Any tricks to removing Box Bladed and 3pt Hitch

[mswlogo]

I have removing and connecting Backhoe down pretty smooth and quick.

But it sure is a pain in the butt putting 3pt on (without pinching a finger), putting box blade on (aligning and spread arms just right), getting box blade off (spreading arms) and getting 3pt off (probably the easiest).

I tried backing up a little to get arms to spread which helped a bit. I see why many of you carry a crow bar.

There must be an easier way to do this.

Boxblade is, by far, my favorite attachment.

 

[DmansPadge]

Yeah... switching attachments in general is a pain. The best place to start is to keep the attachment on a level surface, preferably smooth, and keep a crow bar or long pry bar handy. The more you do it the better you'll get at it and you'll learn little tricks along the way. There is always the option of one of the quick hitch systems too.

 

[Willl]

Pat's Easy Change

https://www.imcuniverse.com/store/easychange.htm

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I purchased Pat's a few years ago and they work good. I also ordered these from ATVexpress eBay Store - ATVxpress: SKID STEER PRODUCTS, TRACTOR PRODUCTS, SHOE CHAIRS for $49 plus under $20 shp and just installed them on my L3240HST. I'll put the Pat's on my BX2350. I wouldn't pay any more for one over the other except the ATVexpress ones are alot quicker and easier to install and also alot cheaper. Took about 5 minutes or less. They do make hooking up 3pt equipment alot easier. They do make the equipment hooked up set back a bit further which caused the upper arm to be to short on a tiller so I had to go to TSC and spend $20 to get a longer upper arm for my B7800 when I installed the tiller. Just left the longer upper arm on for everything after that. To keep arms spread someone sold a plastic bar at one time but a notched piece of wood or pvc pipe would be cheaper and could have one the right size of each implement. The quick attaches are well worth the money to me especially since I usually do it all alone and these will work on any implement.

 

[wushaw]

Capture type pins work easier also in hooking up the lower 3pt arms.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Personally, I don't detach anything straight to the ground anymore (save the FEL just because it is so easy to get on and off).

By off-loading the box blade onto a simple mover's dolly, I am able to stand behind the tractor, slide one pin in, easily rotate to slide the other pin in, then attached the top link. I'm off and moving in no time at all. And when it is not in use, I can easily slide the whole thing against the wall.

I haven't considered an EZ-Change system just because I don't have much trouble oading and un-loading attachments. And my PHD has such different spread than my box blade, which is different from my reciever and sub-soiler...you get the idea.

 

[PATG]

JOHNTHOMAS,

Did the ATV set have the spring loaded latch and the set screws?

 

[ore540]

A quick-attach hitch makes a huge difference for me. I use Carter & Son's unit. (didn't need a PTO extender but you'll want to buy or build a simple (wood, PVC, metal) spreader for your 3PH arms). It changed a rear-mower to BH swap into a reasonably quick task. Mower to boxblade is a couple of minutes. That makes a big difference in those chores where it used to take longer to set up the tractor than to do the task.

I haven't gotten around to building dollies yet but storing the implements on old pallets helps keep them level and easier to attach.

Replacing the 3PH after using the BH is more awkward than time consuming. I find that gloves protect my fingers well enough and a measured amount of swearing convinces things to find their place

Good luck, it did get easier with practice.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

JOHNTHOMAS,

Did the ATV set have the spring loaded latch and the set screws?

No. As you can see from the picture at the web site I sent. It has a bolt that slides in the groove over the implement pin and then a pin with ring clip holds the bolt in. The one from ATV goes on in less than 5 minutes probably more like one minute each side. Pats slide on then plates/bolts hold it on that have to be bolted on which take some time. As you know Pats has a swing around spring loaded clip at the top instead of the bolt sliding in a slot. Both look like they will work the same to me but the ones from ATV are on my L3240HST tractor and my Pats are laying on my garage floor to be put on my BX2350 when I get time to do it or make the time when I want to attach an implement. I have used the Pats for 2 or 3 years with no breaking on my former B7800 which I traded for the L3240 but kept my Pats. I have not used the ATV ones yet. I have just installed them on my tractor. If they break I will tell it. The ATV's are cast out of one piece. My brother in law has a machine shop and is a machinist. He's also the Machine shop Instructor at the college. He gave up the real working for a living Ha! I asked if he could make the ATVs for what I paid and he said NO! unless he got the metal for really cheap price.

 

[RobJ]

It seems all of my implements are a little different to, so an easy change might make matters worse. I get it lined up, then move or rock the tractor. The tractor being on wheels and all and in neutral ain't bad. I need to just get 1 link connected. then rock the tractor if needed to push/pull the other link in place.