hooking up impements a pain, help

[tomfifield]

Thanks all, I think I will order Pat's hitch, My brush hog is the hardest one to get on.

 

[jdgreg]

I had the same issue. I looked at all the alternatives, and decided on a quick hitch from my local TSC. This is one of those things that you kick yourself for not getting a loooooong time ago. Do yourself a favor, and get a QH. You can also get the pin bushing kits from TSC as well.

 

[DAP]

It is always a bit of a fight to hook up my implements. What is the best way to make this easier? Dose the Pats quick hitch work well? I have a Kubota L3400.

Prior to Pat's Easy Change:

Attaching Land pride 5ft Rotary 20 mins

After installing Pats .. same task took 3 mins

No math to be done here.

 

[dannyb]

LetsRoll; Unless I'm missing your point entirely, your concept is already utilized in Pat's Easy Change System.

As for Pat's System - I have it on my Massey 241... Works pretty good for standard size/built equipment (Cat I). For other equipment that's not standard, it's still can "hook-up" somewhat like a conventional ball and pin...

Only draw back I ran into was the extra length (about 4 inches), which extended my existing top link to the max... Finding an extra long top link wasn't all that easy and was relatively pricey when I did find one (Tractor Supply).. Further, I also bought/made/built a hydraulic toplink about that time... Finding a "stock" hydro top link with adequate extend length (approximately 34" needed) proved rather difficult. I finally acquired a Cat II and converted it - thus the "bought/made/built...

Still, as for the Easy Change System - - - It's still on my tractor and I plan for it to stay - works pretty well for me...

regards all

dannyb

I was wondering if theres any companys that make a quick hitch that you put in place of your ball ends? Take your "adjustable" ball ends off the lowering links and put the adjustable quick hitch in there place. I've got a rough drawing of what I'm talking about. I'm going to look more into this cause I've had this idea for awhile. I have just never put more thought into it. Anybody see a down side to this idea. Before I put any time and money into this idea, I'll make one set out of scrap wood to see what problems I'd run into. Anybody want to add any ideas, give it a shot. I'm open to ideas/suggestions.

 

[Soundguy]

I'm not sure what your skill level is or how many hours you got on a pan seat.. so just take this as generic advice, and no offense intended.

The more hours you accrue of use.. the easier it gets. The more times you hitch up and unhitch.. the easier it gets.

Some of the crutch gadgets out there do work pretty good.. pats hitch.. and 3pt quick hitches. These are especially handy if you change implements ALOT.

Having extendable or flex link 3pt lift arms on your tractor can help too. my old ford 5000 has the flex link that can slide out 6" and wobble around to hook up an implement.. then just back up and it clicks in place.. etc.

That said... When i got my 1st tractor.. it took me anywhere from 5-15 minutes to hitch up a 3pt mower.. backing up and pulling forward alot.. etc.

now it's about a 30 second ordeal to hitch a 5' implement. I can hitch my 10' and 15' mower in just about a minute, maybee less if I'm especially lucky that day.

You will eventually learn exactly how far to back up to allign pins, and how to center yourself on the implement.

Also.. your choice of where you drop your implement will play a big role when you re-hitch. if you drop on solid ground.. like concrete or asphalt.. you should be good to go... on natural ground, make sure you are level.. that may mean a board or two under the implement.. or a brick etc. I always set at least 1 board or brick under my implements that set on the ground Keeps the metal of fthe gound.. and it makes them easier to scoot a bit if needed.

a surplus 8' 2x4 left setting out by your implement collection makes a great 'scoot/nudge' tool. A 5' mower is darn easy to move 2-4" with an 8' lever. heck.. I've even scooted my 10' mower with that 8' lever .. just enough to make connection easier.

I usually leave a 3pt drawbar out ther as well. it's a great multi tool to help knock 3pt arms off pins.. etc..

This is deffinately a case of practice makes perfect..

Soundguy

It is always a bit of a fight to hook up my implements. What is the best way to make this easier? Dose the Pats quick hitch work well? I have a Kubota L3400.

 

[Joe1]

Tomfifield:

I didn't want to add to the length of the tractor and implements so I did not go for the quick hitches. I am able to store almost all the implements inside a barn with a concrete floor. I took casters and some old pallets and made mobile platforms for my sprayer, boxblade and landscape rake. I put the front of the bush hog down on a 4 wheel furniture dolly and can also move them around. It not only makes hooking up a whole lot easier, but it also make storage more efficient as I can wheel them out of the way. If you've got a solid surface to work with, this may be the way to go.

 

[1948berg]

Waltersheid must be a better system, with this you can use it as a fast hitch, or have the balls remaining in the hitch and using it as a regular lifting arm. You can also have the lifting arm ends moveable.
http://www.walterscheid.com/new/med...dfdownload/Parts_list_Hook_for_lower_link.pdf
In Norway the HMV is popular, vith this system you cam use the same implements both in the FEL and the three point lift.
HMR Voss AS

 

[JC-jetro]

I'm not sure what your skill level is or how many hours you got on a pan seat.. so just take this as generic advice, and no offense intended.

The more hours you accrue of use.. the easier it gets. The more times you hitch up and unhitch.. the easier it gets.

Some of the crutch gadgets out there do work pretty good.. pats hitch.. and 3pt quick hitches. These are especially handy if you change implements ALOT.


Soundguy

Another sound advice from soundguy. I have just about total of 30 hrs on the tractor and reached the same conclusion. for me is not the speed but safety and knowing what to do. Choice of drop for next pick up is absolutely essential. I can hitch and unhitch my 5 foot woods in less than 5 minutes when I'm taking my time. I keep a 2X4 ,little pry bar for encouragement and it has worked for me so far. It looks to me you just need to look at mechanics of action before you start and try different routine till you get comfy in one.

 

[jimainiac]

I definitely agree with keeping a prybar handy - works for me, too, for the rotary cutter. and a couple of blocks to keep it off the ground. Gets easier every time.

 

[billbill1]

Chris, aka Soundguy has enough tractors that he doesn't have to change implements, he just changes tractors!! He He