Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up?

[Ken45101]

In ten minutes with IMatch I can pick up (move over to mow beneath) 4 ot 5 implements without getting off the tractor.

Are they all JD implements? Does the Imatch spacing work with other brand implements? I have Woods and Bush Hog attachments.

Ken

 

[jenkinsph]

does it hookup the pto shaft for ya?

deriously though, whatever works, and every lil bit helps.

( speaking of auto pto shaft hookup... havn't I read that deer has something like that in limited release? )

soundguy

I haven't added the auto shaft portion to my IMatch but it is available for my implements. I did try it at the dealer and it works pretty slick, for someone starting out with a clean slate (no existing equipment) I think it is a good way to go.

When I am moving my implements to mow beneath them I don't need to hookup the pto anyway. I have fixed link, telescopic link and IMatch and the latter is much easier to use by myself.

 

[jenkinsph]

Are they all JD implements? Does the Imatch spacing work with other brand implements? I have Woods and Bush Hog attachments.

Ken

Ken,
The IMatch will work with most Cat 1 implements though some need modifying. There are a few that would require major changes to work. Once you have them setup though the IMatch is a joy to use.

Having the IMatch and knowing what it needs to work I am aware and pay attention to this when buying future implements. I have a variety of brands of implements and most have needed only simple modifications to make them work.

 

[Specop_007]

My only tip is to make sure the wife or kids arent around. Dont want them to hear you cussing. :thumbsup:

 

[hrcarver]

Good boots(as hammers):thumbsup:

 

[DanielVT]

42 oz. deadblow mallet.

 

[MESSMAKER]

42 oz. deadblow mallet.

That and a good pry bar can make things a lot easier. Park your stuff on pallets with wheels on them if they are on concrete.

 

[studor]

That and a good pry bar can make things a lot easier. Park your stuff on pallets with wheels on them if they are on concrete.

+1 on the mallet and prybar -- I have a six foot "railroad pry bar" that I always use when attaching implements -- I have a quick hitch but find it kinda a waste of time

 

[jenkinsph]

+1 on the mallet and prybar -- I have a six foot "railroad pry bar" that I always use when attaching implements -- I have a quick hitch but find it kinda a waste of time

How do you find it a waste of time?



I find the brute force method to be a waste of time, growing up we didn't have I Match and had to use the brute force method. If you take the time once to make the quick hitch work it saves a great deal of time. I find that the quick hitch combined with top n tilt makes a good combination.

When I build implements I make sure they are compatible too. Usually a few simple modifications and most implements can be quick hitch ready. Guess it helps to have some welding equipment but with what I know now I would pay a welder to do the work if necessary.

 

[beenthere]

After getting the iMatch, I don't need any of the bars or heavy boots or heavy mauls to hook-up. It is a real pleasure compared to the sweating that I used to do. Now I will admit to a tilt a time or two, just because the implement shifted or I approached at a different angle, and admit that the hyd. top arm is a real blessing as well. But no sweat now. :thumbsup: :cool2: