Opinions sought on best all-around quick hitch

[rbtjr]

I also had Pat's system and really liked it. I agree with BufordBoone's pointers. The only reason I am not still using Pat's is that I got the hydraulic top link. Obviously, the hydraulic top link has to be adjusted differently for different attachments. I couldn't find a good way to preset the length of the top link and found myself having to stand between the tractor and the implement with the tractor running so I could operate the control lever for the top link. I didn't like that, and for sure didn't like family members doing it, so I went to the quick hitch.

 

[WM75Guy]

The majority of my implements are Land Pride so I use a Land Pride QH15 Cat 1 quick hitch. The other brand implements fit just fine. I do have to adjust the top hook for some implements.

 

[hslogger]

I have a variety of newer and old implements. That means the implement lower links are not totally consistent with each other. For me, the Pat's quick hitch WITH the adjustable setting arm work just fine for me.

 

[Freep]

[Re: Pat's] The only reason I am not still using Pat's is that I got the hydraulic top link.

Is your TnT system one that does not permit you to adjust the toplink from the driver's seat. A TnT is in my future, very probably a Fit Rite, but I should be able to control the link from the operator's seat. It sounds like this won't be a problem for me, but I want to make sure I'm not misunderstanding something. One of the reasons the whole project is bewildering to me is that I don't have all the attachments and/or mods done to the tractor. I'm trying to think ahead, but it's hard to anticipate all the different possible contexts for which I'll need to account.

 

[rbtjr]

I can adjust the TnT system from the seat. On the MX the controls for the hydraulic outlets on the rear are to the right of the seat. The problem (for me) is that if I am in the seat, I couldn't hold the top link in line with (vertically and horizontally) the top of the 3PH on the attachment while I shortened or lengthened the top link to match with the top of the 3PH on the implement. A TbN poster described a rig he uses to suspend the implement end of the top link with a rope so he could raise and lower that end while sitting in the seat and operating the top link control lever. that poster used his rig to maneuver the position of the end of the top link on the attachment side. I couldn't get that approach to work well. I also tried maneuvering the controls with a length of PVC pipe with an elbow on the end, so I wouldn't have to stand directly in between the attachment and the tractor (another idea from a TbN poster). I also tried measuring the length of the top link for each attachment when it was hooked up. That thought was to adjust the top link to the proper length for the specific attachment before I tried to hook up. That usually worked or came close but I still had to make small adjustments. Part of my agenda is to make using the tractor as easy and safe as possible for family members. Hence the migration to the quick hitch.

 

[shooterdon]

Like you, I cannot weld and fabricate. I really wanted to invest in a QH but decided it was not worth the hassle. My most used attachments are the back blade and rake and both are 30+ years old. I have a home made ballast box as well. I just purchased a pull snow blower and that is the only PTO powered attachment I will have. Hooking up PTO attachments with a QH installed cannot make it any easier IMHO.

The blade, rake and ballast box are on dollies and that made it much easier, but not perfect. On a whim, I purchased a SSQA adapter that allows me to attach 3PH implements. That will allow me to see what I am doing with the blade and rake. It is not a good option if heavy blade scraping is needed but for snow blading, light grading, and light raking it should work well, be easy to hook up and easy to operate. Just got it last week so still being evaluated.

Any QH system will add about 4" to the PTO length so bear that in mind if you go that way. Some may be long enough but some may not be.

 

[rbtjr]

And Pat's system will also add about 4" to the PTO length.

 

[BufordBoone]

I can adjust the TnT system from the seat. On the MX the controls for the hydraulic outlets on the rear are to the right of the seat. The problem (for me) is that if I am in the seat, I couldn't hold the top link in line with (vertically and horizontally) the top of the 3PH on the attachment while I shortened or lengthened the top link to match with the top of the 3PH on the implement. A TbN poster described a rig he uses to suspend the implement end of the top link with a rope so he could raise and lower that end while sitting in the seat and operating the top link control lever. that poster used his rig to maneuver the position of the end of the top link on the attachment side. I couldn't get that approach to work well. I also tried maneuvering the controls with a length of PVC pipe with an elbow on the end, so I wouldn't have to stand directly in between the attachment and the tractor (another idea from a TbN poster). I also tried measuring the length of the top link for each attachment when it was hooked up. That thought was to adjust the top link to the proper length for the specific attachment before I tried to hook up. That usually worked or came close but I still had to make small adjustments. Part of my agenda is to make using the tractor as easy and safe as possible for family members. Hence the migration to the quick hitch.

I have the same "issue" with adjusting my hydraulic toplink. I use the one toplink on both tractors. On the L5740, I can easily reach the lever from the side of the tractor. On the M7060, I have to stand on the step if I want to watch the toplink move. It is pretty easy to watch the Toplink hole and get it lined up. May take a couple of tweaks on teh lever but no big deal.

A couple of my implements are not QH compatible so the Pat's have been my best answer.

Everything is a compromise. Either Pat's or a QH are WAY better than nothing. I used to postpone changing implements. Now I think nothing of it. Simply not a big deal anymore.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I bought a light junky one at a Richie Auction, and had to make it wider by cutting it apart and adding some tube. I am not impressed with the quality, but it hasn't failed, on a 6000 series JD and I am happy that it is not heavier for ease of taking on and off.

 

[CADplans]

Always, always, always buy a HF quick hitch first,,, that way, if you do not like it, you are only out $70

In a year, if you like it,, and the HF fails to do something,, buy an iMatch,,

I did just that, and found the Pat's is perfect for my JD 4105,, NOT the quick hitch,, nothing I own works correctly with the quick hitch.

I did put the HFQH on my JD 650, and modified the QH and two attachments so that the QH has some function,,,

The 650 and rake,,

The hook was modified,,

Pats works perfectly with the mower,,