Looking for opinions on a quick hitch (Pats for a BX)

[gogojuice]

Looking for peoples opinion who have used Pat's quick hitch.

Looking to do quick and easy switches between blade and pto generator when I'm not home. Wife can make the 3pt work, but I'm trying to make it easier for her.

So. that led me to looking at quick hitches.

Appreciate the help

 

[prichard]

There are lots of good systems out there and I'm sure you'll hear all about them. I have pat's and am quite happy with it. I have never used any other quick hitch so I can't compare but it beats the heck out of no quick hitch.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I used the Pat's system on both my L3010 and L3430 and it worked pretty well. The only problem I had was the tractor linkage, which maintains the lift arm separation, had some play. Occasionally, I would have to get off the machine to align the Pat's hooks with the implement pins. You have to get off anyway to attach the top link so it wasn't any big deal. Keep in mind the Pat's system extends the length of your lift arms about 4" which may or may not be a problem with your implements. You also have to check the tightness of the Pats mounting bolts since they occasionally work loose. In any case, the Pat's does simplify and reduce the time necessary to switch implements and is worth the price IMO.

I bought a set of Pats for the new MX5800 but haven't installed them yet. So far, I've been using the lift arm extenders that came on the machine. If the MX goes the way of the L's, it won't be long before they jam up and I'll likely install the Pats.

The frame type quick hitch solves the sloppy linkage separation issue but implement top link compatibility can be a problem. If you go this route, make sure your attachments will work with the frame you choose.

 

[milkman]

I've had a set on my BX for years and they work well with the spreader bar, and work even better with these http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/47770-stabilizer-links-bx2200.html?highlight=

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

I installed Pats and like them very well. My implements are different widths at the pins so a normal quick hitch will not help. A longer top link may be needed, but I havent ran into that yet. With Hodges stabilizers and my implements an dollies, hookup is a snap.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I used the Pat's system on both my L3010 and L3430 and it worked pretty well. The only problem I had was the tractor linkage, which maintains the lift arm separation, had some play. Occasionally, I would have to get off the machine to align the Pat's hooks with the implement pins. You have to get off anyway to attach the top link so it wasn't any big deal. Keep in mind the Pat's system extends the length of your lift arms about 4" which may or may not be a problem with your implements. You also have to check the tightness of the Pats mounting bolts since they occasionally work loose. In any case, the Pat's does simplify and reduce the time necessary to switch implements and is worth the price IMO.

I bought a set of Pats for the new MX5800 but haven't installed them yet. So far, I've been using the lift arm extenders that came on the machine. If the MX goes the way of the L's, it won't be long before they jam up and I'll likely install the Pats.

The frame type quick hitch solves the sloppy linkage separation issue but implement top link compatibility can be a problem. If you go this route, make sure your attachments will work with the frame you choose.

Mostly agree. The added length was a problem for me with some implements. Later bought some less expensive ones off ebay under $100 and preferred them, especially the ones that would face up or down with opening slot which I still have.

I've had a set on my BX for years and they work well with the spreader bar, and work even better with these http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/47770-stabilizer-links-bx2200.html?highlight=

This may be where my Pat's went??!!:confused3: Sold/traded Milkman some stuff a few years ago. :thumbsup::cool2:

 

[Kevinc2004]

I used a Woods quick hitch that is like the big boys on my BX1860. It corrals all 3 hitch arms, and you just lift up on the quick levers and then back up to the attatchment, lift it up, and drop the levers. I used it for 4 years on my BX1860, then moved it over to my new B2601 last year. This is the same hitch system that is used on much larger tractors as well.

 

[GaryM]

I've had Pats system on my JD for better than 10 years. The only downside I've found is that they limit the amount of side tilt available with my scraper or box blade. Other than that I'm very happy.

 

[skipperbrown]

I had pat's on my 3940 and thought it was the cat's meow. I moved it to my b2650 and it works very good. There is some loss of pivoting at higher lift angles, but I wouldn't be without it. It will also give you a much needed extra 3" of wiggle room on the back of your tractor. Another thing to think about is anything you lift will be further back and cause your front end to be lighter.

 

[gogojuice]

Thanks for all the responses. Appreciated them.
How would you compare it to a traditional hitch style like the imatch etc.?

My implements are a box blade that I use in the winter for the driveway and a PTO generator.

I'm worried about it being -30 and the power goes out having to go out in the worst weather and change over implements while I'm away. I would like to make it as easy as I can for her.

Thanks again