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.