Rara Avis
Veteran Member
John Deere was manufacturing this system until this gentleman's lawyers stopped them...
Introducing... The Delta Hook Rapid Hitch System
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Pooh_Bear
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2005
- Messages
- 763
- Tractor
- Early 1949 Ford 8N
I have been considering an idea like this.
Sort of a quick attach (like skid steer) for 3 pt stuff.
I watched the video and have a big question.
I noticed you lower your lift arms all the way
and then back up against the implement and
then raise the lift arms to attach the implement.
Don't you lose that amount of lift from all the
way down up to fully engaged (hitched)?
Or how do you solve that problem.
In other words, say I wanted to use my dirt scoop.
If I hitch it up (facing forward) with this system,
then go to get a scoop full of dirt. When I drop
the lift arms all the way to dig up a scoop of dirt,
what keeps the implement attached to the tractor?
Pooh Bear
Sort of a quick attach (like skid steer) for 3 pt stuff.
I watched the video and have a big question.
I noticed you lower your lift arms all the way
and then back up against the implement and
then raise the lift arms to attach the implement.
Don't you lose that amount of lift from all the
way down up to fully engaged (hitched)?
Or how do you solve that problem.
In other words, say I wanted to use my dirt scoop.
If I hitch it up (facing forward) with this system,
then go to get a scoop full of dirt. When I drop
the lift arms all the way to dig up a scoop of dirt,
what keeps the implement attached to the tractor?
Pooh Bear
mjncad
Super Member
Nice idea...too pricey.
JerryG
Super Member
Pooh,Pooh_Bear said:
If you can see it, there is a handle at the top of the "V" on the tractor part. They don't show the handle very well. This handle operates a latch which holds the two parts of the hitch together.
Pooh_Bear
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2005
- Messages
- 763
- Tractor
- Early 1949 Ford 8N
Another question,
Will the plates get in the way of a PTO shaft.
As I get older this looks like something I would be interested in.
Still have to climb off the tractor to hook up the PTO shaft tho.
Pooh Bear
Will the plates get in the way of a PTO shaft.
As I get older this looks like something I would be interested in.
Still have to climb off the tractor to hook up the PTO shaft tho.
Pooh Bear
mjncad
Super Member
There appears to be an opening for the PTO shaft.
Deere has an auto PTO shaft hookup option on some of their newer tractors; but I have no idea how well it works, nor its cost. If the auto PTO connection gizmo works, that would be great as I hate wrestling the PTO shaft onto the PTO.
Deere has an auto PTO shaft hookup option on some of their newer tractors; but I have no idea how well it works, nor its cost. If the auto PTO connection gizmo works, that would be great as I hate wrestling the PTO shaft onto the PTO.
I have been searching the tractor forums looking for information and reviews of quick hitch systems. I never found one but decided to buy one anyway. I am going to tell you about my experience with the Delta Hook system and with its support people at Alexander Manufacturing and at a local dealership. I guess you could call this a simple experiential review.
But first, let me tell you why I was even looking for a quick hitch system. Like most people, I have had a terrible time trying to hook up my heavy 3PH equipment. I don't have the luxury of a concrete floor so dollies were out. Everything but my FarmPro chipper is stored outside on mostly uneven ground. I also have some physical problems that make hooking up implements troublesome. My neck hurts when I have to keep my head turned around for long periods trying to precisely align hitch points. I also have some pain in my arms and shoulders from arthritis. The amount of time that it took to switch from one implement to another caused me to not use them as much as I would have liked (or should have). Therefore, some things around the place just went undone and now I am way behind in my work.
My first quick hitch was a FarmPro system (iMatch type). That helped but it would only fit 2 of my implements. The rest were too wide or two narrow at the draw pins. Next, I tried the Northern Tool's copy of the Pat's Easy Change system. That was okay but because of the variation in widths in the hitch points and since I don't have telescoping lower lift arms, there were still problems and it was always an effort to hook up an implement. That is when I started looking at the delta-type quick hitch systems. I didn't care if I had to get down off the tractor to hook up the PTO but I did care whether or not I had to manhandle the lower lift arms and the implement itself. I also cared about how much time it would take to attach and unattach the implement. Because I am so busy with other things, time is of the essence.
I searched the Internet and found several delta-type systems. The Freedom Hitch was nice but they are no longer produced. The Jiffy Hitch system looked nice but my Internet search found no dealers close by. The Bubco TRIANGLE QUICK HITCH system was nice but again my Internet search found no dealers close by. The Delta Hook system looked nice and I found that Spalding Tractor in Griffin, GA. was a dealer. Since Spalding Tractor was only 30 miles away I decided to call and talk with them. Not only are they a dealer for the Delta Hook system but they are a stocking dealer. I talked with Steve, the owner of Spalding Tractor, and told him that I was interested in the Delta Hook system. He told me that he had sold several sets of the Delta Hooks, had received only good feedback about them and that he had them in stock and to come by and take a look. So, I made a trip up there. Steve showed me the system and I was very impressed. The units are very heavy duty. They are made from 5/16 inch formed steel and are powder-coated John Deere yellow. When the control plate is slid into the receiver it locks securely by a huge steel pin. To release the control plate from the receiver you simply pull a lever that retracts the pin and the control plate is free to drop out of the receiver. There is a cut-out in both the control plate and receiver for the PTO shaft to pass through. So, at this point I was pretty much convinced that the Delta Hook was what I was looking for to relieve me of my frustration with 3PH attachments. But, I was concerned about after-purchase support. So, I asked Steve what would be my remedy if it didn't work to my satisfaction or there was a defect and what about parts. He told me that the company, Alexander Manufacturing, Inc., stood 100 percent behind their product. I asked him if I could bring it back if I didn't like it. He said, "Sure, but you won't, because they are that good. Once you use it, you'll never want to do it any other way. Guaranteed." So, with his assurances, I purchased a Cat. 1 kit (1 control plate and 2 receivers) and took them home.
My FarmPro (Jinma) PTO chipper has a very awkward top pin arrangement. None of the quick hitch systems I've had in the past would hook up to it. The belt housing was also in the way. When I got home with the Delta Hook system I wanted to see how much modification would be needed to hook up the receiver to the chipper. I unpacked a receiver (it came with draw mounting bolts, top mounting pin and a top pin extension adapter (with 3 holes)). The instructions recommend that two people attach the receiver (it is very heavy) but I was the only one available. So, holding the receiver up with one arm and attaching the pins with the other, to my fascination, I had it attached within 5 minutes. Wow. How easy that was. I turned right around and attached the control plate to the tractor in even less time. The control plate is light compared to the receiver. It can be mounted or removed in less than 15 seconds (so small implements can be used without a receiver). On the chipper, I adjusted the control plate痴 top link angle to match the receiver angle and then hopped onto the tractor, started it up, and backed into the receiver. I lifted the control plate to make contact, then hopped off the tractor and attached the PTO, then back onto the tractor and lifted the chipper. I heard the lock pin lock into place and then I took off with the chipper. I drove it around bouncing the chipper up and down with hydraulics to see if there was any play or looseness in the connection. There was none, it was a solid plate to plate connection. I took the chipper back under the shed and set it down. I then lowered the hydraulic lift lever, pulled the Delta Hook disengagement lever and the control plate descended a small amount. I hopped off the tractor and took a look at things. Everything was okay. I reattached the chipper then unattached it again. I repeated this a few times and then headed toward the tiller. The receiver went right on the tiller just as it did the chipper. I picked it up, drove it around and set it down a few times and then went to the phone. I called Steve at Spalding Tractor and asked if he had another Cat. 1 receiver in stock. He said, "You like it, don't you?" I said, "I'm Delta Hooked!" He said, "I told you, you won't ever do it any other way now." Anyway, I had already gotten the last of his Cat. 1 stock so he had to order more. I told him that I needed another one for my Bush Hog rotary mower. It would be in stock in a few days.
Meanwhile, I got to thinking about my rotary mower. With the receiver attached the whole shebang would weigh more than 1,200 lbs. Could the control plate support that much weight? Besides, the Delta Hitch arrangement sets the pickup points 4 to 5 inches further back of the normal point. That would put a lot of stress on those plates. I decided to contact the Delta Hook people and ask them about this. I sent them an email and asked if their Cat. 1 system could support more than 1,200 lbs hanging way out in back of the tractor. Their response was that amount of weight would be no problem whatsoever with their Cat. 1 system. They also said that if their control plate or receiver ever failed that they would replace it at no charge. They said that they stand behind their systems 100 percent with full company support.
So, in a few days receiver number 3 arrived and I went and picked it up. I attached it to the rotary mower (very easy) and then slid the control plate into the receiver and picked it up. However, this time the lock pin did not lock in place. I set it down and spent the next two hours trying to get it to lock. No good. I called Steve at Spalding Tractor and told him there was something wrong with the receiver. He said that he had never experienced a problem with the hitches before and would call the company. He said that he was still out of stock on the Cat. 1 systems but would get another one in immediately. A short time later I got a call from Alexander Manufacturing. They asked me to explain the problem. I did and they said that was a first for them. They said that the hitches were formed with press dies and the parts were formed identically and they couldn't understand why one would not lock properly. Anyway, he said that he would make sure that I had another one in hand no later than the next day. The next day came and sure enough, the replacement receiver was sitting in the Spalding Tractor's show room waiting on me. Is that company support or what? I picked it up and took it home and attached it to the Bush Hog. I backed the tractor up and hooked onto the receiver and picked it up. I heard the familiar snap as the lock pin locked into place. Now I felt safe testing the 1,200 lbs extending out the back of my tractor. I played with the lift lever bouncing the mower up and down to test the integrity of the control and receiver plates. No problem, they were securely attached and weren't even phased by the weight of the mower. The tractor on the other hand was bouncing up and down in unison and it could tell that there was a heck of a weight sitting way out on its tail. One thing I did notice with the Delta Hook system was that even though it extends the connect points 4 to 5 inches further out the rear of the tractor, there appeared to be no difference in how the tractor handled the load. It picked up and held the load just as easily as it did without the Delta Hook system. That was one of my biggest concerns beforehand. I took the mower to the field and cut some rather large brush to test things out. No problems whatsoever. I practiced attaching and unattaching implements for the next couple of days. I am also learning that the more you use these hitches the easier it gets to attach and unattach them. I don't know if it is because I am learning more about how they work best (position of top link, etc.) or if it is because they are getting broken in (paint wearing off the sticky parts). I was so impressed with the way the system handled the Bush Hog that I called Steve at Spalding Tractor yesterday and told him that I would be by to pick up 2 more Cat. 1 receivers next week and to please make sure that he kept 2 in stock for me. That will give me 5 receivers and that will cover all of the very heavy implements that I have trouble attaching. For the small stuff, the control plate is so easy to remove (less than 15 seconds) that you don't need a receiver for all your implements. The whole works cost me about $1,700 but it will be worth it in the long run. It is very expensive but it will provide a lifetime of ease in attaching my implements. Like the guy from Alexander Manufacturing said, "Your implements will grow old and will wear out but your Delta Hook system was designed for a lifetime of use. When one implement wears out just take the Delta Hook off it and put it on the new implement. You'll never have to buy another Delta Hook unless you add an additional implement to your lineup." I know what he was saying but I have my own view of this. I'm old and worn out and verging on decrepitness but I sincerely believe that the Delta Hook system will help prevent my physical condition from getting worse. However, the most important consideration for me in this was convenience. Now I will be able to go out and hop on my tractor and hook up to anything in my yard with ease and speed and never look back. For me, the cost was definitely worth it.
NOTE: I have absolutely no affiliation with Alexander Manufacturing, Inc. nor Spalding Tractor. They just happen to be very good people to deal with and I am thankful that there is a place where I can say good things about them and their product.
But first, let me tell you why I was even looking for a quick hitch system. Like most people, I have had a terrible time trying to hook up my heavy 3PH equipment. I don't have the luxury of a concrete floor so dollies were out. Everything but my FarmPro chipper is stored outside on mostly uneven ground. I also have some physical problems that make hooking up implements troublesome. My neck hurts when I have to keep my head turned around for long periods trying to precisely align hitch points. I also have some pain in my arms and shoulders from arthritis. The amount of time that it took to switch from one implement to another caused me to not use them as much as I would have liked (or should have). Therefore, some things around the place just went undone and now I am way behind in my work.
My first quick hitch was a FarmPro system (iMatch type). That helped but it would only fit 2 of my implements. The rest were too wide or two narrow at the draw pins. Next, I tried the Northern Tool's copy of the Pat's Easy Change system. That was okay but because of the variation in widths in the hitch points and since I don't have telescoping lower lift arms, there were still problems and it was always an effort to hook up an implement. That is when I started looking at the delta-type quick hitch systems. I didn't care if I had to get down off the tractor to hook up the PTO but I did care whether or not I had to manhandle the lower lift arms and the implement itself. I also cared about how much time it would take to attach and unattach the implement. Because I am so busy with other things, time is of the essence.
I searched the Internet and found several delta-type systems. The Freedom Hitch was nice but they are no longer produced. The Jiffy Hitch system looked nice but my Internet search found no dealers close by. The Bubco TRIANGLE QUICK HITCH system was nice but again my Internet search found no dealers close by. The Delta Hook system looked nice and I found that Spalding Tractor in Griffin, GA. was a dealer. Since Spalding Tractor was only 30 miles away I decided to call and talk with them. Not only are they a dealer for the Delta Hook system but they are a stocking dealer. I talked with Steve, the owner of Spalding Tractor, and told him that I was interested in the Delta Hook system. He told me that he had sold several sets of the Delta Hooks, had received only good feedback about them and that he had them in stock and to come by and take a look. So, I made a trip up there. Steve showed me the system and I was very impressed. The units are very heavy duty. They are made from 5/16 inch formed steel and are powder-coated John Deere yellow. When the control plate is slid into the receiver it locks securely by a huge steel pin. To release the control plate from the receiver you simply pull a lever that retracts the pin and the control plate is free to drop out of the receiver. There is a cut-out in both the control plate and receiver for the PTO shaft to pass through. So, at this point I was pretty much convinced that the Delta Hook was what I was looking for to relieve me of my frustration with 3PH attachments. But, I was concerned about after-purchase support. So, I asked Steve what would be my remedy if it didn't work to my satisfaction or there was a defect and what about parts. He told me that the company, Alexander Manufacturing, Inc., stood 100 percent behind their product. I asked him if I could bring it back if I didn't like it. He said, "Sure, but you won't, because they are that good. Once you use it, you'll never want to do it any other way. Guaranteed." So, with his assurances, I purchased a Cat. 1 kit (1 control plate and 2 receivers) and took them home.
My FarmPro (Jinma) PTO chipper has a very awkward top pin arrangement. None of the quick hitch systems I've had in the past would hook up to it. The belt housing was also in the way. When I got home with the Delta Hook system I wanted to see how much modification would be needed to hook up the receiver to the chipper. I unpacked a receiver (it came with draw mounting bolts, top mounting pin and a top pin extension adapter (with 3 holes)). The instructions recommend that two people attach the receiver (it is very heavy) but I was the only one available. So, holding the receiver up with one arm and attaching the pins with the other, to my fascination, I had it attached within 5 minutes. Wow. How easy that was. I turned right around and attached the control plate to the tractor in even less time. The control plate is light compared to the receiver. It can be mounted or removed in less than 15 seconds (so small implements can be used without a receiver). On the chipper, I adjusted the control plate痴 top link angle to match the receiver angle and then hopped onto the tractor, started it up, and backed into the receiver. I lifted the control plate to make contact, then hopped off the tractor and attached the PTO, then back onto the tractor and lifted the chipper. I heard the lock pin lock into place and then I took off with the chipper. I drove it around bouncing the chipper up and down with hydraulics to see if there was any play or looseness in the connection. There was none, it was a solid plate to plate connection. I took the chipper back under the shed and set it down. I then lowered the hydraulic lift lever, pulled the Delta Hook disengagement lever and the control plate descended a small amount. I hopped off the tractor and took a look at things. Everything was okay. I reattached the chipper then unattached it again. I repeated this a few times and then headed toward the tiller. The receiver went right on the tiller just as it did the chipper. I picked it up, drove it around and set it down a few times and then went to the phone. I called Steve at Spalding Tractor and asked if he had another Cat. 1 receiver in stock. He said, "You like it, don't you?" I said, "I'm Delta Hooked!" He said, "I told you, you won't ever do it any other way now." Anyway, I had already gotten the last of his Cat. 1 stock so he had to order more. I told him that I needed another one for my Bush Hog rotary mower. It would be in stock in a few days.
Meanwhile, I got to thinking about my rotary mower. With the receiver attached the whole shebang would weigh more than 1,200 lbs. Could the control plate support that much weight? Besides, the Delta Hitch arrangement sets the pickup points 4 to 5 inches further back of the normal point. That would put a lot of stress on those plates. I decided to contact the Delta Hook people and ask them about this. I sent them an email and asked if their Cat. 1 system could support more than 1,200 lbs hanging way out in back of the tractor. Their response was that amount of weight would be no problem whatsoever with their Cat. 1 system. They also said that if their control plate or receiver ever failed that they would replace it at no charge. They said that they stand behind their systems 100 percent with full company support.
So, in a few days receiver number 3 arrived and I went and picked it up. I attached it to the rotary mower (very easy) and then slid the control plate into the receiver and picked it up. However, this time the lock pin did not lock in place. I set it down and spent the next two hours trying to get it to lock. No good. I called Steve at Spalding Tractor and told him there was something wrong with the receiver. He said that he had never experienced a problem with the hitches before and would call the company. He said that he was still out of stock on the Cat. 1 systems but would get another one in immediately. A short time later I got a call from Alexander Manufacturing. They asked me to explain the problem. I did and they said that was a first for them. They said that the hitches were formed with press dies and the parts were formed identically and they couldn't understand why one would not lock properly. Anyway, he said that he would make sure that I had another one in hand no later than the next day. The next day came and sure enough, the replacement receiver was sitting in the Spalding Tractor's show room waiting on me. Is that company support or what? I picked it up and took it home and attached it to the Bush Hog. I backed the tractor up and hooked onto the receiver and picked it up. I heard the familiar snap as the lock pin locked into place. Now I felt safe testing the 1,200 lbs extending out the back of my tractor. I played with the lift lever bouncing the mower up and down to test the integrity of the control and receiver plates. No problem, they were securely attached and weren't even phased by the weight of the mower. The tractor on the other hand was bouncing up and down in unison and it could tell that there was a heck of a weight sitting way out on its tail. One thing I did notice with the Delta Hook system was that even though it extends the connect points 4 to 5 inches further out the rear of the tractor, there appeared to be no difference in how the tractor handled the load. It picked up and held the load just as easily as it did without the Delta Hook system. That was one of my biggest concerns beforehand. I took the mower to the field and cut some rather large brush to test things out. No problems whatsoever. I practiced attaching and unattaching implements for the next couple of days. I am also learning that the more you use these hitches the easier it gets to attach and unattach them. I don't know if it is because I am learning more about how they work best (position of top link, etc.) or if it is because they are getting broken in (paint wearing off the sticky parts). I was so impressed with the way the system handled the Bush Hog that I called Steve at Spalding Tractor yesterday and told him that I would be by to pick up 2 more Cat. 1 receivers next week and to please make sure that he kept 2 in stock for me. That will give me 5 receivers and that will cover all of the very heavy implements that I have trouble attaching. For the small stuff, the control plate is so easy to remove (less than 15 seconds) that you don't need a receiver for all your implements. The whole works cost me about $1,700 but it will be worth it in the long run. It is very expensive but it will provide a lifetime of ease in attaching my implements. Like the guy from Alexander Manufacturing said, "Your implements will grow old and will wear out but your Delta Hook system was designed for a lifetime of use. When one implement wears out just take the Delta Hook off it and put it on the new implement. You'll never have to buy another Delta Hook unless you add an additional implement to your lineup." I know what he was saying but I have my own view of this. I'm old and worn out and verging on decrepitness but I sincerely believe that the Delta Hook system will help prevent my physical condition from getting worse. However, the most important consideration for me in this was convenience. Now I will be able to go out and hop on my tractor and hook up to anything in my yard with ease and speed and never look back. For me, the cost was definitely worth it.
NOTE: I have absolutely no affiliation with Alexander Manufacturing, Inc. nor Spalding Tractor. They just happen to be very good people to deal with and I am thankful that there is a place where I can say good things about them and their product.
AlexanderEquipmentCo
New member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2008
- Messages
- 6
I want to thank everyone for the feedback you have given. Just a reminder, we back our products up with a 3 year warranty so if you're unhappy for any reason we will either replace the product or grant you a full refund. We also sell hydraulic toplinks so feel free to visit our site and check those out as well.
We're actually in the process of having our website redone so we'll have some more information available along with some testimonials in a couple of weeks. If anyone has any additional questions feel free to call (866) 833-1160.
We're actually in the process of having our website redone so we'll have some more information available along with some testimonials in a couple of weeks. If anyone has any additional questions feel free to call (866) 833-1160.
PA hayseed
Platinum Member
AlexanderEquipmentCo said:
You can respond to this here, or PM me if you like. My main question is why are these so expensive? I understand research development, production costs, marketing, etc, but for the hobby farmer or small guy like me, you put a product I am interested in out of reach. I would be well above 1k in costs to by all the things I need for my current implements.
I rather buy a new piece of equipment that works for 1k, than an attachment that doesn't do work.
Like the looks, can't afford the price.
AlexanderEquipmentCo
New member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2008
- Messages
- 6
PA Hayseed,
I feel the same way you do about spending that kind of money. This is definitely an expensive product.
The plates for the Delta Hook are made with 5/16 inch steel with the brackets being made of half inch steel. This makes them very expensive to make. We have devoted a great deal of time to try and get the price down and we will continue to do so, but we will not use weaker material and sacrifice quality.
We're working hard on it, but steel prices are making things tough.
I feel the same way you do about spending that kind of money. This is definitely an expensive product.
The plates for the Delta Hook are made with 5/16 inch steel with the brackets being made of half inch steel. This makes them very expensive to make. We have devoted a great deal of time to try and get the price down and we will continue to do so, but we will not use weaker material and sacrifice quality.
We're working hard on it, but steel prices are making things tough.
