Quick hitches and similar

[bill177]

I have been looking at the iMatch and Pat's.

I see how Pat's works - you back up with the hooks under the pins and raise the hitch until they lock in. Then you get off the tractor and hook up the top bar and the PTO.

I see that the bottom of the iMatch works the same. But, where does the hook come in on the top of the iMatch. Do I need an adapter of some kind, or do I just very accurately back up to the implement?

Simple if you have seen them in action - not so for me. I went to the Deere dealer nearby hoping to see one and buy same. He doesn't even stock the iMatch. He told me the name of another Deere dealer to try - not even a phone number. No help what-so-ever!

Would someone kindly describe the implement hook-up process using the iMatch? Thanks.

 

[kennyd]

The top hook on the IMatch and simular hitches hooks under a pin that is put into the hole on the implement where the top link would normaly go.

Clear as mud?

 

[Birdhunter1]

And very easy to hook/unhook equipment.
I haven't seen a Cat III tractor (your bigger Ag MFWD and 4wd tractors) in a long time that didn't have a quick hitch on it, very simple, trip two levers and drop equiment, back up to next piece hook up to it, getout and trip the levers and get to work. Try "adjusting" a piece of equipment that weighs more than your truck to attach to a tractor.

 

[bill177]

Yep - like mud. That's why I went over to the Deere dealer. I was hoping to see one.

The hook goes under the pin (original pin?) on the top point of the implement. Once hooked on this pin, how do you hook onto the lower pins? Or do you have to do this all at one time. Do you just push the implement around with the tractor until it is square with the iMatch, then lift?

I know it must be easy, as they (all brands included) are quite popular. I just cannot picture it.

At least I understand how Pat's hitch works.

 

[kennyd]

Yes, You hook all three mounting points at the same time. Its easier done than said (typed).

 

[Neophyte]

All three will hook up at the same time. It's very easy to do, however a hydraulic top-n-tilt will make it even easier. The hydraulic top link is definitely more useful than the hydraulic tilt link when it comes to the quick hitch.

All of my implements are iMatch compatible and I love it!

You may want to check with a LandPride dealer as well since they also make a quick hitch. They may be able to demonstrate it for you. The LP QH has an adjustable top link but it's more expensive than the iMatch.

 

[texasjohn]

I have a Pat's and a hydraulic top link.... ideal set up for me. Easy on, easy off. The top link solves the need for a longer top link that some have experienced. Depends on your existing equipment's top link length requirements. The Pat's fits everything without further purchase or adjustment necessary.

I think that sometimes your exsting equipment needs to be adjusted to fit the imatch... not sure, haven't owned one, only seen posts elsewhere on TBN... maybe somebody else will comment on universality of imatch to equipment.

 

[Neophyte]

I had to modify some of my implements and others worked without modification. I wasted a few days modifying all of them but it saves me time every time I change implements. To me, it was definitely worth it.