Pat's Easy Change Pats easy change system

bdog · Apr 21, 2005

I just ordered it without the spreader bar. I would have prefered a quick hitch like used on big tractors but my implements have different lower link spacing so I thought this was the next best thing. I got to thinking, what if I welded a nut so that the hole was vertical on the inside of the link arms or on easy change itself and then made a spreader bar out of 1/8" rod for each implement so that it would be just the right width? Seems like it would work. and I could just keep the spreader rods on top of each implement and use them as needed.

Bob_Skurka · Apr 21, 2005

If you decide you want the spreader bar, I'll sell you mine at a 33% discount to what Pat's sells them for. I bought it and found out I really didn't need it often enough to mess with it so it is still in the box after almost 2 years of using Pat's system. Sure there are some times when it would help, but not enough to get me to take it out of the box.

creeper · Apr 21, 2005

Hey Bob, I am looking at Pats easy and would like to Know if it will work with what I will call reverse link on a finish mower.On a landpride mower, the lift arms on the tractor come up between a notch and then you put a pin thru as opossed to having pins on the mower. These brackets float and I would want them to continue floating. Anyway I cant tell by the picture if it would work or not. Any experience with implements that wont work with it, I share implements with a nieghbor and he will not have easy change cause he is young and has a strong back. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Bob_Skurka · Apr 21, 2005

creeper, maybe you could post a picture of your mower as I'm not sure if it would work but a picture might help. There are lots of us who use Pat's, I'm sure someone on here has a mower like yours. I got Pat's because I also share implements with neighbors, in addition to the fact that some of my implements were not standardized and the fact that I use a PHD on a regular basis.

greg_g · Apr 21, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( if it will work with what I will call reverse link on a finish mower.)</font>

Probably stating the obvious, but it depends if there's clearance on the mower - which I'll assume is a Cat 1. The addition of Pat's ECS shoudln't change the width much. I'd say the ECS hooks are pretty close to the same width as the swivel balls on your lower lift arms. Clearance under the mower's lift pins is cricital though, to accomodate ECS hooks to pass under - before they lift. I'd say you need a good two inches below the pins.

Sorry I can only give approximate measurements, as mine are Cat 2. But I will recommend you get the stabilizer bar - it will be tough to line up the hooks to fit in those slots without one.

//greg//

creeper · Apr 22, 2005

Thanks guys! I will try a pic later , sorry I couldn't give a better description.

bncsauve · Apr 22, 2005

Pat's works great on my mower (lift pins captured on both sides), My box scraper (pins captured on one side), landscape rake (capture on one side pointing in), and on the snowblower (pins captured on both sides) Works with one side captured pins with the use of large washers held in place with normal clevis pins. Otherwise Pat's would slide off the end of the lift pin.

GaryM · Apr 26, 2005

I have a landpride 60" RFM and the system works fine. I leave the pins in the mower and just place the Pat's hooks underneath and lift. I'll admit it's a little tricky because the hitch points on the mower float and move around. I find it works better if I keep the spring loaded latches on the Pat's system locked open until I've raised the lift arms.