Best quick change system?

[snoboy]

This summer is I'll be doing a lot of 3 point implement use. The backhoe is off and I'll be doing a lot of rotary cutting, chipping, box blading etc. I have no experience with the 3 pt. quick change setups so I'm wondering who makes the best design and what are the pros and cons of each. Thanks

snoboy

 

[Jerome]

For the same reasons I just bought Pat's and installed it yesterday here is what I have found.
- you need clear space below and above the lift pins, My disks have some reinforcement that protrudes below the pin and there is not enough space to get the system in between. on my back blade and snow blower the pins are on the inside of the frame and the brackets that stick out from the top of the system hit and won't allow the system to engage.
I believe that this would be a problem with any of them though, Pats system seems to be the best built thats why I went with them.

 

[scuvnut]

I bought Pat's a couple of years ago and would not live without it. Implements on and off with great ease.

Last year, I bought the optional spreader bar that you can use to lock the arms at a set width. I rarely use it.

 

[Texas Dodge]

I bought the 3-pt Quick Hitch from Harbor Freight. They have two different widths so you need to measure to see which one works best for you. I also had to order the adapter bracket for the top since the big J hook didn't match my implements. Otherwise I love mine because I can hook every thing up in under a minute.

 

[hench861]

i bought the pats quick change,the hf set up would only work on half my attachments pats works on all ,also bought the spreader bar

 

[swampvol]

I've got the Pats system, and think its the best $200.00 I've spent.

 

[jpm1]

Question !
n
Where did you get the part on your quick hitch that replaces the J hook.? I have one of those and its a piece of scrap without it. John

 

[offcamber]

Sorry if this is an obvious question but what purpose does the stabilizer bar serve on the Pat's system?

 

[milkman]

I went with the Pats because it weighs almost nothing compared to the others like the HF, leaving me more lift capacity for implements which I can use on the BX. The Pats doesn't block the view of the implement, and the width is not fixed like the HF type quick hitches so I don't have to remove them if I use a different width implement and I can use a PHD with the Pats. Down side, I do have to get off and hook the toplink.

 

[wny770]

I have a speeco quick hitch. Works like a dream with my woods tiller, back blade, brush bull cutter, carry all...etc... The only thing I have that it will not hook to is my rear blower.....but it will after some "adjusting" this summer.

 

[Copperhead]

Sorry if this is an obvious question but what purpose does the stabilizer bar serve on the Pat's system?

It keeps the lower arms spread so that the arms are already the width of the pins. Many, like me, have already got lock pins built into our 3pt lower arms that will keep them spread, so the bar on Pat's is not necessary.

Only if your lower arms swing freely all the time will you get some use out of Pat's bar on the system.

 

[dixie306]

I bought Carters EZ hitch, I have to swap out a good bit and I liked the idea of not adding any length to the arms, seems all have advantages and disadvantages but for my use, Carters design was the best choice

 

[Texas Dodge]

Question !
n
Where did you get the part on your quick hitch that replaces the J hook.? I have one of those and its a piece of scrap without it. John

Call their customer service and ask for Item #29309, Description "93691 Hitch Adapter, it should be in your instruction manual that came with the QH.

 

[jimgerken]

I also have the Speeco QH. I have adapted each of my implements to the Quick hitch. It is not too much work usually, to adapt each one. Sometimes you have to drill a new top hole, usually have to cut a pc of bushing, etc. The one implement that was tough was the Tiller, 'cause there were frame geometry roadblocks. It works now, but required some eccentric bushings, welded to the lower pins.
One nice advantage to using the quick hitch, instead of any of the quick setups that do not tie the arms together: You never have to screw around with the turnbuckles that hold the arms from side-sway. Once set with the arms attached into the quick hitch frame, and turnbuckles tightened and pinned, you simply hook stuff up.
When I look at the pics in this thread showing the Harbor Fright QH, I can see it is IDENTICAL to the Speeco product.
I modified my Speeco several times. After the best height for the top hook was determined by a quick survey of my then-existing attachments, I cut off all the "extra" height of that holed bracket that is welded to the top of the QH frame. Otherwise, it interfered with my hydraulic hoses. Also, just lately I added a new channel, of 2x3 angle iron, to the inside surface, each side, to form a new pocket for the tractor arms to connect to. Of course I drilled the hole clear thru the new steel part too, and use longer pins. Doing this gave me 1.5 inches more clearance between each 3-pt lower arm and the inside of the tire. I still need to get some pics of this for you guys.

 

[milkman]

Jim, The first modification that I made was to get rid of the crappy turnbuckles and switch to the telescoping links, sure a lot easier to pull and replace a pin than it is to mess with the turnbuckles and a wrench. That was before I found the Pats and they are still one of the best mods that I have made.