Looking for opinions on a quick hitch (Pats for a BX)
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gwdixon
Elite Member
Pat's are great IMO. I have had them on all my tractors except the backhoe L48. My BX2200 uses them.
But...if you only use two implements (blade, PTO generator) and they are the exact industry standard size between the lift pins, then I'd recommend that a rigid frame QH would be easier for your wife to negotiate. Pat's requires a spreader bar (or luck) and dismounting to hook up the top link.
This is especially true if the top link hook-up can be set up just right. Then it is just back up, lift, and done. Off she goes with whatever. Make sure that the top link attachment point on your implements can be accessed from the bottom as the QH is lifted. Sometimes there is a reinforcement bar in the way.
Hooking up the PTO shaft is an additional task. Be very careful that there is plenty of engagement of the two sliding parts of the shaft because a QH will set the implement back 4" at least.
You need 6" of engagement at the very minimum on the PTO shaft. That means that you should have 10" of engagement without a QH as it is currently. Be sure to check. You may have to buy a new shaft and cut it to size. Sometimes you can just buy a half shaft it that would give enough engagement.
Harbor Freight sells a rigid QH that is just as good as the more expensive ones for your uses. It will save quite a bit of cash especially if you have a 20% off coupon.
3-Point Quick Hitch for Tractors - 27-3/16" Clearance
But...if you only use two implements (blade, PTO generator) and they are the exact industry standard size between the lift pins, then I'd recommend that a rigid frame QH would be easier for your wife to negotiate. Pat's requires a spreader bar (or luck) and dismounting to hook up the top link.
This is especially true if the top link hook-up can be set up just right. Then it is just back up, lift, and done. Off she goes with whatever. Make sure that the top link attachment point on your implements can be accessed from the bottom as the QH is lifted. Sometimes there is a reinforcement bar in the way.
Hooking up the PTO shaft is an additional task. Be very careful that there is plenty of engagement of the two sliding parts of the shaft because a QH will set the implement back 4" at least.
You need 6" of engagement at the very minimum on the PTO shaft. That means that you should have 10" of engagement without a QH as it is currently. Be sure to check. You may have to buy a new shaft and cut it to size. Sometimes you can just buy a half shaft it that would give enough engagement.
Harbor Freight sells a rigid QH that is just as good as the more expensive ones for your uses. It will save quite a bit of cash especially if you have a 20% off coupon.
3-Point Quick Hitch for Tractors - 27-3/16" Clearance
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milkman
Elite Member
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- BX2200, BCS 735
gwdixon
Elite Member
If you know someone in the US, or live close to the border it would be worth trying to get the HF one by hook or by crook.
Princess Auto has this: (but $400 and apparently out of stock)
3-Point Cat. 1 Quick Hitch | Princess Auto
The Deerslayer
Platinum Member
Have the Pat's and have no regrets. Did need to get a PTO extender and longer top link, but neither was a big deal.
Before the Pat's I bought a Harbor Freight special that went back the next day. Not one of my implements fit and did not feel like modifying to make them. Good luck
Before the Pat's I bought a Harbor Freight special that went back the next day. Not one of my implements fit and did not feel like modifying to make them. Good luck
gwdixon
Elite Member
Yep. That is / was my experience exactly. Several homemade implements sitting around with non-standard hook-up dimensions.
Except that I bought two of the rigid frames and had to take both back. I'm a slow learner, I guess.
However, if I read it correctly, the OP has a special circumstance when his wife has to hook up implements. If his implements are built to industry standard, then the rigid style may just work perfectly.
EndlessMowing
Member
Saw the Pats Easy Change was a Black Friday deal.
Has anyone used solid bar type stabilizer in conjunction with the easy change? I use bar type stabilizers on a 68 Massey 135
It appears the cat1 pins will now be 3-4 inches further back now so I guess longer stabilizer bars would be necessary if I was to use this. Or change the original set up
Just feeling those out who may run into this issue.
Has anyone used solid bar type stabilizer in conjunction with the easy change? I use bar type stabilizers on a 68 Massey 135
It appears the cat1 pins will now be 3-4 inches further back now so I guess longer stabilizer bars would be necessary if I was to use this. Or change the original set up
Just feeling those out who may run into this issue.
pizzaguy
Bronze Member
I am looking at switching to Pat's system also and was reading this thread for comments. I have the Harbor Freight quick hitch and think it is way too light duty. I can see it bending very easily if you are not careful. Mine is for sale.
I see that Titan sells their version much cheaper also. Does anyone have experience with these ?Quick Hitch Tractor Implement Deere Skid Steer Kubota Ford Rapid Change System
I see that Titan sells their version much cheaper also. Does anyone have experience with these ?Quick Hitch Tractor Implement Deere Skid Steer Kubota Ford Rapid Change System
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gwdixon
Elite Member
I have aftermarket "solid" lift arms on a BX and they make no difference in the use of Pat's. Except that they make the use of the spacer bar less critical than on the turnbuckle type.
Pat's does set the lift point 3" to 4" further to the rear. If your top link can handle that increase then there is not a problem there. The lift arms do not need to be a different size (if that is what you mean by "stabilizer bars").
The PTO shaft needs to be longer as well when using Pat's. Once again, if there is enough engagement (like 6") between the two PTO shaft sections then there is no problem and it can be used as is. Also, a PTO extension can be had for about $20 from Agri Supply that makes up the difference very nicely.
