Want quick hitch but am confused by choices. Which one?

sixdogs · May 9, 2014

It's time to get a Cat I quick hitch and I'm 85% of the way convinced I need one. What I want is something that works well, fits most of the stuff I have and is something I can just use without the bending and welding so often written about. User friendly is my motto and I'm trying to skip the learning curve. I don't want to do the Pat's thing because it puts my weight further out. I want a quick hitch.

In reading the posts here over the years I know about Harbor Freight and that some say it doesn't always fit right. Speeco sounded good but a lot of people said it was of hit or miss quality as well. Everyone seems to like the Deere IMatch but I'm not totally convinced I want to spend what it costs and I don't even know how much that is. Surely there are other makers?

Help me out please. What do you have for a quick hitch, how well do you like it and does it work like you thought it would? Would you buy the same thing a second time round or do something different? Do you even need a quick hitch? What else do I need to know or understand?

Any advice appreciated.

LiveRoll · May 9, 2014

How much further would a Pat's set up be over a QH?? Looks pretty similar to me and I have both....Cat2 Prefer the Pats actually

Cheers..Roger

bcp · May 9, 2014

A quick hitch puts the weight farther out, too. The slight lift loss is worth it. I never carry that much anyway, (except when testing.)

If you really need all your capacity, there is at least one other brand that fits above the arms, not behind.

Bruce

ovrszd · May 9, 2014

A QH puts the weight out as well. Although some will argue that.

As for brands, if you are going to use it heavily I suggest a well built QH which you'd have to see to determine it's quality. I don't pay much attention to brand names. I'm afraid several different brand names are built by the same company.

As for compatability. That's totally dependent on your attachment. No effect on different brands of QH. If you have several attachments, be prepared to have to modify some. In my case I have the equipment necessary to modify and don't dwell on that much. The gain is worth the time spent to modify.

I use a CAT II QH on my big tractor and a CAT I on the small one. The only time I get off the tractor to hitch an attachment is to hookup a PTO or latch the QH. No prying, dragging, kicking 3pt arms to get hitched up.

I will not be without a QH.

Various opinions will follow since this a much discussed topic here on TBN.

George2615 · May 9, 2014

I have the Cat 1 QH from HF. It was under $100. Had to buy a new one since I let my other one go when I sold my previous tractor. I don't see where any of the more expensive brand QH's are better or do anything that the HF one won't. I am shopping for some new 3 pt equipment that will be QH compatible. I sold most of my 5' attachments as they are too small for my LS and don't cover my tracks. I need 6'-7' attachments now.

bcp · May 9, 2014

Here is the other one I was thinking about. (post 3) It doesn't put your implement farther back, just higher.

Welcome to CARTER AND SON'S TOOL AND DIE

Bruce

ovrszd · May 9, 2014

Bruce, that Carter hitch would be very important if lifting near the capacity of the 3pt or tractor chassis. Don't see many people that use it but is a very good idea if that's important to the user.

sixdogs · May 9, 2014

OK, it sounds like I should be interested in the Pat's. I'm looking for experience and you guys have it I'm paying attention.

ovrszd · May 9, 2014

I used Pat's on my 44HP CUT. The tractor did not have extendable 3pt arms. It was a great addition. Was a huge step from the tractor's factory configuration.

A QH with attachments that fit is the next huge step above a Pat's.

If you cannot or are unwilling to modify your attachments, then you probably should go for Pat's. With that said, I have a Rhino SE6 CAT I brush cutter that will not accept Pat's or a QH without modification. So don't think Pat's is going to be the "fix-all". Might not be.s

I hitch/unhitch my attachments regularly. Will not be without a QH.

hslogger · May 9, 2014

I just watched the Carter's video and it looks nifty. I have had a Pat's quick hitch for a year now and I am really happy with it. One of my three point implements, my rotary mower is over twenty five years old. I had to modify the braces near the bottom three point arms to accommodate my new Pat's set up for clearance. I am totally sold on the system and currently have it on an L4400 Kubota.

It needs to be said that if putting the assembly another few inches back, as for the physics of the arm lift is an issue, than you might not want to add this set up. I don't have a problem with it. Also, you will have to get a longer top link or an extension piece for it.
happy hitchin!