Snowback
Platinum Member
Picked up a quick hitch from Ranch Ex. (Sourced through Walmart.com and delivered for free).
http://www.walmart.com/ip/RanchEx-C...75035&wl11=online&wl12=54055973&wl13=&veh=sem
This hitch has the thicker and proper offset top link hook as seen in the last picture, and also comes with bushings and a top link float connector, so that checked off two add on items that made it price competitive with some other brands. (Plus Walmart is great at returns if you ever have the need...) The hitch appears to be sturdy and well constructed. I made some additional slide on bushings by cutting back a few pairs of the standard bushings. Trimmed two sets up to be 2.5" long and one at 3.5". Each of our Mahindra MD and HD cutter and box blade, as well as our EA Extreme Landscape Rake have clevis pins, so it will be quick and easy to swap out attachments now.
A word of caution here in that the 2538 has long rear mud flaps off the fenders. They are in fact so long that when top link is fully retracted and you lift the 3pt all the way up, it can cause interference between the quick hitch and the fender. Although that combo of full retraction and max height might be rare, it still might be a good idea to trim some of the fender to avoid major damage down the road.
Here are a few shots of what I did. The mounting bolt is far enough in that you can trim towards it and get enough clearance without compromising strength. Not quite as pretty as before, but not too bad, and it very usable now.
Remember to trim some excess on the sides for sway as well.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/RanchEx-C...75035&wl11=online&wl12=54055973&wl13=&veh=sem
This hitch has the thicker and proper offset top link hook as seen in the last picture, and also comes with bushings and a top link float connector, so that checked off two add on items that made it price competitive with some other brands. (Plus Walmart is great at returns if you ever have the need...) The hitch appears to be sturdy and well constructed. I made some additional slide on bushings by cutting back a few pairs of the standard bushings. Trimmed two sets up to be 2.5" long and one at 3.5". Each of our Mahindra MD and HD cutter and box blade, as well as our EA Extreme Landscape Rake have clevis pins, so it will be quick and easy to swap out attachments now.
A word of caution here in that the 2538 has long rear mud flaps off the fenders. They are in fact so long that when top link is fully retracted and you lift the 3pt all the way up, it can cause interference between the quick hitch and the fender. Although that combo of full retraction and max height might be rare, it still might be a good idea to trim some of the fender to avoid major damage down the road.
Here are a few shots of what I did. The mounting bolt is far enough in that you can trim towards it and get enough clearance without compromising strength. Not quite as pretty as before, but not too bad, and it very usable now.
Remember to trim some excess on the sides for sway as well.