Quick hitch for 3 point – options

[beowulf]

I have had Pat’s Easy Hitch units for years – in a box in the barn. I never hooked them up after I figured out that I had to get a longer hydraulic top link, and would also have to lengthen the PTO shafts on a couple of implements.

However, I have now decided that I want to try to install them for use on my non-PTO implements (I rarely use the post hole digger and the rotary mower and may sell both) – meaning I only need to worry about the top link issue.

I tried to read all I could find here re the issue. This is what I see as options:

1) Buying a longer hydraulic top link.

2) Buying an adapter for the ‘implement end’ of the top link - in the correct length. (See below)

3) Finding an adapter for the ‘tractor end’ of the top link. (a member here fashioned a great one a while back but I lack his skills).

3) Forgetting about Pat’s unit and buying a three-point quick hitch from TSC or HF.

I am concerned the TSC or HF three-point quick hitches will add weight to the rear and still may not ideally work with the existing top link. The two most expensive choices are buying the TSC 3 Pt quick hitch or a longer hydraulic top link. The least expensive choice is a top link adapter, but as to the ones I have found (see below) – I have a question. (I assume the fork end would connect to the hydraulic top link, and the prong end would connect to the implement with a top link pin).

My concern: It seems that the adapter would or could pivot up when the top link is extended, i.e., now the top link connects directly at a fixed point to the implement and thus can push or pull the top of the implement directly rearward. But maybe the weight of the implement would effectively ‘drop” as the link is extended and thus prevent any upward pivot of the adapter.

I hope I have made this clear enough. I may be overthinking it all, but I would rather hear from members here before I leap.

Top Hitch Adapter-Quick Hitch

Find all of your tractor quick hitches at Agri Supply such as this Top Hitch Adapter Bracket among our many 26,000 plus products.

www.agrisupply.com

 

[ljjhouser]

You are right about the top link. I use Pats. Have for 4 years. I like them. I replaced my top link with one from TSC. It was the longest one they had, I think 34". I do not use my pto. I don't mow with the tractor. But I use a box blade a lot and it works well.

About the added weight. Do you have ballast in your tires? I am going to guess you need the added weight back there. I say that because my L4701 has 40% filled with methanol (about 450 pounds added to both tires). If I have the box blade on (weighs 400 pounds) I still do not have enough ballast to go up a gravel road hill in 2WD - not enough traction. I am in the process of changing to Rim Guard because that will add another 200 pounds to the back. I have to use 4wd going up gravel hill road with anything more than 200 in the bucket.

Might check to see how your tractor is doing ballast wise. You may find you will be happy to add weight.

I have not used the fork device, so I can't help there.

 

[jeff9366]

You can buy a longer manual Top Link from TSC for under $40.00.

There are many web options for Top Links as well.

Goodgle Search: Tractor Top Link

 

[RickB]

Most rotary cutters and post hole diggers have enough forgiveness in PTO shaft length that using Pat's won't require changes to the PTO shaft. Where shaft length quickly becomes problematic is implements with short shaft lengths like tillers and spinner spreaders.
Implement compatibility is a much more significant concern with quick hitches than Pat's.

 

[Foodplot]

I've got Pat's on a large utility tractor that doesn't have extendable lift arms and generally like them. On a compact tractor, I had better luck with these: Welcome to CARTER AND SON'S TOOL AND DIE
The EZ hitch doesn't require longer PTO shafts or top links and offered the added advantage of raising the implement a bit which made tall implements easier to use with the compact tractor. Relative to Pat's, they do require a little more work, as there is no automatic latch to lock the implement's lift pins in place (or to jam with mud). I'm not a fan of the fixed, three-point quick hitches as we have too many implements from too many decades that get used on multiple tractors. Not enough compatibility.

 

[mcfarmall]

That fork adapter thingy goes between the QH and the implement, not between the top link and the QH.

 

[LouNY]

Not the cheapest by any means but in my opinion and having used most every style of 3 point arms and a few quick hitches,
I much prefer the Euro hook type arms.
Such as these;

https://www.agristoreusa.com/products/cat-2-1-lower-link-quick-release-hook-kit

And they are also available from a TBN member, mtnviewranch.

 

[beowulf]

That fork adapter thingy goes between the QH and the implement, not between the top link and the QH.

Mcfarmall - thanks for input. Yeah, I saw those hookups between QH and implements as I searched for options. What I did not know was whether I could use the adapter between the implement end of the top link and the implement to provide the extra length I need.

 

[beowulf]

Not the cheapest by any means but in my opinion and having used most every style of 3 point arms and a few quick hitches,
I much prefer the Euro hook type arms.
Such as these;
View attachment 718772
https://www.agristoreusa.com/products/cat-2-1-lower-link-quick-release-hook-kit

And they are also available from a TBN member, mtnviewranch.

LouNY, I saw these as well - watched a video. Looked great but required welding and some precise cutting and alignments - skills I don't have. Otherwise, a great choice.

 

[beowulf]

I've got Pat's on a large utility tractor that doesn't have extendable lift arms and generally like them. On a compact tractor, I had better luck with these: Welcome to CARTER AND SON'S TOOL AND DIE
The EZ hitch doesn't require longer PTO shafts or top links and offered the added advantage of raising the implement a bit which made tall implements easier to use with the compact tractor. Relative to Pat's, they do require a little more work, as there is no automatic latch to lock the implement's lift pins in place (or to jam with mud). I'm not a fan of the fixed, three-point quick hitches as we have too many implements from too many decades that get used on multiple tractors. Not enough compatibility.

Foodplot, thanks for this. Looks interesting and doable - I will check this out further - only downside I guess is that I already have Pats - but still your option may be better.

A question: you mention (and I see it in the pic) that it rasises the implements a bit. Has that been an issue with using (getting things low enough) for a grading blade or box blade? I could see it might be an issue with a middle buster which I cannot get low enough anyway, or using the rippers on a box blade when you tilt it foward to be more aggressive with the rippers.

 

[jeff9366]

Has that been an issue with using (getting things low enough) for a grading blade or box blade? I could see it might be an issue with a middle buster which I cannot get low enough anyway, or using the rippers on a box blade when you tilt it foward to be more aggressive with the rippers.

Kubota L3410​

Has anyone showed you how to change pin adjustment from top holes in the two Lifting Arm stirrups to the two lower holes, yielding 5" lower implement adjustment?

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[beowulf]

Has that been an issue with using (getting things low enough) for a grading blade or box blade? I could see it might be an issue with a middle buster which I cannot get low enough anyway, or using the rippers on a box blade when you tilt it foward to be more aggressive with the rippers.

Kubota L3410​

Has anyone showed you how to change pin adjustment from top holes in the two Lifting Arm stirrups to the two lower holes, yielding 5" lower implement adjustment?

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jeff9366, embarrassed to say I was ignorant about that. As soon as I read your post and the picture I knew exactly what you were referring to. Not to old to learn and one more 'tool' in the toolbox. Thanks for pointing that out. I guess I have never had a need to lower it - or assumed I did not have a need to do that.

 

[ljjhouser]

jeff9366, embarrassed to say I was ignorant about that. As soon as I read your post and the picture I knew exactly what you were referring to. Not to old to learn and one more 'tool' in the toolbox. Thanks for pointing that out. I guess I have never had a need to lower it - or assumed I did not have a need to do that.

Hey, beowulf - join the club. We have all overlooked the obvious, that thing we cannot find because we are standing on it, or were leaning on it or you know, the glasses we cannot find because they are on our head. Ha

 

[beowulf]

Hey, beowulf - join the club. We have all overlooked the obvious, that thing we cannot find because we are standing on it, or were leaning on it or you know, the glasses we cannot find because they are on our head. Ha

Thanks for the support. . . I recall the time I thought that something was wrong with the tractor because I could not get a lot of power in reverse. I was worried that I had a real problem with the tractor until I saw that I needed to clean the twigs from under the HST pedal. As they say, look for the simplest solution first.

 

[jeff9366]

I have had Pat’s Easy Hitch units for years – in a box in the barn. I never hooked them up after I figured out that I had to get a longer hydraulic top link, and would also have to lengthen the PTO shafts on a couple of implements.

Simple bolt-on PTO shaft extensions are available:

LINK: tractor pto shaft extension

 

[beowulf]

Simple bolt-on PTO shaft extensions are available:

LINK: tractor pto shaft extension

Jeff, I had considered those as well, but recall some posts here of some bad experiences with those. I may be misremembering that - but will recheck. Definitely a fix for any pto length issue. The only pto implements I might use (and rarely - now that we have goats) would be a 6' rotary mower and a post hole digger. Thanks again for posting responses. Right now I am taking a serious look at the EZ hitch link posted by Foodplot - it seems like that would resolve my issues. If I go that way, I guess I would sell my Pat's Easy Hitch.

 

[Texasmark]

Pat's Easy Hitch.....have one on every tractor without expansion tips integral to the lift arms, Cat I and II.

 

[jeff9366]

Jeff, I had considered those as well, but recall some posts here of some bad experiences with those. I may be misremembering that - but will recheck.

I am taking a serious look at the EZ hitch link posted by Foodplot - it seems like that would resolve my issues. If I go that way, I guess I would sell my Pat's Easy Hitch.

Some people can botch anything. Even something as simple as installing a PTO extension. Should be an excellent solution provide all parts are clean when joined. I would use a little low-strength thread-locker as insurance.



Personally, I would work with the Pat's EZ Hitch you have before seeking The Holy Grail elsewhere. While there are many variations on the Quick Hitch they all seek to provide the same ultimate solution. Pat's is well regarded by users.

Does your L3410 have Three Point Hitch telescoping Lower Links?

 

[beowulf]

Pat's Easy Hitch.....have one on every tractor without expansion tips integral to the lift arms, Cat I and II.

Texas, can you clarify re the expansion tips?

 

[beowulf]

Does your L3410 have Three Point Hitch telescoping Lower Links?

Yes.

I guess I am at decision point of Pat's and a new hydraulic top link (and possibly also with a pto extender), or the EZ hitch foodplot suggested. The later would apparently not require a new hydraulic top link or a pto extender, so there's that. Still thinking this through. BTW - likely 90%+ of the time my rear implement changes would be among box blade, a grading blade, and sometimes a carry all, and rarely a middle buster. These days I find I am not using my rotary mower much, and the post hole digger has been a frustrating exercise because of the DG and rocks, and the slopes where I might need it.

Even now, I am not switching things out a lot, it is just that as I get older I would like things to be a bit easier even if the tasks are not frequent. I am also thinking about my son-in-law who will someday have the tractor and has MS. It would be much easier for him to have a rear easy hitch set up of some kind. We have the quick hitch for the FEL and pallet forks.

I so much appreciate your input - thanks for your responses.