hooking up implements

[pokbill]

William I have been using the Freedom Hitch for about 2 years on my B2710 and have been very pleased with the product - it makes switching from box blade to snowblower etc. a snap. Anyway I just received my new 4610 last week for my farm and need to get an additional tractor section for the 4610, so I went out to the Freedom Hitch site. I noticed they have some new accesories - one is an implement support bar and the other is a receiver attachment. One problem I have when using the Freedom Hitch is lining up implements that do not stand up by themselves (my snowblower for example) I usually prop up a cinder block to line the snowblower up. Has anyone any experience with these new (to me) accessories from Freedom Hitch? The implement support bar seems to be just what I need.
pokbill

 

[JackIL]

I have them and they work great. You do need to drill one hole in the vertical leg on the left side of the implement section to attach the stand. There are now 2 versions of the drawbar. The newest incorporates a standard 2 inch receiver for mounting whatever hitch ball or drawbar you wish. I saw it at the Louisville Lawn and Garden Show last month.

 

[Youare]

I have a L3000 and an old Ford 8N. The 3PH on the 8N is much easier to mount implements on because it has more "play" (looseness). I found on the Kubota that if I connect the left link first then I can use the adjustable feature of the right link to complete the connection. Also, making connections on level ground makes it easier.

As far a quick hitches go I have looked at the one that the Tractor Supply Company sells for around $170.00. It looks like a nice unit, but I think you still may have to get of the tractor to connect the top link. They have a website.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

i think one problem that i have found is the fact that all of the implements are not the
same distance inside to inside. i have measured the box blade,at 25, 1/2inches, the
brush hog at 27, 3/8inches, and the others i have are all different. i don't understand
why the companies that make these implements cannot standardize this distance.
in my opinion this would make it easier for a quick hitch to attach to the implement.
there is one model that i have looked at that has this distance at 24 inches.
so looking at the measurements on some of my implements, this quick hitch would
not work on all of them.
thanks to everyone for the response.
william in wright city, mo.

 

[patrickg]

William, the "Cheap" (less expensive) quick hitch depends on the manufacturer of the implement to "implement" (adopt) the standard. There are established standards for 3ph dimensions for class 0, 1, 2, 3, ... unfortunately many manufacturers do not adhere to the published standards in all cases. Enter the "Freedom Hitch" which sets its own standard interface and adheres to it rigidly. It introduces two additional interface adaptors into the mix but reportedly is strong, long lasting, new, improved and lemon scented. I watched the video and am sorely tempted to buy.

My main motivation for buying the Freedom Hitch is the considerable difficulty of hitching and somewhat difficult unhitching of my, dare I say it, brush hog. I can hitch and unhitch my box blade, tiller, cement mixer, auger, and probably some of my neighbors implements in less time that hitching up my brush hog (it really is a pig, a real time hog!) The pins that go into the swiveling ball joint thingies (I need some practice in speaking "tractorese") that are on the brush hog are pointed partially to the rear not straight out the sides. This makes getting it hitched really difficult. I use a 4ft prybar and an 8ft 4x4 (endwise as a mallet) while backing up pulling forward fussing with the topNtilt. I'm not a small delicate kinda guy (6'2" 245 lbs) and it takes me 20-30 min to wrestle it into submission.

Patrick

 

[glennmac]

I have hooked and unhooked a 3ph implement exaclty once in my life. That was one time too many. I could immediately see in my 3ph future sledge hammers, pry bars, extreme exertion, contortions, high volume curse words, and possibly injury. Immediately bought Freedom Hitches and have never looked back. What's another $180 per implement (after discount) on a $20,000 to $30,000 tractor purchase--for something that you can keep for the rest of your life even if you change tractors or implements.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

i have talked to farmers, and others who own tractors, and do different things
with them. some of the farmers have a tractor for each implement, and never
take them off. it would be nice to be able to do this, but i know i cannot
afford it. when the information comes from the freedom hitch, i will look at it,
and make a decision, but i will most likely buy it.
thanks to everyone for all of the response.
william in wright city, mo.

 

[Alan L.]

My main trouble is connecting the PTO shaft. I have big hands and there's barely enough room in there to work (even when you lift that little cover). Standing on your head while pushing on the drive shaft while simultaneously holding back the spring-loaded collar is a *****. Plus you always get greasy and then get the grease on the steering wheel.

Alan L., TX

 

[frank_f15]

i am small guy , and i have trouble getting my hands on the pto shaft. sometimes the implements go on quick and somtimes i curse.( wonder why that is), but anything to make it easier is worth a look. but even when i have a tough time it is 10 times easier than hooking up anything to the old 2n

 

[misterg33]

i am also looking into a quick hitch for my set up a b2100 w/ woods xt148 rotory cutter...i checked w/ carver equipment and they do not recommend a quick hitch (they sell landpride)for PTO driven impliments...did anyone ever hear of this