2?

2) I attempted to find a comparison between the "Standard" and "Economy" PEC's, but have found little. Is the "Economy" an option to consider or better to spend a little extra for the "Standard" ones?

 

[gwdixon]

Me...I'd go with the straight CAT 2 set-up. You can always bush down to CAT 1 but can't "bush up". Plus, the CAT 2 Pat's is heavy duty. Not sure you can find them in economy mode. They don't seem to list the economy - maybe it is a knock-off. You may want to contact them directly about it.

Hitch Models

If some day you get a bigger tractor you'll be set with the CAT 2. I got the insert ones which don't change the relationship with the PTO. If you want the ball ends again for some reason it is a simple change-out.

New Slide In Models

CAT 2 implements are relatively hard to find as used. They hold up so well that folks don't seem to sell them.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Me...I'd go with the straight CAT 2 set-up. You can always bush down to CAT 1 but can't "bush up". Plus, the CAT 2 Pat's is heavy duty. Not sure you can find them in economy mode. They don't seem to list the economy - maybe it is a knock-off. You may want to contact them directly about it.

Hitch Models

If some day you get a bigger tractor you'll be set with the CAT 2. I got the insert ones which don't change the relationship with the PTO. If you want the ball ends again for some reason it is a simple change-out.

New Slide In Models

CAT 2 implements are relatively hard to find as used. They hold up so well that folks don't seem to sell them. I got the insert ones which don't change the relationship with the PTO.

I went with Pat's Cat 2 for the reason above.

 

[The It]

2) I attempted to find a comparison between the "Standard" and "Economy" PEC's, but have found little. Is the "Economy" an option to consider or better to spend a little extra for the "Standard" ones?

Just call Pat, he'll give you the straight poop, and help you out with question 1.

greenwellmfg - Home

 

[Mudfarmer]

My solution is a pat's, hydraulic toplink AND Harborfreight moving dollies (about ten bucks each) on a hard surfaced storage floor. I move the implement to the tractor with those rather than the other way around. Also helps me roll the implements in and out of corners for storage. I have at least two per implement now. Makes moving the log splitter a couple of inches to line up with the lift arms real easy.
Mf

 

[greg_g]

Got years of great service out of both my PEC sets. I put a Cat1 set on a 35hp CUT and a Cat2 set on a 45hp utility. Obviously, the Cat2 is a bit bulkier. Normally this is a good thing, except in the case of some implements with clevis type lift points. Lengthways, not sideways. I had an occasion or two where there was not enough room for the Cat2 PEC between the pin and the implement.

//greg//

 

[deere5105]

Got years of great service out of both my PEC sets. I put a Cat1 set on a 35hp CUT and a Cat2 set on a 45hp utility. Obviously, the Cat2 is a bit bulkier. Normally this is a good thing, except in the case of some implements with clevis type lift points. Lengthways, not sideways. I had an occasion or two where there was not enough room for the Cat2 PEC between the pin and the implement.

//greg//

What was the solution? This is kind of why I am concerned. Some of the older implements I use have short pins. I hear the benefits of the Cat 2 just want to make sure I am not overlooking something.

 

[greg_g]

Short pins are not the issue to which I was referring. For the most part, that's a function of your side stabilizers. I'm guessing you don't know what clevis type lift points are

//greg//

 

[gwdixon]

What was the solution? This is kind of why I am concerned. Some of the older implements I use have short pins. I hear the benefits of the Cat 2 just want to make sure I am not overlooking something.

The solution is to buy longer pins.

Extra Long Forge Draw Pin, Category 1 - 026512199 | Tractor Supply Company

OR

Long Draw Pin, Category 1 - 026519799 | Tractor Supply Company

(Don't know why the description of the second one says CAT 0. I have bought and used these on CAT 1 implements. You would have to go into the store and take a look.)