Quick Hitches Quick hitch confusion

[canoetrpr]

Is there some sort of quick hitch standard out there?

Land Pride has a Quick Hitch that they sell and most of their 3PT implements have a Quick Hitch logo to say whether they are compatible or not.

Are there others that sell a Quick Hitch of this sort. How would I figure out which implements are compatible or not? I'm getting a Woods BB60 rotary cutter and Woods doesn't seem to sell a Quick Hitch for example. Or should I go for a Land Pride rotary cutter along with their Quick Hitch?

 

[beenthere]

As I understand, there is a standard for the quick hitch. ASAE and SAE. I'm sure Deere's iMatch, SpeeCo, and LandPride are the same for Cat I at least, and I'm sure for Cat II as well. I think one would have a hard time telling them apart.

 

[greg_g]

The quick hitches themselves conform to the accepted SAE/ISO Cat 0/1/2/3/4 dimensions. It's some implement manufacturers that don't (conform); not to the part about lower lift pin and toplink locations anyway.

If ALL implement manufacturers would use the measurements on THIS CHART, it would make life behind a tractor considerably simpler (not to mention save a lot of bruised knuckles and blue language).

//greg//

 

[beenthere]

greg_g
You are right on the comments.
However, that chart doesn't include all the dimensions for the quickhitches, such as the standard height of the top link 'hook' of 15" I believe. I can't put my fingers on the complete quickhitch standards, but they have been posted.
A drawing is here.
Cat I quickhitch specs

 

[keeney]

The quick hitch standard also specs out clearances for the top hook and the lower pins. Many attachments may have the standard dimensions between the lower pins and the top link, but there may not be sufficient clearance to "hook" the attachment from below using the quick-hitch. This is frequently a problem at the top link position.

- Rick

 

[canoetrpr]

Is there any one quick hitch you folks would recommend over another?

 

[beenthere]

color, price, dealer - take your pick /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I think they are pretty much the same, or identical possibly. We've heard that the new iMatch are coming now with an adjustable top hook. Haven't seen one yet, but not really looking.

As keeney pointed out, the top hook is what usually is in need of some retrofit (I did that on some older attachments), and a top link hyd cyl would be a real treat, that I would like to have with my iMatch.

 

[greg_g]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is there any one quick hitch you folks would recommend over another? )</font>

They really only differ basically from the standpoint of fit & finish and price. I had one - a SPEECO clone - only to realize I had too many "non-standard" implements. I sold it in favor of PAT's Easy Hitch System.

If you're going to go with the QH design though, my personal experience says buy the one that comes with the largest selection/variety of toplink configurations. It takes all kinds to fit the big assortment of implement designs out there. And a floating toplink bracket is a downright necessity if you plan to use a QH/rotary cutter combination (or disc harrow).

//greg//

 

[ronjhall]

I have a SpeeCo quick hitch that works OK on most of my 3PH attachments. All of them required modification of some sort to get them mounted. Once they have been modified, fit is not a problem again.
I have 3 PTO driven attachments. I have not used the quick hitch on them. My tiller has a short PTO shaft made to fit my tractor. If I use quick hitch for it, shaft will be to short. The rotary cutter is moved back behind tractor to far and throws off balance (tractor feels tail heavy even with FEL on). Post Hole Digger will not work with a quick hitch. Because it does not require a top link. Arm that supports auger is attached to same point as tractor end of top link is hooked.
I also modified my quick hitch to fit the FEL. It allow me to use some of my 3PH attachments on FEL. primary use is Boom Pole and Landscape Rake. Here is a link to a thread about my experinces with the quick hitch. Click Here
There are quite a few threads on the different types of quick hitches here on TBN.

 

[FarmGeek]

I've got a TSC 3PT quick hitch with many hours invested in making it work for me. I had to weld the top hook onto the frame to make it reach some of my implements.

The comments above about the implements being out of spec is SO TRUE! I had a Woods box blade that fit the QH so I bought the same model series of angle blade. Now you would think that for well over a grand, it would mount the same. NOT! Had to cut off and re-weld the mounting brackets to make it work.

Even with all the efforts, it was well worth it. I would not be without one now that I've had the pleasure.

Buy it, you won't reget it.