Any tips for 1 man implement hook-up?

[Dead Horse]

On a big tractor, extendable lower links makes a huge difference in implement mounting. Some of the implements I use such as a Farmi 601, a Seppi 8ft flail and a Deer 10 ft rotry cutter are way too heavy to be jockying around. Technique is important for each mount.

On my 3710, the implements I use are light enough that I can move them around with a 5 foot pipe to jockey into position, (such as a 6ft rotary cutter or a tiller) That IS the hard way

Two things I do that make it a LOT easier.. If you have a way to hoist, (chain fall for example) your implement even just a smidge to get the weight off the ground, mounting is easy peasy. On my heavier implements I use a cheap craftsman motorcycle jack to get under the implement and make it a bit mobil. Works great on things like a wood splitter, chipper, snow blower. I have taken to setting the implements down on blocks in the barn, so I can slide the bike lift under them. My barns have concrete floors though.

Outside in the dirt I find the 5 ft pipe and a wood block to use as a fulcrum make the jocky job lots easier. It never takes me more than 10 minutes to mount an implement, powered, with hydraulics or otherwise under any circumstances..... 40 - 50 minutes is "newby time" little bit of thought and practice will make you a LOT more efficient.

 

[charlz]

I have a small tractor which helps. Most of my implements have an 'A' frame at the front. I raise the lift arms up, back up so the lift arms are on either side of the 'A' and then lower them. I get off the tractor and as the arms slowly coming down I push/pull/kick them wider and wider until they get down to the pins. I can usually get one side on pretty quick and have to do a bit of jockeying around for the other side. I can then use the 3pt lift power to finagle the top link into position. Sometimes it goes smooth and sometimes it doesn't

 

[bjr]

Yes, get a 5' pipe or a 5' aligning bar from TSC and a block of wood. I have to get up and down a couple of times and raise and lower the draft arms. Helps keep me in shape. bjr

 

[jenkinsph]

JNJ, that is an excellent idea, and it sounds like it's inexpensive to make! Thanks for the tip.

Steve, I looked at the I-Match, and looks like the ideal solution, but I assume it costs as much as some of the less expensive implements. Maybe $300-$400??

Thanks to both of you.

Bought a brand new Cat 1 I Match from my dealer with full set of pins for my MX6 thrown in for $249 plus tax. List price is $299 but it had been collecting dust next to the parts counter for awhile.
Main benefits are it makes implement changes super easy and goes a long way to prevent someone getting hurt while doing so. A secondary benefit is with the top link cylinder and draft arms that are being held together when there is no implement attached.

I also have telescopic links which can also help with non I Match implements. I had operated tractors for many years without these add ons and can say there is no way I am going to go back.


Steve

 

[Redneck in training]

Harbor Freight sells quick hitch fro about $80.

 

[KU Gator]

I also use the Pat's system. I think I ordered it through Northern Tool and it came with the attachment to keep the lower control arms spread apart. But I found using a piece of PVC with a notch on one end so you can get it out once the implement is attached works better because all of my implements have the same spacing. It does require you to get off the tractor to hook up the upper link, but it works pretty easily. You can just back up to the implement with the lower arms spaced to the right distance, raise the hydrolics and take the weight off the front of the implement a little. Then get off and hook up the upper link. Removing it is about the same, but I have found that it is best to raise the locks that go over the pins before dropping the implement all the way down and it is easier to get them up.

I wanted something that was not too expensive and would fit implements without modifying them and this system fit the bill. I haven't really timed it, but it only takes a few minutes to switch implements and doesn't really matter if the front is low like a rotary mower or now. I have since ordered some additional of the bent washers from the company and they were quite customer friendly. By having extra of the bent washers, all of my implents are ready so I don't have to move them.

 

[mred]

I use Pat's system also. I only had to try once to hook to an implement without it to realize I needed something different. It makes a big difference. I have the spreader they sell too.

 

[Bedlam]

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[brin]

Same here, I use Pat's easy change system as well. I used to really dread having to change implements since as others have said sometimes you got lucky and it only took 10 min. and other times 20 min or more. Now it is a lot better but if someone ever invents a system where you can just back up and it connects without having to get off the seat to attach the PTO they will get rich..It could be done...they would just have to incorporate a system for the shaft to couple...

 

[Rickstir]

I put my bush hog on two old tires. It can move a little when it comes time to hook up.