iMatch Quick-Hitch

HRS · Feb 18, 2006

I did a search, but did not pull any results on this one. Who is using this device, and how do you like it? Thanks for your response.

crazylare1 · Feb 18, 2006

HRS, well I just got mine hooked up to the old back blade after reworking it to fit the i-Match. I wish that I would have taken the time to do it when I got my tractor, heck I just took it off and put it back on several times just to see how much time it saves,,,,,,lots of time and back breaking labor! I made some stands that I store right on the back blade, pull two pins, put the stands in the holes, put the pins back in, and lower the i-Match done! I just can't believe how long I waited to do it, I've had the back blade off at least 3 times without the aid of the i-Match, dreaded it everytime! I can't wait until spring so that I can get more use out of it with the rest of the attachments that I have that are aready i-Match compatable! Well, there is my 2cents worth.
Larry

beenthere · Feb 18, 2006

I use one and woldn't be without it. There have been many posts on TBN about the iMatch and other similar quick-hitch's so am surprised your search didn't turn up anything.
Unless I rent some attachments that are not designed or modified to fit the iMatch, I never remove mine. I modified the FEL forks to also pick up with the iMatch and as well, toss a logging tongs onto the top hook to pull logs out of the woods. Very handy in so many ways. "Pick up and go" and "Drop and run" are the two things that come to mind. Seldom have to get off the seat (PTO is an exception) to change attachments. The biggest breeze is the ballast box which is not easy to push around to get it to fit just right, until the iMatch came along.

beenthere · Feb 18, 2006

Try that search again on the word "iMatch", and do it for "all forums" and for "all posts". I think you will get many hits to look at, and enjoy the reading. You must have limited your search to a single forum or a short period of time. Good luck and enjoy.

megotatractor · Feb 19, 2006

the imatch is great. the way JD designed the mid mower lift on the 2210 and other tractors one has to remove a spacer bar to attach a 3 point implement. I see that case IH has a setup that doesn't require the spacer bar to lift the MMM. anyway, Imatch stays on to compensate for poor engineering and it makes hookup so much easier.

Ledgemere Farm · Feb 19, 2006

I have one and use it exclusively for my weight box. It takes all of the grunting and struggling out of attaching it! They aren't cheap though... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

HRS · Feb 19, 2006

O.K. I had tried iMatch Quick-Hitch in the search. So I guess it was the Quick-Hitch part that caused the problem with the search.

I agree that the additon looks interesting. I was just curious as to how difficult it was to line up all three connection points at once, but it sounds like it works really good.

Thanks

Wesdor · Feb 19, 2006

When I ordered my tractor more than a year ago, I didn't order the I-Match. Then I started reading the posts here at TBN and had my dealer add it. Other than the FEL which I was "talked into" (by my brother letting me use his), the I-Match is the best investment I have made. It makes hooking up most equipment really easy. There are some things that don't work really well with it. However, if you stick with Deere parts (which I don't), you shouldn't have any problems.

Congrats on your purchase. I hope you like it as much as the rest of us who own one.

JD3520 · Feb 19, 2006

I too have an i-match and it is great! However, it is not compatible with some other brands of implements or any post hole diggers. That's what God made cutting torches, welders, and brains for. There is satisfaction in adapting one thing to another. The other option is to buy only JD and Frontier attachments.

Anyone found a way to convert their post hole digger to an i-match operation????

chuck

HRS · Feb 19, 2006

Slow down! Haven't had the fortune of purchasing one yet. Just went for my second look this weekend. Then iMatch caught my eye. So I wanted to know just how useful it was. Thanks for your reply. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

NewJDGuy · Feb 20, 2006

Let me know if you learn of a PHD that works with I-Match, or better yet how to modify mine (from Tractor Supply).

Stretch · Apr 14, 2006

After all these responces I'm glad I ordered one. As I upgrade my tractor the attachments get heavier. Can't wait to try it.

Buckie · Apr 17, 2006

Hi,
I have owned a 2210 and now own a 3720. Have had Imatch on both and would NOT own a JD (with attachments) without one. makes changing attachments not only much easier from a physical effort perspective; it is also much safer. Adjustment to fit attachments is quick and easy. Two comments, though: (1) be very careful with the spring-loaded clamping arms. they can easily break a finger if left in UP position and bumped by mistake. (2)Don't use the Imatch center "hook" as a substitute hitching point or place to attach a tow strap. It is not intended to be used this way.

BFPGW · Apr 20, 2006

Just about any brand QH is a great idea. Mine is Speeco. It has nice features like an adjustable top hook (for non-compliance attachments) and it comes with the top link clevis for the hard to fit older attachments. However, it's horizontal crossmember is square. Others like LandPride and JD have a rectangular section top crossmember that gives it more clearance for a mower driveshaft under the crossmember before it might make contact. That isn't always an issue but it is with my Woods RD60. Their gearbox is mounted pretty high off the deck and puts the driveshaft higher in the 3pt hitch area.

Don't buy one with a fixed top hook unless you are using fewer attachments and they are all iMatch compatible without modifications. JD's RFMs claim to be iMatch compatible but it takes a conversion kit like others to truly be compatible.

BFPGW

kennyd · Apr 20, 2006

<font color="red"> Don't buy one with a fixed top hook unless you are using fewer attachments and they are all iMatch compatible without modifications. </font>

BFPGW,
I respectfully disagree with this advice. If you have to move the toplink on the QH everytime you changed implements, that kind of negates having the QH.
It is far better IMHO to modify all implements to the standard or to buy ones that are compatible if you you need to purchase a new one.

Just my opinion, its worth what you paid for it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

beenthere · Apr 20, 2006

kennyd
That makes good sense to me, and IMO, you're 'right on'. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

beenthere · Apr 20, 2006

I used my top hook to hook a chain to when my Trailblazer had slid off over a stone wall and the right rear wheel was hanging in mid air.

Put the chain around the trailer hitch and around the top hook of the iMatch, lifted the 3pt and lifted the trailblazer up high enough to be clear of the wall and moved it back onto solid (albeit glare ice) ground.

I use the top hook to drop my logging tongs on, and have pulled dozens of logs out of the woods which is on a slope. Works great. Sure one does need to be careful, but there are no unexpected dangers.

JasonL · Apr 20, 2006

I would agree somewhat with both ideas. I bought a Speeco quick hitch with an adjustible top hook. I do not move the top hook because that defeats the purpose(quick and easy) I did, however, line up all my implements and decide which top hook adjustment would work the best with the least amount of modification to the least amount of implements. So for a one time adjustment, I thought the Speeco was a better choice. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Jason