3 point attachment survey

[KiotiJohn]

I have Pat's EZ change, and I'm very happy to have it. My implements are not all the same size, so a quick hitch was not the answer. I've seen extendable links make it much easier to hook up, but I don't have them. My next tractor will have them, and i still may use Pat's. I'll see when I get it.
I don't think you're going to qualify which is best, but you'll see what a lot of people use. John

 

[caddison]

Well my DX 33 has #1 and I personally think all manufacturers should make these standard equipment. They make a night and day difference. I have looked at Pat's EZ change system also and this would be nice to. I have seen a top link that was designed with the same principal that is used in Europe.....now if we had someone to design an automatic PTO hook up we could just keep our lazy butts in the seat all the time!!! Oh and a well trained dog to fetch that well deserved refreshment after a grueling day of playing....whoops I mean working with our tractor!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[dummy]

At the school I attended, we thought those were normal "good Catholic" adult behaviors /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Oh wait, you forgot the smoking after mass and the "occasional drink" part.

 

[dummy]

For what started the topic, general preference opinions will work. I had asked Pineridge for some advice on building my 3pt to loader QA adapter which turned to a concensus opinion. I didn't realize he would get to vote and skew the results! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[dummy]

<font color="blue"> Having attachments on dollies help to make the all three easy to use. </font> Assuming that you have a hard, flat surface to roll them around on.? Dollies are nice to use at home, but what happens when you need more than one implement away from home? Do you take dolly and all?

 

[lrunge]

I opt for #2. Pat's system has made life easier. You still have to get off the seat for top hitch but half the time I have to attach a PTO anyway.

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> Do you take dolly and all? </font>
Sure. Throw dolly in back of Pickup.

 

[Dave_in_MD]

My vote is for #3, had to modify some attachments but it works great.

 

[jimgerken]

After reading here on TBN about dollies, I made a couple, maybe two years ago. Since then, everytime I come home with any new attachment, I dont even mount it till I have a dolly built for it. The last dolly I built took me 50 minutes. Welded steel 1/4" x 2" angle iron, mitred corners, welded, and welded on casters. Paint them white, you will trip over them less. Now I build each one to the size of the implement. Only one needed wood across the span, all others allow implement to rest on angle iron directly. Now to hook up an implement, I just back in close, jump off and wheel implement to tractor, shifting it around to get pins aligned. Only way to go if you have a concrete surface.

 

[Catmando]

Currently I just have the NH standard hitch. Was thinking of getting a tractor for each implement. That would simplify hooking up!

That was a joke! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RobertN]

From what I have read, I think the IH/Farmall 1-point and 2-point hitches would be the cats meow. Apparently, you just backed in to the implement, and a hook slid in to a latch. Done. To unload an implement, the latches could be released while still in the drivers seat.

Only problem was, they were only on IH tractors....

I think the 3pt hitch is very flexible, but sure is a pain to load/unload implements. Note, I do not have any kind of special hitch system on my B8200, although the TnT does make hookup a little easier.

 

[ronjhall]

I had a IH/Farmall tractor with 2 point fast hitch. It was easier than a standard 3PH. But was never as easy as my extendable lower links.

 

[Darren]

I'd go with #5. I've found that a 20# plastic sledge hammer works well and is a relatively cheap solution. All you really need is a bigger hammer.

 

[Hardacrefarm]

I opted for the #3 solution...A quick hitch.
In fact I have two.

My reasoning when they were purchased was:
1. They were the same cost as just the slip-on lower link quick-ends but weigh in at approx 75# which is a significant amount of extra ballast for the same cost.
2. They came with the upper hook that automatically allows pick up without getting off the tractor so long as you've standardized all your implements.
3. The quick hitch is ready made for attaching out of the way/permanent receiver hitchs on it, making it even more versatle for a WIDE variety of add-ons, and adds a bit of ballast in itself with the 4-way stored in it.
4. With a couple chain hooks welded to the top, it's a ready made log carrier.
5. It's also a solid framework from which to start for specialty or unique items (Such as this truck 3pt hitch I designed).

 

[flINTLOCK]

I have Pat's and extendable lower links, best of both. Very nice.

 

[JB4310]

I have the JD I-match, that and HTL make it so I don't have to get off the seat to engage and lock any of the rear implements, except to remove stands. can swap between them in seconds.

Rake, Box, Rear blade, Snow plow, Pallet forks, PTO generator.

This is a hodgepodge of brands not all new stuff designed for I-match, so some mods were necessary, but what more could you ask for?

jb

 

[600rider]

I have the HFT quick hitch and had to modify all my impements as they are mostly homade so I have just myself to blame for not keeping them all the same. The extendable arms are not available on my Kubota B7510 and didn't want to get off the tractor to hook up the top link so Pats weren't an option.
I couldn't get the wife to come out and hook up everytime I need her too so the HFT was a cheap fix...and doesn't complain as much as # 5 would! The best part was I had an excuse to use the welder, saw and torch!!

 

[dapper]

One more vote? I have #1, & #3 (twice). Like #1 the best, but only have the extendable arms on 1 tractor. I bought 2 QH's, 1 from the harbor, and one I paid 3 times as much for.
Must say I have as much trouble with either of the QH, and I am not sure they are worth the effort. Seems there is enough difference in the 2 hitches, and the multiple implements that they just want to hang up and not hook up. Invariably have to get off the tractor and give a good swift kick with that boot. (god it hurts when you misssss...) Each time I have to adjust the QA's the air turns blue.... and even the neighbors run when that boot misses.
Why can't there be a standard that works like the QA loaders do, and why can't we settle for one that ALL colors can use??

 

[beenthere]

#3, iMatch for me. With hydr top arm, no need to get off the tractor to unhitch and go, or to back in, hitch up and go. Sure have not had problems with aligning the hooks on the several things I latch onto. Forks, carry-all, rotary cutter, back blade, ballast box, and soon...the rototiller.

 

[Baby Grand]

#1 - Haven't had too many issues with hitching up with the extendable links once I learned to keep a 6' long 3" diameter section of hickory sappling that I use as a persuader bar in the shed where the implements sleep. The first few times was high drama and I think I maybe scared some folks nearby with all my carryings on. Then I settled on the idea of setting all my implements on pallets. Having the hitch pins about 4" higher seems to make lining up a lot easier. The pallets also keep the implements level when the ground gets soft which makes a big difference. Plus they keep everything drier. Love them pallets.

-Jim