Quick Hitches Quick hitch - much quicker????

[PATG]

Yes, the stabilizer bar is adustable and only $20.00 plus $10.00 shipping.

 

[AndyinIowa]

'Much quicker' is the kicker. I don't have any 3ph attachments that take longer than 60-90 seconds to hook up (including PTO). For me, the return on investment isn't there.

My keys for quick hookups:

1.attachment presentation. Storing the attachment in an orientation that allows you to directly back up and connect saves a lot of time. I've seen people disconnect an attachment, only to see it flop over or collapse down into a heap. Not easy to reconnect.

2. Clean pins and swivels. Keep the 3pt pins and swivels shiney. Its not rocket science, but a little WD40 spray goes a long way.

3. Undersize pins - My ballast tub (400lbs) has undersized pins. No problems connecting or disconnecting.

Quick hitches are definitely nice, and as the implements move up in size, become more handy (as do telescopic arms).

IowaAndy

 

[jgrreed]

Any thoughts on which quick hitch to buy? A quick search found prices from Harbor Freight's $89 to somebody's >$500. I just ordered a new JD 4320 because my Kubota B2710 keeps breaking down on me (probably working it too hard), so I guess JD's iMatch would be the obvious (if costly) choice, but if I don't have to spend the money...

Apologies in advance if this is viewed as a thread hijack. I viewed it as the logical follow-on to the original poster's question.

My Speeco's been good so far. It's very similar to a HF or a JD and therefore might have spacing issues with some implements (but my father in law's a pretty good welder and this is a good excuse for me to learn too). Haven't tried Pat's but seems like a good idea.

I'm adding a CCM hydro top link too.

-J.

 

[jimmysisson]

I liked the look of Pat's but thought it had too many parts, ended up buying the Carter & Sons EZ-Hitch equivalent. It sits on top of the lower bars, not out back so driveshafts stay the same as do top links. The hooks fit snug into captured pin attachments (my Gannon box and Norse winch) and required a little modification. Mostly they're very good because you can back up until your EZ-hitch hits the pins, then just raise the 3-point. Pretty good system, still can swivel a bit if you're tilting an implement, and cheaper than Pat's. Excellent personal service as well. I don't work for them, just like the product.
Jim

Welcome to CARTER AND SON'S TOOL AND DIE

 

[KHNewman]

I have Pat's and they are great...very flexible and fast. The advantage over the carter system is the self locking feature where you don't need to get off the tractor and slide the pin in when you back up to the implement.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have Pat's and they are great...very flexible and fast. The advantage over the carter system is the self locking feature where you don't need to get off the tractor and slide the pin in when you back up to the implement.

Yes, but these are a source of fragility as well as convenience. The release lever of Pats can get ripped off in the ruf, which looses the spring that holds the pin retainer lug extended. About the same inconvenience as losing the pin on the Carter but much more difficult to fix.
larry

 

[wwalkersd]

Any thoughts on which quick hitch to buy? A quick search found prices from Harbor Freight's $89 to somebody's >$500. I just ordered a new JD 4320 because my Kubota B2710 keeps breaking down on me (probably working it too hard), so I guess JD's iMatch would be the obvious (if costly) choice, but if I don't have to spend the money...

Apologies in advance if this is viewed as a thread hijack. I viewed it as the logical follow-on to the original poster's question.

Well, after carefully measuring my implements, I bought the HF quick hitch. And guess what? Despite my best measurements, it doesn't fit a single one of my implements. In every case, even though the basic dimensions are correct, there's some obstruction that keeps the quick hitch from mating with the implement.

 

[bjcsc]

I've never used any type of quick hitch, but I don't really have any troubles changing implements. With telescoping links, I back up until I'm close, put my toplink valve in float, get off, hook the lower links and the toplink, get back on and back up to lock the lower links. Then I take the toplink valve back to neutral, raise the implement clear of the ground, get off, set the horizontal position I want on the stabilizers and I'm done. I've never been timed (that I'm aware of anyway ) but I bet it takes me less than 90 seconds to hook to my bush hog, including the PTO shaft.

I'm fine with telescoping lower links...

 

[Diamondpilot]

I had a quick hitch I did not ever use until I built my 3 point log splitter. It was a pain to hook up. Then I got a 7' rear grader blade and could not rotate it without the quick hitch. With the hitch on it puts things back 5-6 inches and that enough room to clear the rear tire with the hitch.

Its now been on for 3 years and I love it. No more adjusting the sway links either.

Chris

 

[joe48]

Check outthe little clamp on the cheap box spring frames. Its used to hold 2 pieces of angle together andlet them slide to the point you want and tighten a thumb nut to clamp. All you need is one of those clamps and 2 pieces the correct size angle with vertical bolt on end of each.
larry

I bought a 3/8 turn buckle at hardware store, open the left hand thread hook, take out the right hand thread hook and replace with a piece of allthread with 'L' bend on end and cut to necessary length. Time 5 mins, cost <$5.00.
Takes only a few turns ,if needed to change from the narrowest to widest hitch.