What angle for weld-on Euro hooks?

[Oz_Kioti]

Using the OEM part as a template, we welded the new hooks onto suitable mild steel bar with the same dimensions, paying particular attention to the two angles* - the bend angle and the lean or twist angle. It was a bit of a fiddle - tacking and comparing - and then the full DEEP weld when it was aligned correctly.

*Different tractors may well have different angles!

We drilled a single hole in the new bar to accept the original pin, so now the original lifting tab is locked into place, and of course the new fitting no longer slides in or out, but that's not an issue for me.

 

[BCLoco]

Using the OEM part as a template, we welded the new hooks onto suitable mild steel bar with the same dimensions, paying particular attention to the two angles* - the bend angle and the lean or twist angle. It was a bit of a fiddle - tacking and comparing - and then the full DEEP weld when it was aligned correctly.

*Different tractors may well have different angles!

We drilled a single hole in the new bar to accept the original pin, so now the original lifting tab is locked into place, and of course the new fitting no longer slides in or out, but that's not an issue for me.

View attachment 2178890


View attachment 2178891

Nice job! In my case I have the left to right angle to work out, but no twist so that's nice. I'm still going back and forth a little on the vertical angle. ptsg's hooks look square mounted to the lower links, and the "angle of attack" looked pretty good. I won't be able to make that decision for certain until I have the hooks tacked to the square-cut flat bar and mounted in the arms at implement working height. Whether I leave it that way or dial in a bit of rake, I'll post the results with the final numbers on the angle(s).

 

[Cycledude]

Most folks probably don’t have the proper tools to cut the slots. I sure don’t that’s why I shipped mine to Fit Rite out in California to have the stock balls removed and the Euro hooks welded on, I definitely didn’t want to give up the ability to slide-extend the arms when hooking up 3point equipment.

I just wish LS would allow factory Euro hooks to be sold here in the USA just like they do in most other countries.

 

[RayIN]

Don't tell Pat's Quick Hitch that is a euro-system. I think he invented this system here in the states.
Now there are about 6 different versions around the globe.

 

[BCLoco]

Don't tell Pat's Quick Hitch that is a euro-system. I think he invented this system here in the states.
Now there are about 6 different versions around the globe.

No. Just no.

Pat's is just another version of a design that has been around since at least the 60s on tractors like Oliver. Per their own company page, he came up with his version in the 90s and started the manufacturing company in 2000. The things unique about Pat's are that they are installed over the existing ball ends on the lower links, and that the hooks connect to just the regular straight pins on implements. Both of these unique aspects are drawbacks as much as they are features.

Pat's Quick Hitch has a place helping people achieve some level of quick hitching, but the euro hooks are a far superior system and much older design.

 

[RayIN]

No. Just no.

Pat's is just another version of a design that has been around since at least the 60s on tractors like Oliver. Per their own company page, he came up with his version in the 90s and started the manufacturing company in 2000. The things unique about Pat's are that they are installed over the existing ball ends on the lower links, and that the hooks connect to just the regular straight pins on implements. Both of these unique aspects are drawbacks as much as they are features.

Pat's Quick Hitch has a place helping people achieve some level of quick hitching, but the euro hooks are a far superior system and much older design.

OK, thanks for setting me straight, and confirming the original design is from the U.S.A. not Europe.

 

[ptsg]

@BCLoco I was near my tractor the other day and remembered to take some better pictures of the hooks. Hope it helps some.

 

[BCLoco]

@BCLoco I was near my tractor the other day and remembered to take some better pictures of the hooks. Hope it helps some.

View attachment 2234710

View attachment 2234712

Excellent pictures! Thank you.

This upgrade can't come soon enough. I'm still dithering on choosing a brand. There's a huge difference in price between the low and high ends of the scale.

 

[rScotty]

Excellent pictures! Thank you.

This upgrade can't come soon enough. I'm still dithering on choosing a brand. There's a huge difference in price between the low and high ends of the scale.

Is there any way to compare based on quality rather than price?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Excellent pictures! Thank you.

This upgrade can't come soon enough. I'm still dithering on choosing a brand. There's a huge difference in price between the low and high ends of the scale.

Can you show the price variations and what you get?
There can be a big difference when comparing different sizes.