Western
Super Member
Post hole digger I just drill into the ground a couple of feet and leave it, usually goes right back on like it came off. The shredder and tiller aren't to bad if the ground is level.
Discouraged by the work involved changing implements
- Thread starter Alan L.
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RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
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- Bethel, Vermont
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- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
I also recommend a QH of some type. Pat's Easy Change is the most versatile, but does require a bit more work. Almost all quick hitches still require the operator to get off the seat and hook up the PTO drive shaft. When I write "almost", I'm referring to the auto-hookup Deere has, but I know nothing about that, so no further comment (on Deere's auto-hook up).
Task planning reduces unnecessary implement changes, so plan your work. As many respondents wrote, my RFM stays on most of the Spring, Summer and into fall. My chipping is done after I accumulate enough to make the implement change worthwhile.
Task planning reduces unnecessary implement changes, so plan your work. As many respondents wrote, my RFM stays on most of the Spring, Summer and into fall. My chipping is done after I accumulate enough to make the implement change worthwhile.
Turbys_1700
Elite Member
I, along with many other here, have the same issues...
My hardest implement to attach is the box blade...
Darn thing is a bugger...
But I have found that if I leave my attachments on level ground the hook ups are easier...
The most aggravating thing is getting off and on the tractor...
I have not looked at a quick attach but perhaps it is time to...
My hardest implement to attach is the box blade...
Darn thing is a bugger...
But I have found that if I leave my attachments on level ground the hook ups are easier...
The most aggravating thing is getting off and on the tractor...
I have not looked at a quick attach but perhaps it is time to...
s219
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- Kubota L3200, Deere X380, Kubota RTV-X
It's a chore for me as well, at age 44 but feeling like 64 due to construction work as a youth. I'm having a barn built and plan to put in a concrete floor just so I can put implements on dollies and jockey them into position easier (if not for that reason, I'd be fine with a gravel floor). Right now I keep them on pallets on semi-level ground, but it's still a pain in the butt. Will probably buy a quick hitch too.
Gem99ultra
Elite Member
Being in my mid-70s, I can sure relate to your dilemma. Just for your info, I already have dollies made up for my implements, rear hydraulic top-and-tilt, and Pat's Quick Hitch. And STILL go through that hesitation to change implements! I 'think' part of that might be old age creeping in?
I does seem that those yokes with the push-button are a lot more work to connect. They often rust up and are difficult to push in far enough to open up the spline. I do have a couple of implements with the twist-collars – those are easier by far.
Some routine preventative maintenance no doubt would make like easier. But I’m at the stage now that when I bend over to tie my shoes I take time to plan “what else do I need to do while I’m down there”
I does seem that those yokes with the push-button are a lot more work to connect. They often rust up and are difficult to push in far enough to open up the spline. I do have a couple of implements with the twist-collars – those are easier by far.
Some routine preventative maintenance no doubt would make like easier. But I’m at the stage now that when I bend over to tie my shoes I take time to plan “what else do I need to do while I’m down there”
Gary Fowler
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I don't have a problem with the 3 point hook up, even though it can be a pain sometimes if I don't get tractor lined up well. My ***** is the darned PTO couplings like I have on my bushhog and tiller. Going on isn't a problem as you have to push the collar forward while pulling on the shaft, but TAKING it off. How are you supposed to push the collar forward while pulling back on the shaft. It usually takes two people to do this and the darned springs on the collar must be built strong enough to hold up a Peterbuilt. It takes all I can muster just to push back on the collar. I much prefer the pin type that you push or the collar type that twist.
And another issue with my collar type. The collar will push forward AND pull back and I always forget which way to move it especially when it wont come off easily from pushing then I start pulling and it still sticks. DARN, DARN, DARN IT. I really hate those things.
And another issue with my collar type. The collar will push forward AND pull back and I always forget which way to move it especially when it wont come off easily from pushing then I start pulling and it still sticks. DARN, DARN, DARN IT. I really hate those things.
Baby Grand
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Agree with Jeff - I got sick and tired of always having to stop and diddle with the turn buckles every time I wanted to swap implements with our B5100. It always seemed to take 20 minutes and involved much cussin', moving the tractor and doing everything two or three times. After replacing the turnbuckles with the Stabilworks stays, implement changes go much, much faster and my temperament remains cool.
Our Phoenix tiller has one of those accursed push/pull PTO shaft connectors and it can be a real frustration on a hot day to get that thing secured. Agree with Jenkinsph - the push pin types are much easier to use. I hate to spend money, but swapping that hateful thing out is on my short list for Spring.
PHPaul
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I guess I'm the oddball here. I have never quite seen the point of a "quick hitch" as it involves significant expenditure and much modification (standardizing pin distances) to solve a "problem" that in my mind just doesn't exist.
I have several attachments: york rake, snowblower, backhoe, log splitter, finish mower, tiller, posthole digger, rotary mower and box blade plus a couple of home-made doodads. They all get parked in the grass or on the dirt floor of my shed.
It's not at all unusual for me to switch implements 4 or 5 times in a day when I have a project going.
I make a reasonable attempt to park things on level ground, and I do go to some extra effort for the PHD (I lash it to a post to keep it vertical; the backhoe (it sits on a couple of old car rims and a 6x6 to keep it at the right height) and the log splitter (I built a stand for it to sit on to keep it at the right height and somewhere near level).
Yup, occasionally I have to rassle with one or another of them a little, but it's nothing a little tweaking with the crowbar won't fix. As long as I remember to grease the PTO shafts occasionally I've never had a problem there. I have both push button and collar types.
BTW I'm 63 and sat on my butt for a living for a lot of years too, but I'd still WAY rather take the time to put the PHD or the backhoe on than do it with a shovel.
Of course, I'm also an unreconstructed Luddite and my tractor doesn't have power steering, a cab, air conditioning, cup holders or an automatic transmission. Fits well in my cave tho.
I have several attachments: york rake, snowblower, backhoe, log splitter, finish mower, tiller, posthole digger, rotary mower and box blade plus a couple of home-made doodads. They all get parked in the grass or on the dirt floor of my shed.
It's not at all unusual for me to switch implements 4 or 5 times in a day when I have a project going.
I make a reasonable attempt to park things on level ground, and I do go to some extra effort for the PHD (I lash it to a post to keep it vertical; the backhoe (it sits on a couple of old car rims and a 6x6 to keep it at the right height) and the log splitter (I built a stand for it to sit on to keep it at the right height and somewhere near level).
Yup, occasionally I have to rassle with one or another of them a little, but it's nothing a little tweaking with the crowbar won't fix. As long as I remember to grease the PTO shafts occasionally I've never had a problem there. I have both push button and collar types.
BTW I'm 63 and sat on my butt for a living for a lot of years too, but I'd still WAY rather take the time to put the PHD or the backhoe on than do it with a shovel.
Of course, I'm also an unreconstructed Luddite and my tractor doesn't have power steering, a cab, air conditioning, cup holders or an automatic transmission. Fits well in my cave tho.
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dave1949
Super Star Member
I wonder if occasionally soaking the PTO shaft locking rings and buttons (not the u-joints) in diesel fuel or other mild solvent, then a little fresh oil after getting the gunk out, would make them easier to use. They shouldn't be that tough to move.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Here is another vote for parking implements on Level Ground. I also use Fluid Film for the PTO shaft and couplers. The dolly idea would be a great idea if I had a barn with a concrete floor in it. But I don't. I still remember how much of a hassle the PTO seemed to be in years past, and it just is no problem at all now. The Fluid Films helps, but I still think that just making myself do it a bunch of times for practice was the key in getting used to the motions and now it seems easy. If you dread doing something, and only do it once in a while, you are never going to develop the muscle memory to make it an easy task.
