quick hitch

[KennyG]

I may be wrong, but I didn't think there is an industry standard or spec for quick hitch dimensions but more of an acceptable range...I am using Cat 2 top link (1") pins on implements and the HF quick hitch won't work with our JD Cat. 2 implements and the JD quick hitch works fine with these implements.

The standard specification is an ASAE (American Society of Agricultural Engineers) standard. It's not an exact number, it is minimums and maximums. We're talking about farm implements here, not machine tools. If an implement is not quite built to the quick hitch standard, it still may work with one quick hitch and not another because of the tolerances built into the quick hitch. I wouldn't put it past JD to build their implements slightly off the standard to conform better to the iMatch and not so well to other quick hitches. I know my Frontier box blade is almost but not quite built to ASAE standards and I had to make a slight modification to make it work with my HF quick hitch.

[FatTire]

I have never used a quick hitch, but from the photos there is something that I don't understand. How does the top link work with the open attachment on the QH? If using a rear blade, for example, aren't there some situations (maybe when the blade is stuck on something when you are backing up) where the force at the top link attachment actually pushes the top link up out of the hook? Or not?

[SSdoxie]

I have never used a quick hitch, but from the photos there is something that I don't understand. How does the top link work with the open attachment on the QH? If using a rear blade, for example, aren't there some situations (maybe when the blade is stuck on something when you are backing up) where the force at the top link attachment actually pushes the top link up out of the hook? Or not?

The 2 lower (lift) pins are locked in so the implement cannot raise up and slip the top link out of the hook. The top can slip out of the hook when using some type of floating clevis, like on a rotary cutter if you drop in too deep of hole. But a rigid 3pt frame will not come unhooked at the top if the hook is set to correct height.

[gwdixon]

Same answer as SSdoxie. When the tractor's lift arms come up the whole rigid frame also comes up, including the hook. Thus the hook stays in the same geometry in relation to the implement.

[JRP]

The standard specification is an ASAE (American Society of Agricultural Engineers) standard. It's not an exact number, it is minimums and maximums. We're talking about farm implements here, not machine tools. If an implement is not quite built to the quick hitch standard, it still may work with one quick hitch and not another because of the tolerances built into the quick hitch. I wouldn't put it past JD to build their implements slightly off the standard to conform better to the iMatch and not so well to other quick hitches. I know my Frontier box blade is almost but not quite built to ASAE standards and I had to make a slight modification to make it work with my HF quick hitch.

There is an exact standard for QH.. The original JD iMatch follows it, I think the new iMatch has adjustable top hook, so it does not match the standard. Should be a JD "sortamatch" hitch. In my country the farm tractors are huge, and use CAT 3 quick hitches. The top hook is never adjustable, and the implement fits. The best thing we can do is not buy new implements that are not QH compatible. The manufacturers will change. I use iMatch for safety. I never have to strain or struggle with connecting.

[JRP]

Same answer as SSdoxie. When the tractor's lift arms come up the whole rigid frame also comes up, including the hook. Thus the hook stays in the same geometry in relation to the implement.

The best way to understand these is to go to YouTube and search for deere iMatch demonstration.

You literally can hook up in less time than it takes to climb off the tractor and walk to the back.

[Guesseral]

The best way to understand these is to go to YouTube and search for Deere iMatch demonstration.

You literally can hook up in less time than it takes to climb off the tractor and walk to the back.

Did that and it is the same principle as all quick hitches, all that is needed is equipment that is quick hitch compatable. The one difference that I could see with the Deer quick hitch was the design of the top hook it sticks out farther which is what they all need to do to work, but the one on the deere didn't seem adjustable to hight (could be wrong) but iff all equipment was made equal it wouldn't need to be!

[FatTire]

OK, thanks, got it. One additional question: When attaching a rigid implement, do the 3 attachment points need to be in the same vertical plane as the 3 point hitch? If I drop my rear blade and it is leaning back or forward a little, when I go to hook up to it next time I just lengthen or shorten my top link after attaching the two bottom points. How would this work with a QH?

[gwdixon]

OK, thanks, got it. One additional question: When attaching a rigid implement, do the 3 attachment points need to be in the same vertical plane as the 3 point hitch? If I drop my rear blade and it is leaning back or forward a little, when I go to hook up to it next time I just lengthen or shorten my top link after attaching the two bottom points. How would this work with a QH?

Same way, lengthen or shorten the top link to line up the top hook with the top pin on the implement. The "Top" of a T&T makes it much easier.

That is one reason I recommend the Pat's if you don't have a T&T (or if the lower pins are not perfectly spaced on some of the implements). The top link has to be adjusted anyway in most cases so just hooking it up is not much different..

[KennyG]

OK, thanks, got it. One additional question: When attaching a rigid implement, do the 3 attachment points need to be in the same vertical plane as the 3 point hitch? If I drop my rear blade and it is leaning back or forward a little, when I go to hook up to it next time I just lengthen or shorten my top link after attaching the two bottom points. How would this work with a QH?

In most cases the angle at the top of the QH hooks will give you enough margin to hook up even if the implement is leaning a little. If it's leaning forward, as you back up you can push the top pin to straighten it up. If that doesn't work you may have to adjust the top link.