Pat's Quick Hitch Pointers

[ovrszd]

Telescoping.

Then you don't need a spreader bar.

 

[CobyRupert]

The hitches come in today. Can someone show me exactly which bolts need to be replaced.

All of them except the u-bolt.
Two bolts on each side of each hitch.
Like Toukow mentioned, see what grade bolt comes with them. There will be markings on bolt head that signify what grade they are.

 

[Roadworthy]

I believe eight 3/8" bolts are included along with eight nuts to serve as lock nuts to hold them in place once adjusted. These are the bolts being discussed. Whether you replace them with eight line bolts or set screws is up to your personal preference.

 

[Pecosbill7]

I have one set of Cat one Pats on my small tractor and am considering ordering a Cat two set for my larger JD. I bought the stabilizer bar with the Cat one system and it is quite valuable for holding the arms at the correct width when backing up to the implement. My question is, when ordering the Cat two system can I just use the same stabilizer bar on the Cat two system that I already have for the Cat one or is there some difference? I don’t see a need to have two if they are the same.

Also, I would like to occasionally use some Cat one implements on my larger tractor that will have the Pats Cat two system on it. What bushings do I need to get to convert the Cat one implement to Cat two and that will work with the Pats system?

Thanks.
Bill

 

[LouNY]

Or instead of Pat's bolt on's go with something like this;
Frontlink | Waltersheid Weld on Hooks and Balls
Cat. 2 Lower Link Quick Release Weld-on Hook | AGRISTORE USA

 

[CobyRupert]

You probably will be able to use the telescoping stabilizer bar on both.
The bushings are widely available in stores like Tractor Supply that will be suitable for using a Cat II hitch with a Cat I implement. You will need separate bushings for upper and lower links. (Lower link hitch pins Cat I are 7/8”, Cat II are 1-1/8”; upper link pin is 3/4” and 1”)
You will need to replace Pat’s adjustment bolts with a better grade bolt than they furnish as they can’t withstand the stress of heavier attachments, and will bend, and will be difficult to remove to replace afterwards. Tip: Grind the inner bent part of the bolt off before attempting to back the bolt out.
You most likely will need to realign the Pat’s on the lift arms when you re-adjust the lift arms width when you switch from Class I to Class II attachments and vise-versa.

Pat’s says to tighten the adjustment bolts down onto the lift arms, but I don’t know why this is necessary. Seems leaving them loose would provide some swivel that is needed, otherwise the bolts bend when Pat’s “eliminates” the swivel of the ball in the lift arm.

 

[Pecosbill7]

Pat痴 says to tighten the adjustment bolts down onto the lift arms, but I don稚 know why this is necessary. Seems leaving them loose would provide some swivel that is needed, otherwise the bolts bend when Pat痴 兎liminates the swivel of the ball in the lift arm.

That makes sense, especially given the fact that the ball in the lift arm has rotation built into it. Thanks.

 

[zilla24]

Another alternative to the adjustable spreader bar that pats sells is to use a bungee and then use your 3pt turnbuckles to adjust the width. I have the spreader bar but sometimes do this when I leave the bar at the barn and I'm out in the field.

 

[WranglerX]

As with Pats system and all other quick hitch (rigid Cat 1 or Cat 2 or Cat X) the best thing you can do is make all your attachments match exact same pattern so you don't have to mess with changing sleeves (bushings) and widths and what knots.... If you make all your implements connections to same form factor, life gets really simple for PATs system ( one could add a rigid spreader bar and be happy)..., Concept of all implements connect identically was what gave the easier adaptable rigid frame quick hitch birth...

Pats is not a bad system, just somewhat awkward...

Dale

 

[ovrszd]

I haven't removed the Quick Hitch from my Kubota for several years. Everything it carries has been made to fit the QH.

If your attachments are all made to fit the QH you'll quickly tire of the Pat's.

If you cannot modify the attachments the Pat's is in a close race with extendable links.

If you do not have extendable links Pat's is a dramatic improvement.

 

[dlctcg]

I haven't removed the Quick Hitch from my Kubota for several years. Everything it carries has been made to fit the QH.

If your attachments are all made to fit the QH you'll quickly tire of the Pat's.

If you cannot modify the attachments the Pat's is in a close race with extendable links.

If you do not have extendable links Pat's is a dramatic improvement.

OK, so "ovrszd"... question.... I have the Pat's system sitting in the box for our NH TC40D. We have extendable links on the NH, also have Fit Rite TnT on already on it. Have the NH758C Backhoe with full sub-frame which I'm not sure will be able to be installed without removing the Pat's system.... We switch implements often enough but not sure Pat's system will make it that much easier to justify...

- needing a new longer top link from Fit Rite = $$
- needing to get new PTO shafts for the debris blower & the chipper (could use an Over Run Coupler)
- may interfere with the backhoe without removal

Wow.. I feel like I just answered my own question... but would like some thoughts from you all that are more experienced....

If it is not the correct solution... the Pat's system goes up for sale

 

[lennyzx11]

OK, so "ovrszd"... question.... I have the Pat's system sitting in the box for our NH TC40D. We have extendable links on the NH, also have Fit Rite TnT on already on it. Have the NH758C Backhoe with full sub-frame which I'm not sure will be able to be installed without removing the Pat's system.... We switch implements often enough but not sure Pat's system will make it that much easier to justify...

- needing a new longer top link from Fit Rite = $$
- needing to get new PTO shafts for the debris blower & the chipper (could use an Over Run Coupler)
- may interfere with the backhoe without removal

Wow.. I feel like I just answered my own question... but would like some thoughts from you all that are more experienced....

If it is not the correct solution... the Pat's system goes up for sale

I have one on the shelf in the shop that I’ve tried three times in the last three years on my Kubota and it drops something out, I get disgusted, and back to the Hf qh I go.

I recently got a 64 Ford 2000 and am going to put it on there in hopes of getting “some” use out of it.

For the poster about leaving the stabilizer bar in place all the time. You can’t. It’s in the way of the pto shaft on driven implements.

All in all. I’m not too impressed vs the 99 buck harbor freight quick hitch.

 

[doneill127]

Dlctg, I have the Pats on a Mahindra and I do like them. But I do have to remove them to mount the backhoe, it’s a pain but I still find them useful

 

[ovrszd]

This is a tough subject. Everyone's expectations are different. Everyone's uses are different. Everyone's frequency of hitching/unhitching implements are different. So I'm not sure anyone can answer any else's uses of Pat's.

I bought them for a previous tractor. Used them for awhile then took them off. Gave them to the buyer when I sold the tractor. He used them for awhile and took them off.

Again, if you don't have extendable arms they are an improvement.

If you don't have the capability to modify all your equipment to fit a QH they are an improvement.

If your tractor has extendable links it's a coin toss.

If you buy a QH and modify all your equipment to fit you would never consider using Pat's.

 

[CobyRupert]

^ :thumbsup: Ovszd.

If I'd known extendable arms weren't standard, I would of got them as an option when I bought the tractor and would not have a need for Pat's.
I think John Deere wants $800 for a set of (or one?) extendable lift arms which are essentially just a 3-4 foot long piece of metal with a special link, and some REALLY expensive green paint on them.

Like others say, the benefits of Pat's depends on your usage, frequency and similarity of attachments.

Lenny, I don't think the poster was saying you can leave the stabilizer on all the time; but with standardized attachments you can leave it (if it telescopes) or use a bent rod at one fixed length. :2cents:

Dictcg, Will you have to remove JUST the Pat's to install backhoe, or the whole lift arm (even if you didn't have the Pat's on them)?

 

[dlctcg]

^ :thumbsup: Ovszd.

If I'd known extendable arms weren't standard, I would of got them as an option when I bought the tractor and would not have a need for Pat's.
I think John Deere wants $800 for a set of (or one?) extendable lift arms which are essentially just a 3-4 foot long piece of metal with a special link, and some REALLY expensive green paint on them.

Like others say, the benefits of Pat's depends on your usage, frequency and similarity of attachments.

Lenny, I don't think the poster was saying you can leave the stabilizer on all the time; but with standardized attachments you can leave it (if it telescopes) or use a bent rod at one fixed length. :2cents:

Dictcg, Will you have to remove JUST the Pat's to install backhoe, or the whole lift arm (even if you didn't have the Pat's on them)?

CobyRupert - No we can connect the NH758C Backhoe to the TC40D with the stock lift arms with zero issues... basically have to lift them high enough the sub-frame can side in the brackets & keep them low enough to clear the Backhoe operator platform. However I'm almost positive I will have to remove the Pat's system as they wouldn't clear..... I'm starting to think I'm not going to use them because of the backhoe issue.... I might just start looking into different QH for the TC40D...