Pat's Easy Change Adjustment bolt size on Pat's Easy Change and a short introduction for a new member

[barrywlarson]

Hi:

I am in the process of purchasing a set of Pat's Easy Change brackets Cat 1 for my Kubota tractor (L3560). I have read a number of reports about the stock bolts being too soft and plan to replace my with hard steel Allen screws (with Loctite) or grade 8 bolts at least when I install the brackets. I am going with Pat's system as opposed to a solid quick hitch as I am acquiring a variety of attachments of different makes and vintages. I'm not fussy about looks as long as they do the job intended. Can somebody tell me the size of bolts used so I can buy appropriate sized replacements. Right now the tractor some distance from my current residence and my bolt supplier is close by so I might as well take the replacements with me next time I travel to my property.

By the way I'm new to the group, but have already learned a lot from the membership here. As a way of introduction I grew up on a small farm in north-central Saskatchewan, Canada - Case tractors and combines and a menagerie of implements - too poor to afford John Deere:<). I worked in the oil and gas industry for 40 years and my wife and I bought an acreage near where she grew up in south-western Ontario (near London). The property is big enough for a tractor and implements and I'm not young enough for a shovel anymore:<)! I'll be back asking questions about three point hitches as everything on the farm was towed, unlike southern Ontario where three point hitches are very common and most of the used small implements I run across to buy used are three point hitch.

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Barry W. Larson

 

[farmeratheart]

Welcome to the group Barry.

 

[fried1765]

Hi:

I am in the process of purchasing a set of Pat's Easy Change brackets Cat 1 for my Kubota tractor (L3560). I have read a number of reports about the stock bolts being too soft and plan to replace my with hard steel Allen screws (with Loctite) or grade 8 bolts at least when I install the brackets. I am going with Pat's system as opposed to a solid quick hitch as I am acquiring a variety of attachments of different makes and vintages. I'm not fussy about looks as long as they do the job intended. Can somebody tell me the size of bolts used so I can buy appropriate sized replacements. Right now the tractor some distance from my current residence and my bolt supplier is close by so I might as well take the replacements with me next time I travel to my property.

By the way I'm new to the group, but have already learned a lot from the membership here. As a way of introduction I grew up on a small farm in north-central Saskatchewan, Canada - Case tractors and combines and a menagerie of implements - too poor to afford John Deere:<). I worked in the oil and gas industry for 40 years and my wife and I bought an acreage near where she grew up in south-western Ontario (near London). The property is big enough for a tractor and implements and I'm not young enough for a shovel anymore:<)! I'll be back asking questions about three point hitches as everything on the farm was towed, unlike southern Ontario where three point hitches are very common and most of the used small implements I run across to buy used are three point hitch.

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Barry W. Larson

I have the Pat's Easy change system.
The bolts they ship with are grade 2, and are definitely junk.

I would suggest that you might want to reconsider your grade 8 choice.
I replaced my bolts with grade 5.
If you break a grade 8 bolt off, it will be quite tough to drill it out.

 

[barrywlarson]

Thanks. If grade 5 are sufficient that's what I'll go with. Grade 8 or set screw's are hard to deal with but there are ways:<).

Cheers,

Barry

 

[CADplans]

After using the bolts that came with the hitch to determine what lengths are needed,,
I went to TSC and purchased their Grade 8 bolts to make a nice, clean, installation.

It has been perfect for over two summers of mowing, etc,,,

 

[barrywlarson]

Thanks. What size of grade 8 bolts did you buy?

Barry

 

[CADplans]

Thanks. What size of grade 8 bolts did you buy?

Barry

The size will vary depending on the tractor to which it is installed,, I doubt my sizes would be right for your tractor.

 

[fried1765]

Thanks. What size of grade 8 bolts did you buy?

Barry

Just take one of your OEM bolts along, as a comparative size sample, when you go to get grade 5 or grade 8 replacements.
If you are very rural, and do not have a local bolt source, you can use the cheap OEM bolts until you have an opportunity to get replacements.
Actual replacement of the OEM bolts will only take a very few minutes.

BTW: Please consider adding your general Ontario location to your profile.
Some type of location information often makes it possible for those responding to provide more meaningful advice.
Please do not use Lower Uncton as your location!:laughing: (some here will understand)

 

[Cougsfan]

I like your wheelbarrow, Cadplans

 

[CADplans]

I like your wheelbarrow, Cadplans

A neighbor had that steel wheel, and one foot of one handle bar laying in his scrap pile,,
I asked if I could have it,, he thought I was crazy,,

I brought it home, and fabricated the wood parts from "guess" dimensions,, all pressure treated,,
The rear steel "legs" came from a surplus store, they only had the legs off of wheelbarrows,,

I built it as a decoration for my shed,, everyone comments about it,,, :thumbsup: