Pat's 3point width adjustment question

[Tarnold]

Thinking about the current deal on Pat's end links. Just measured 7 pieces of my equipment and the width of the end link connections vary from 24" to 31". So my question is how do you set the width on your end links with such a variance of the width of your equipment before you back up and connect? I'm familiar with their spacer bar, but even that would have to be adjusted (marked) beforehand for each different width? can it be done without a spacer bar?

 

[wupham]

I have Pat's and highly recommend it.

There are at least 3 different ways of making sure your spacing is correct for each implement. The spacer bar you already mentioned works well. Just remember to take it off when using the rear PTO as you may bend it when you lift equipment.

The cheapest method is to cut PVC pipe (I think 1") to length and use as a spacer when hooking up equipment. Pat uses some round stock in his product that the PVC can slip over so the PVC stays in place. I cut notches on each end to allow for easier removal after you are hooked up. You may need several to fit all your different spacings.

What I have now is the StabilWorks stabilizers (StabilWorks). The original turnbuckle stabilizers would not keep the arms apart but the StabilWorks stabilizers will as it is pin adjustable. Of the three, the Stabilworks method is the one I like the best as you don't have to have to carry a spreader with you.

 

[kneedeep]

I measured all my implement correct spacing for the PATS and wrote it on each with permanent marker. I then use the spreader bar to get the correct ID to hookup. With PATS you have to manually lock them as well as attach the toplink, Hydraulics, PTO, etc. I just remove the bar and store behind the seat. My tractor has the turnbuckle stay chains so the spreader bar is needed.
However you decide to use them, I think you will appreciate the ease of hooking up equipment.

I also made my own washers so each implement has a permanent set.

Enjoy them, they work.

 

[gwdixon]

I took small diameter re-bar and bent each end to make a perfect fit for each odd-width implement. Then the re-bar is left with the particular implement.

I even took a 1" by 2" piece of flat plate and welded it to the middle of the bar. Then "wrote" the implement name on it with a weld. Abbreviations are recommended.

Here is my version of the washers (CAT 1 and CAT 2).

 

[Tarnold]

OP again. Thanks all, in all of the ads I've seen for Pat's, I did'nt notice those big flat washers with the keeper pins. Guess that I thought the pins just kept it from slipping off.

 

[k0ua]

Another thing you can do if you don't have the telescoping stabilizers and don't want to mess with spreader bar is to put a strong bungee cord across your lower links. Then you are free to adjust your turnbuckles out to the width you will need for a particular implement. The bungee provides pulling tension on the lower links and the turnbuckles will provide provide tension the other direction against the bungee. Also since the bungee is not rigid you can leave it in place and your PTO shaft may hit it but it wont matter since the shield of the PTO does not rotate (you did fasten down those shield chains didn't you? Hm...) I don't have to mess with any of this now, as I have the telescoping lower links and stabilizers, but when I used the Carter's that is how I did it with the L3400. And like other posters my implements had different widths and required adjustment.

James K0UA