deere5105
Veteran Member
I now have a JD 5303, 64 HP at engine, that has straight, fixed draft link arms. Previous tractor had extendable draft links that made connecting implements very easy. In looking into ordering factory extendable draft links, the cost would be more than either the Pat's Easy Change or the Quick Hitch. Sometimes the implements are stored on unlevel ground further making connecting the straight link arms a pain. Standard procedure I use is connecting lower lift pins first then connecting top link. I have the following questions on comparing the two units:
1) When using the Quick Hitch, how are you dealing with the top link? It appears that the Quick Hitch makes the whole 3 PT system become one functioning unit. Are you forced to use a Hydraulic Top Link to be able to move the top of the Quick Hitch in and out to get the location right WHILE lifting the hitch? It also seems you wouldn't have much flexibility if the vertical dimensions of the implement being connected were different since this is now one fixed piece. With the Pat's Easy Change it seems you can still move and rotate the Top Link as needed to fit.
2) It seems the Quick Hitch also defines the width of an attachment connection in that each attachment has to be set to the width of the Quick Hitch. It appears the Pat's Easy Change has an adjustable bar to set or change the distance giving more flexibility.
I am not intending this to be a promotion of one or the other, just would like to get a better understanding of the basic operations of both. I have not had any hands-on experience with either of these systems.
1) When using the Quick Hitch, how are you dealing with the top link? It appears that the Quick Hitch makes the whole 3 PT system become one functioning unit. Are you forced to use a Hydraulic Top Link to be able to move the top of the Quick Hitch in and out to get the location right WHILE lifting the hitch? It also seems you wouldn't have much flexibility if the vertical dimensions of the implement being connected were different since this is now one fixed piece. With the Pat's Easy Change it seems you can still move and rotate the Top Link as needed to fit.
2) It seems the Quick Hitch also defines the width of an attachment connection in that each attachment has to be set to the width of the Quick Hitch. It appears the Pat's Easy Change has an adjustable bar to set or change the distance giving more flexibility.
I am not intending this to be a promotion of one or the other, just would like to get a better understanding of the basic operations of both. I have not had any hands-on experience with either of these systems.