Pat's Easy Change Vs Quick Hitch

[gwdixon]

One of the things I struggled over when ordering was whether to go with straight Cat 2 or the Cat 2 to Cat 1 since I currently do not have any Cat 2 implements. Did not realize there were Cat 1 and Cat 2 washers. If the lynch pin closes how will the size of the washer change how it functions?

I'm with SPYDERLK big time on this one. He stated, "your problem is mostly due to use of cat 2 washers on cat 1 pins. The grinding will just help a little. Get some 7/8" washers."

That CAT 2 washer, even ground down, will float and flop around on the CAT 1 lift pin. You could call Pat's and order the CAT 1 bent washers or just go to the hardware store (with the CAT 1 lift pin in hand) and buy washers that barely fit on the pin; 7/8" as SPYDERLK mentioned.

This washer issue was posted in #113 but since you didn't realize that there were different size washers it must not have made sense.

The last photo of the modified washer by grinding shows that it is not sitting perpendicular to the lift pin. That is a problem with using the wrong size washers. My original post (way back there, #104) shows different sized washers used for the "invention" for them to securely fit CAT 1 and CAT 2.

 

[kco]

Your large washers with top and bottom washers are much better than the simpler ones supplied with the hitch. They maintain the full area around the pin while keeping it perpendicular. Having the washers properly aligned makes it easier to latch on to both pins. With the standard supplied washers I try to remember to set them when removing the implement, but often as not I forget.

I don't have a welder or know how to weld, but my neighbour does. I'm sure he will weld some for me.

Thanks for the idea.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

On the subject which size to get I gave it some thought since the tractor was Cat 2 and we had Cat 1 equipment.

Going Cat 2 to Cat 2 won out because it was heavier and we have since picked up some Cat 2 equipment as well. For a few bucks you can shim up but not shim down.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

If it was me, I'd get the right size washers. And then, just for belt and suspenders, I'd drill a hole through the lynch pin and stick a cotter pin in it. Then you'll know it ain't going nowhere.

 

[bcp]

If someone wants to use Pat's but it is hard to keep from disconnecting, it may be worth it to convert to clevis-style pins on the implements.

Or, weld a thick "washer" to the end of the pin. My first thought is to use a flanged nut, large enough to slip over the pin, welded to the end of the pin.



Bruce

 

[k0ua]

I am wondering if I should go into the "welding up washers" business. It would be pretty easy to make up some. Would people pay enough for them to ship them and all? Just wondering out loud.

 

[gwdixon]

If someone wants to use Pat's but it is hard to keep from disconnecting, it may be worth it to convert to clevis-style pins on the implements.

Or, weld a thick "washer" to the end of the pin. My first thought is to use a flanged nut, large enough to slip over the pin, welded to the end of the pin.

View attachment 376948

Bruce

You mean like this? Well, maybe this isn't what you meant.
View attachment 376953

 

[bcp]

Like this:



Select a nut large enough to slip over the end of the pin, not threaded on. Or use a chunk of thick metal with a hole drilled in it. It doesn't need to be round.

Bruce

 

[deere5105]

Lots if good ideas and suggestions. I put the PEC back on yesterday evening and ran the rotary cutter for a couple hours this morning with the modified washers. Put it through several areas and scenarios that caused trouble before and no problem this time. Again, I did not realize there were two different washers for Cat 1 and Cat 2. Think I will just order several if the Cat 1 washers and leave them on each implement along with the Cat 2 bushings. Feeling a lot better about it today than I was Saturday. Seems there are easy solutions to be able to continue to use this product.

 

[kco]

I am wondering if I should go into the "welding up washers" business. It would be pretty easy to make up some. Would people pay enough for them to ship them and all? Just wondering out loud.

I like the gwdixon design with two washers welded to the large washer because it keeps the large washer vertically aligned. It also preserves the full contact area of the large washer(since it isn't bent) and that can be important where the pins rotate in the hitch when working in rough terrain.

I work on rough terrain and have not had a problem. However, I like cletus99's suggestion of using bolts instead of lynch pins. I did that on my finishing mower and will see how it works before changing the other implements. I have enough 5/16" bolts on hand to do it.

But the gwdixon idea is better for the reasons stated above. Another advantage of pins over bolts is they are easier to remove if you want to lend your equipment to a neighbour (which I occasionally do).

I would be interested in the welded washers but they will likely not be feasible since I already have the others. Also, I imagine welded ones may be pricey if you are realistic in charging for all materials and time as welding business should do. You need to include time for packaging, arranging shipping, etc.

The time and shipping are not a factor if my neighbour does it. We often do things for each other.

 

[k0ua]

I also like GW Dixon's ideas on using the full washers with the tabs welded on.. It would not take long to make them. As small as they are, I would probably TIG them. But a neighbor that does it for basically free, would be cheaper.

 

[cletus99]

Has anyone not tried using a bolt yet? I've seen it suggested and I plan on trying it myself when I get time to run by the hardware store. Seems to me that it's the easiest fix.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Has anyone not tried using a bolt yet? I've seen it suggested and I plan on trying it myself when I get time to run by the hardware store. Seems to me that it's the easiest fix.

Yes.

The guy just finished mounting the new rear tires and I noticed the bush hog has bolts with jam nuts. Pins make no sense since our equipment is not going to be used an a non Pat's Easy Change system. For some reason on bolt is well bent so had it just been a clippy pin it may have come out.

 

[kco]

I put bolts on my two mowers and landscape rake but have not used them yet. Will do so in the next few days. I am sure they will work fine.

 

[Mendonsy]

I you are going to use bolts, it would probably be worth getting grade 8 just to make sure they don't bend. The generic plated bolts (grade 3) are really soft.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Mendonsy while I ageed 8's are harder but if you are going to hit the keeper bolts with that much force I would prefer they bend than break. A sawsall will find cutting a #8 harder than a #3 or #5. I expect riding down trees when bush hogging is what bent our keeper bolt.

 

[Redneck in training]

I also like GW Dixon's ideas on using the full washers with the tabs welded on.. It would not take long to make them. As small as they are, I would probably TIG them. But a neighbor that does it for basically free, would be cheaper.

Or you might weld a piece of pipe with a hole drilled for the lynchpin to the washer.

 

[Mendonsy]

Or you might weld a piece of pipe with a hole drilled for the lynchpin to the washer.

Good idea!! I think I'll try that!

 

[Papasmith]

After having my rotary cutter come off the lift arms multiple times today I removed the PEC. I have had it happen previously but chalked it up to being a fluke. Not sure what is causing it or can be done to prevent future occurrences.

Anybody else have this happen and find a solution?

Yeah, I had one of the PEC's and took it off after giving it a fair try. It wasn't much easier to get your equipment and sometimes harder and, the design allows exactly what you had happen to you. On some equipment, I had to do some grinding to get the equipment on. I bought it because of the glowing reviews from some here and another forum. Makes me wonder who is writing these reviews.

 

[deere5105]

After modifying the washers to allow the clasp portion of the lynch pin to close fully, I have been back over the same areas that previously caused the MX6 mower to come off/out of the hitch without issue. I also got the opportunity to install a set of the Cat 1 PEC on a Kubota L3800. I now have a much better understanding of the difference in washer size and think my best bet is to order some of the Cat 1 washers and use them. After getting this worked out, I can honestly say the PEC is an improvement over the fixed draft links. I think I would prefer the extendable links, but this is a good fit for my situation.