Pat's Easy Change Vs Quick Hitch

[jenkinsph]

After looking at all of these and hearing the comments, it really seems the PEC is the most flexible, universal set up. This seems it would simplify the hardest part of the job in getting the bottom links on the pins. The top is really not a big deal.

I have seen this topic mentioned some, but the other issue I have to resolve is the Cat I versus Cat II. My tractor is set up for Cat II, but most all of the implements are Cat I. I recently purchased a disc harrow that has Cat II pins, but planned to swap them to Cat I so it would fit our other tractors. Is there really any harm done by using the Cat II hooks on Cat I equipment? I realize that most Cat II tractors can easily damage Cat I equipment by overpowering it, but that is not my concern with this question. I think common sense goes a long ways in not destroying equipment by overpowering it. Is it better to just go with the Cat II to Cat I hitch or just order the straight Cat II?

To resolve the IMatch with three tractors I bought an IMatch for each of them. Have one for the x749 too but haven't decided whether that is a good thing yet.

About the Cat 1 vs Cat 2 setups, I would use cat 1 pins with bushings when working with the larger cat 2 tractor. For the new disk I would use cat 2 pins, from my experience the smaller cat 1 pins will not hold up to the stress put on them by the disk, Some cat 2 implements you can get away with the cat 1 pins but not high draft load tools.

About your question of using the larger tractor with cat 2 hitch on the smaller cat 1 implements it doesn't become a problem unless you try to work them beyond their design limits. Just use your common sense.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

We have Cat 2 tractor and mixed equipment. Went with Cat 2 option and just leave the bushings full time on the Cat 1 stuff converting them to Cat 2 effectively.

Before Pat's system it was a pain working in those bushings.

 

[Boeing]

I forgot to mention one other GREAT help accessory. PAT'S (Greenwell) sells the LARGE washers that go over the attachment pins but....those washers are usually sliding all over the length of the pin as you try to align the hitch. The PAT'S washers are oversized and bent to a 90 degree angle and DRILLED for the hitch pin....to lock the washers in place.
Hard to describe but it keeps the washers in one place and you NEVER have to remove the hitch pin. Go to their website to see info. I bought 20 pairs and leave on all impliments. NOW, I can indeed just back up to and raise the lift arms to hook up the lower hitch, YES, I have to get off to hook up the upper link, but I'm not an invalid YET.....

 

[greg_g]

Is it better to just go with the Cat II to Cat I hitch or just order the straight Cat II?

Go Cat 2 definitely, cuz you should size the PEC to the tractor - not to the implement. Then then just buy Cat2/1 lift pin bushings to adapt your Cat 1 implement pins to the Cat 2 PEC. Bushings are inexpensive, and available at any farm supply store. Heck, even the local NAPA store sells them

//greg//

 

[deere5105]

Cat II makes sense. Honestly the current set up is Cat II and have been using it without issue so far. Makes me wonder how necessary the bushings are. With the PEC I figure there will be some movement anyway. How critical does everyone think the bushings are to go from Cat I to Cat II? For my situation the PEC seems the most logical choice. I also noticed the pins they sell with the hitch. Very ingenious idea and I am sure worth the cost.

 

[greg_g]

How critical does everyone think the bushings are to go from Cat I to Cat II?

You'll find out when you start having to replace implement pins.

//greg//

 

[deere5105]

You'll find out when you start having to replace implement pins.

//greg//

Are you implying that the "slack" created by the loose fit causes the weaker/smaller Cat I pins to bend and/or break?

 

[deere5105]

Have recently finished my disc rebuild project and am looking into the PEC options again. I ordered some parts for my project from AgriSupply and noticed they had a good price on the PEC and it included the stablilizer bar.

Question is, I noticed it stated this was an "Economy Model". Has anyone ordered this item from AgriSupply and is it any different from one that would be ordered direct?

 

[The It]

Have recently finished my disc rebuild project and am looking into the PEC options again. I ordered some parts for my project from AgriSupply and noticed they had a good price on the PEC and it included the stablilizer bar.

Question is, I noticed it stated this was an "Economy Model". Has anyone ordered this item from AgriSupply and is it any different from one that would be ordered direct?

The Economy Model is different. There's been some discussion about this, one thread included a postings by a guy who was pretty PO'd about it; the thread also included Pat's response. Sorry, I don't have time right now to find that thread for you, but it should be pretty easy to search for it.

 

[jenkinsph]

I work alone quite a bit so I have found that the IMatch with proper bushings and modifications to the implements is the best way to go. Spent the better part of one day making everything compatible with IMatch and it has been smooth sailing ever since. Anything I build or buy I try to get compatible to start with. My boxblade is the only thing left to modify, hope to do this soon.

If it were me I would get a cat 2 quick hitch since that is what the tractor is then make all the implements fit this.