John Deere quick hitch

[ovrszd]

94BULLIT What are the negatives of having an adjustable top link??

 

[94BULLITT]

94BULLIT What are the negatives of having an adjustable top link??

With the adjustable top you do not have as good visibility of the top hook as you do with the fixed top hook. You may also run into clearance issues with the nuts and bolts on the adjustable top hook. I have a Woods RB60 blade and a Wood LR72 rake. The main frame work is the same on them. I can't remember but one of them I had grind a little bit so the bolts for the adjustable top hook would not interfere. I guess the hole for the top hook bushing was not punched in the right location. I don't really think the adjustable top hook is necessary but it may work on somethings. To me it kinda defeats the purpose of a QH if you have to adjust the top hook to change implements.

 

[ovrszd]

I think the advantage would be if multiple implements had the same top pin height that didn't match the fixed top hook height. But once the adjustment was made it would probably never be changed.

A few years ago there was a TBN member that used pins and clips to fasten his adjustable top hook. He then didn't have to modify his implements that had different pin heights, just moved the hook.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I couldn't even tell you where my top hook is right now, I built the "adapter" when I first bought the hitch and us it on everything. I only have a few pieces of equipment that the top hook wouldn't work on, but found that it's just as quick and easy to leave the adapter on and use it instead of switching back and forth. I have to get off when hooking up to either raise a parking stand, hook up a pto , or hydraulic lines anyway.

 

[KennyG]

I think the advantage would be if multiple implements had the same top pin height that didn't match the fixed top hook height. But once the adjustment was made it would probably never be changed.

A few years ago there was a TBN member that used pins and clips to fasten his adjustable top hook. He then didn't have to modify his implements that had different pin heights, just moved the hook.

I'm the guy with the pins and clips. I posted another picture of them here in post #18. In a perfect world you wouldn't need an adjustable hook, but I have a 3 point log splitter and a snowblower that would just be impractical to modify to "standard" quick hitch dimensions.

 

[ovrszd]

Yeah Kenny, I saw your pic earlier. I just couldn't remember if you were the guy that discussed it back when.

I agree with this solution. Not that big of a deal to move the hook when needed. With a fixed hook that option is gone. So all equipment has to be modified or built to fit the hitch.

 

[LouieJunior]

Here is how I fixed it and still kept the hook adjustable.

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/attachments/404043-john-deere-quick-hitch-pin1-jpg"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/attachments/404044-john-deere-quick-hitch-pin2-jpg"/>

I think this will be a good solution for me -- for three of the attachments that wouldn't fit earlier.
Thanks KennyG

I will still have a Stump Grinder (with lift arm pins too wide) and Flail Mower (top link too high even with adjustable hook) that won't be compatible.

 

[aeblank]

I love your solution KennyG. I saved one of your posts, just in case I ever need to do that. So far, I've been fine. I only have a trailer mover and a land pride back blade. On the blade, I needed to put a second hole in at the right height. I just made sure it was close enough to the front edge of the vertical piece that it would fit the QH. Only thing I plan to add is a LPGS.

One thing I've noticed is that a NEW (I just got mine in......October.....maybe....) Harbor Freight hitch doesn't exactly match the "H.F. vs. good" quick hitch video(s). I'm sure most of it is the same, but the one example I'm thinking of is the latch. Mine has no notable side-to-side movement/flop. I'm happy enough with mine. I'm good with $100. I wouldn't have one at $350....