I use Pat's quick hitch, and find it much easier to use than a Speeco quick hitch. My Deere 390 flail mower is reported to use both Cat 1 and Cat 2 quick hitches, but there was no clearance with my quick hitch, so you had to have everything alligned perfectly. Pat's was an order of magnitude easier to use. But, it is a PIA if you don't have the stabilizer bar. I just found this on my net search, "http://www.agrisupply.com/pat-quick-hitch-cat-stabilizer-bar-included/p/70078/" and it states that the stabilizer bar is included. The listing from the TractorByNet store states the stabilizer bar is optional.