John Deere - Harbor Freight QH -(photos)

[Rockgod]

Pretty good deal on the HF quick hitch, with a 20% off coupon it came to $83. The JD IMatch was $300. So I took a chance and I'm glad I did. Very impressed good quality at a great price. Of course at that price you'd expect to make a couple modifications which is the reason for this thread. This modification is for JD implements but should work with others.

This has to do with the top hook and the two bolts that attach it to the QH itself. The bolt head and the nut are too thick and won't allow the top hook to fit under the implement bushing. Now this could easily be fixed with a welder and a couple beads. However, I wanted to be able to move the hook up and down if need be, so... I Took the hook to the grinder and ground out two 1/8 deep trenches. They could have been a little more narrow but this was the width of my grinding wheel.

 

[Rockgod]

The reason for these two trenches is that you need room to fit a cotter pin between the frame and the hook.

 

[Rockgod]

The next thing you need is a couple of pins. You could probably drill out the supplied bolts but I chose to pick up some pins at TS and cut them down exact. They already have the holes drilled. You want to make sure they are flush with the QH frame and don't stick out or this will defeat the purpose. The pins should be 1/2" btw.

1st photo they're cut down to fit.

 

[vwnotrunning]

I agree on the initial appearance of value. I was able to trim the edge of my box blade. This would be even better! I recall someone else doing a similar type of modification, just been too lazy to look for it.

Thanks for the pics and idea.

 

[Rockgod]

If you did everything right it should look like this.

 

[Rockgod]

Then top it off with a can of JD green!

 

[Rockgod]

The best thing, probably have $110 total into it. Might have 2 1/2 hours. Nice little project and it's fully adjustable.

Only down side is you're gonna need some bushings as the HF QH doesn't come with a set. For $11 you can get them here. Best deal that I've seen. They are the Cat. 1-3..


QUICK HITCH ADAPTER KIT CAT 1-3

 

[Rockgod]

I agree on the initial appearance of value. I was able to trim the edge of my box blade. This would be even better! I recall someone else doing a similar type of modification, just been too lazy to look for it.

Thanks for the pics and idea.

Yep, I almost did the same thing with my BB. Only trouble is the brush hog would have been next.

Good luck everyone!

 

[shortthrow50]

very nice! I was just at harbor freight today and was gonna get one but was then thinking about posts i read that it has issues that you just addressed. Maybe ill go ahead and get one :thumbsup:

 

[vwnotrunning]

Northern tool has the adapters for 12.00 I think. The local TSC they are 32.00!! Atwoods had them for 13.90 so I bought two sets locally. No shipping and I was going within 3 miles of the store anyway.

 

[Rockgod]

very nice! I was just at harbor freight today and was gonna get one but was then thinking about posts i read that it has issues that you just addressed. Maybe ill go ahead and get one :thumbsup:

It's funny because 6 months ago I was at my local HF and they had the QHs out on the floor displayed. This last time they had them removed. I had to ask, luckly they had one left out back. I don't think they're going to carry them anymore.

 

[shortthrow50]

It's funny because 6 months ago I was at my local HF and they had the QHs out on the floor displayed. This last time they had them removed. I had to ask, luckly they had one left out back. I don't think they're going to carry them anymore.

Thats what i thought too but they still have them in stock and on sale on the website as well

 

[Artisan]

Subb'd :thumbsup:

 

[catdozer]

Very nice! I was looking at all the quick hitches, I was actually going to buy the harbor freight hitch, but found a Imatch hitch for sale on CL for $80, I jumped on the deal, the guy bought a new Deere and didnt want the hitch on it!! I bought one set of regular bushings the rest I made 1 1/2 round stock turned down and drilled. Far cheaper!!

 

[Tx Jim]

I had a HF quick hitch on an Orange 49 pto hp tractor for several years. Those Chinamen need to find out the difference in the size of Cat l & Cat ll draft pins.

 

[JohnDeere4300]

If you did everything right it should look like this.

Nice job!!!

Would it be hard to get the cotter pins back out if you needed to raise/lower the hook ??

I know it's a tight spot between the frame and the hook!

Bill

 

[catdozer]

The next thing you need is a couple of pins. You could probably drill out the supplied bolts but I chose to pick up some pins at TS and cut them down exact. They already have the holes drilled. You want to make sure they are flush with the QH frame and don't stick out or this will defeat the purpose. The pins should be 1/2" btw.

1st photo they're cut down to fit.

What about using roll pins? Would that work just as good?

 

[Rockgod]

Nice job!!!

Would it be hard to get the cotter pins back out if you needed to raise/lower the hook ??

I know it's a tight spot between the frame and the hook!

Bill

You can reach them from the back side. Probably take a minute or two topps.

 

[Rockgod]

What about using roll pins? Would that work just as good?

Sure, with a punch to drive them in/out, might be tricky.They'd have to be pretty small too which would make them harder to handle. Probably could use "C" clips also, you'd just have to cut a notch out of the pin some how.

Edit: Are you talking about roll pins in place of the main pins? If so those could work for sure. Good idea. I like the way you think!

 

[KennyG]

Nice job!!!

Would it be hard to get the cotter pins back out if you needed to raise/lower the hook ??

I know it's a tight spot between the frame and the hook!

Bill

When I did this to mine, I used small spring pins, not cotter pins. They fit in the gap between the frame and hook with no modification required. They can be quickly pulled out with pliers. If they get rotated, you can use the screwdriver slots in the end of the cutoff pins to rotate them back.