kebo
Elite Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2006
- Messages
- 2,928
- Location
- Lexington, SC
- Tractor
- 2001 John Deere 790 4x4, bar tires
Wasn't sure to post this here or in the pushpin thread for Pat's EC system but decided to post it here since it gets more views. Anyone had any problems with an implement not being compatible with the Pat's EC???
I ordered the Pats Easy Change and got it installed with no trouble and thought all my implement changing woes were over with. Wrong!!! The very first implement I wanted to hook up was my 5ft BB and it took me longer (and was more difficult) to attach it with the EC installed and than it used to without the EC!
Essentially the problem is that the 7/8" pins for the side draft links are positioned about 1" directly above the front edge of a piece of 4"x"4"x1/4" angle iron that runs the width of the BB. This causes an interference problem with the Pat's Easy Change by hitting a heavy 4x4x1/2" angle piece of the BB framework.
Pictures below can show it better than I can explain it.
The way I see it, I have three options to fix this:
1) Sell the boxblade, or perhaps trade, and get one that is compatible with the EC system. I bought the no name BB from a guy that sells used tractors and new/used implements from his yard about 7 years ago for $325. He's still in business and I think he would trade with me on another BB and not make it too painful on the wallet, but I really like the BB that I have.
2) Modify my BB by welding some 3" x 1/2" flat stock onto the BB framework (along with bracing for strength) to re-position the 3pt brackets about 2 inches forward of where they are now. I would also have to drill some holes in the rear for the two pieces that support the center link bracket. I don't have ready access to welding or 1" drill bits so that makes it the least desirable option.
3) Modify my BB by cutting out notches that would give the EC clearance needed to come from underneath the pins to latch in when attaching the implement. This would involve cutting out two notches maybe 1 1/4" deep by about 2" wide into the 4x4x1/4" angle frame work. I don't think that notching it out would weaken the heavy angle iron enough to where it might bend. The BB framework is braced pretty well and I think it would be ok.
The third option is the way I'm leaning at the moment. The only thing is if I decide to notch it, all I have to cut with is a sawzall and metal cutting blades. Would that cut through the 1/4" thick angle? Or do I need something better to cut with?? Don't have a cutting torch either. Any other suggestions or ideas???
Here is a side view with the BB sitting on the ground showing the interference:
Here's a view looking directly over the top of the 7/8" pin. (Btw, I know that washer is sitting wrong, it was because the lynch pin was too short but I fixed that little problem with a longer pin after I took the picture).
Here's a picture of the other side with the BB raised:
Here is a wider view showing some of the framework:
What would you do????
I ordered the Pats Easy Change and got it installed with no trouble and thought all my implement changing woes were over with. Wrong!!! The very first implement I wanted to hook up was my 5ft BB and it took me longer (and was more difficult) to attach it with the EC installed and than it used to without the EC!
Essentially the problem is that the 7/8" pins for the side draft links are positioned about 1" directly above the front edge of a piece of 4"x"4"x1/4" angle iron that runs the width of the BB. This causes an interference problem with the Pat's Easy Change by hitting a heavy 4x4x1/2" angle piece of the BB framework.Pictures below can show it better than I can explain it.
The way I see it, I have three options to fix this:
1) Sell the boxblade, or perhaps trade, and get one that is compatible with the EC system. I bought the no name BB from a guy that sells used tractors and new/used implements from his yard about 7 years ago for $325. He's still in business and I think he would trade with me on another BB and not make it too painful on the wallet, but I really like the BB that I have.
2) Modify my BB by welding some 3" x 1/2" flat stock onto the BB framework (along with bracing for strength) to re-position the 3pt brackets about 2 inches forward of where they are now. I would also have to drill some holes in the rear for the two pieces that support the center link bracket. I don't have ready access to welding or 1" drill bits so that makes it the least desirable option.
3) Modify my BB by cutting out notches that would give the EC clearance needed to come from underneath the pins to latch in when attaching the implement. This would involve cutting out two notches maybe 1 1/4" deep by about 2" wide into the 4x4x1/4" angle frame work. I don't think that notching it out would weaken the heavy angle iron enough to where it might bend. The BB framework is braced pretty well and I think it would be ok.
The third option is the way I'm leaning at the moment. The only thing is if I decide to notch it, all I have to cut with is a sawzall and metal cutting blades. Would that cut through the 1/4" thick angle? Or do I need something better to cut with?? Don't have a cutting torch either. Any other suggestions or ideas???
Here is a side view with the BB sitting on the ground showing the interference:
Here's a view looking directly over the top of the 7/8" pin. (Btw, I know that washer is sitting wrong, it was because the lynch pin was too short but I fixed that little problem with a longer pin after I took the picture).
Here's a picture of the other side with the BB raised:
Here is a wider view showing some of the framework:
What would you do????
