Harbor Freight 3-point quick hitch

[California]

If you are going to redesign for fully automatic hitch-up, so you can just back up to the implement and lift - Then here's another approach. It should be simple from a geometry perspective but I'm not so sure about strength.

I don't think anything is going to hitch up easily so long as the top hook bumps into a cross-bolt below the implement's top pin.

Simply move each implement's top pin forward a couple of inches. This would get it out of the plane of the other bolts just beneath, so you could back the hook under that pin.

A pair of triangular plates could be put on each implement, with their implement-side holes spaced to match the existing pin and the cross-bolt below it. The forward hole on the new triangle plates could be drilled custom to give all the implements a standard height, lower pins to upper pin.

 

[djw250]

I ran into the same thing with the bolts under the pin on all my implements. I have so far modified 2 of my implements so that the cross bolts are above the pin, and the top to bottom pin distance is the same. I took care of any structural concerns by welding a bar across the back of the upper part of the hitch below the pin. This accomplishes 2 things - it ties the hitch together and provides a back stop for the upper hook in case I back up a little too far. These are truly back-up-to-and-lift hook ups now, and it is great. I decided it would be easier to modify my implements than to change the hitch.

 

[radman1]

It seems like everyone but me has posted. A tip for those who need to adjust the height of the hook on the QH between implements. Remove the bolts and replace with 1/2" bent pins (or other 1/2" pin) from a farm store (TSC). These will have a clip in the pin and is much easier to change the hook rather than removing the locking nut on the bolt. My spee co hitch acutally had 7/16" bolts but the 1/2 pins fit better. I also drilled another 1/2" hole, with the proper spacing, near the bottom of the hook so now I can position it slightly higher if needed.

 

[npaden]

Update, I finally recieved my adapter today. It is a little crooked, but I think I should be able to straighten it up pretty easily.

It looks just like the speedco adapter that was linked earlier.

 

[Jim_in_Omaha]

I bought one of these things today at the local store. Still $69.99. Had to rework it just like the previous postings. It was about 26 1/2 on the inside of the lower hooks. I pryed the thing apart with a 6 foot bar while attaching it to my Midwest box blade. Had to grind on the upper hook and drill out the holes to get it to go out far enough. It does work well now. It also works fine with my tilt cylinder.

What I think is somewhat amazing is that they can build this kind of stuff in China, ship it here, and still make a huge profit at the local retailer. They must seem to think that there are very large tolerences in the CAT I specifications.

thx

 

[California]

I must be lucky. Mine measures 26 3/4 inside to inside, and the implements fit fine.

View attachment 62834

Edit - I researched the ASAE spec.

ASAE Standard for an an implement that will be used with an ASAE-compliant Quick Hitch:

"The distance between the inner portions of the two lower hitch pins must be between 26.81 and 26.94 inches."

Source:

LSU Ag Center

 

[Jim_in_Omaha]

The side plates welded to the hooks were in the way. So that added to the needed width. I'm not complaining though for $70 bucks and some muscle. I probably would not have bought one if it were not for TBN.net. This site clued me onto it. Come to think of it this site has cost me a lot of money over the past couple of years......

 

[MSWoodlot]

For those sitting on the fence on how hard the modification would be, here's some detail photos:

1. As received.

2. Doesn't fit.

3. The "adjustment" tool.

4. After trail and error, it seems you need something slightly greater than 1.5" at the opening to get a good fit.

5. Slides in with no problem.

6. Ready to go to work.


Takes about an hour at most for both sides. For the money paid, I can live with it.

Congrats DayDreamer. After reading 174 posts on the HF quick hitch, I found yours most informative.
MSWoodlot

 

[Charlesaf3]

my quick hitches are on back order, but my adapter for the quick hitch came in today. Go figure. Its basically a Y shaped piece of steel with 2 holes in each part of the top of the Y, and one in the bottom.

 

[Charlesaf3]

my quick hitches are on back order, but my adapter for the quick hitch came in today. Go figure. Its basically a Y shaped piece of steel with 2 holes in each part of the top of the Y, and one in the bottom.