Pat's Quick Hitch

[lincmercguy]

What do you guys think of the Pat's Quick Hitch system? Did you find that your top link was too short with it? I have a Cat 2 hitch, but I just use the sleeves for my cat 1 blade. I know they make one that attaches cat 1, but I don't want to lose the cat 2 capability.

 

[ruffdog]

There is a chance that your top link or PTO shaft will be too short as the Pat's system lengthens your 3pt lift arms 3-4". You will also lose a bit of lift capacity because the lift point is further away from the tractor. If those are non-issues, then the Pat's system may be just what you want/need.

Also: Look at the bottom of this page for similar threads.

 

[toukow]

What do you guys think of the Pat's Quick Hitch system? Did you find that your top link was too short with it? I have a Cat 2 hitch, but I just use the sleeves for my cat 1 blade. I know they make one that attaches cat 1, but I don't want to lose the cat 2 capability.

Not sure what grade bolts come on the Cat 2 version, but I totally agree with the complaints about the low grade bolts on the Cat 1 version. Went to put them on my new tractor, so figured I'd remove the bolts and lube the threads. The bolts were in bad shape after low hours of usage (like 20 or less with a light weight rotary mower). They had distorted enough that one snapped off.

I ordered Grade 8 , 3/8"-16 x 2" tap bolts (fully threaded) online for delivery next week, as everything I found locally was not fully threaded. Suggest swapping them out before putting into service as suggested in other threads. I was extremely lucky (for once) removing the broken bolt. Oh, yeah, remember to wear safety glasses when drilling out bolts!

Not sure if the bolt grade has been rectified on the newer versions, mine are 8 years old, but thought it worth mentioning given my current frustrations. My two cents, Toukow

 

[CADplans]

Not sure what grade bolts come on the Cat 2 version, but I totally agree with the complaints about the low grade bolts on the Cat 1 version.

When I installed mine last year,, I swapped out ALL of the bolts ( except the "U" bolts ) with TSC Grade 8 bolts,,,

I did the swap for two reasons,
1) the bolts that came with it were "low grade"
2) I used bolts that were as close as possible to "ideal" length,,,

The included bolts are the wrong length, to allow the bolts to be more universal,,
the bolts I selected were specific to my tractor 3 point arm dimensions,,,

The Pat's adapter is a GREAT hook for transporting a chain,, also !! :thumbsup:

 

[ruffdog]

I wanted to install the Pat's system on my SSQA to 3pt adapter and the easiest way would be the weld-on version. Well, they don't sell the weld-on version any more. Then I thought I could use the standard CAT 1 version but needed the dimensions of the pocket that fits over the 3pt arm but I never got a response back.

 

[toukow]

I wanted to install the Pat's system on my SSQA to 3pt adapter and the easiest way would be the weld-on version. Well, they don't sell the weld-on version any more. Then I thought I could use the standard CAT 1 version but needed the dimensions of the pocket that fits over the 3pt arm but I never got a response back.
View attachment 603912

Not sure if you're still working on this, but mine are off awaiting new bolts. If you need dimensions of the Cat 1 'pocket', let me know. Toukow

 

[ruffdog]

Not sure if you're still working on this, but mine are off awaiting new bolts. If you need dimensions of the Cat 1 'pocket', let me know. Toukow

Thanks!!!! I sent a PM today.

 

[The Deerslayer]

Needed to get a longer top link for some of my attachments when I installed mine. Not a big deal tho.
Overall...very pleased with the Pat's

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

I love my Pat’s system, top like and pro shaft on my cutter we’re fine.

 

[TCowner]

I'm a fan of Pat's Quick Hitch as well. I had a set on my previous John Deere 3720 (the current owner is a fan as well) and now my 4066R. I too switched over to the grade 8 hardened bolts. AND, their customer service in view is as good as it gets.

 

[prof fate]

I got my QH from Titan - very similar to pats and 1/2 the price.

I had to put on a longer top link, no issues on shafts on 3 4 different implements, some bought new some used, all the shafts work fine.

 

[jjk454ss]

I'm a fan of Pat's Quick Hitch as well. I had a set on my previous John Deere 3720 (the current owner is a fan as well) and now my 4066R. I too switched over to the grade 8 hardened bolts. AND, their customer service in view is as good as it gets.

It痴 funny you mention the customer service, I placed an order on the 5th, got an email stating I壇 get an email as soon as they had a ups tracking number. Still haven稚 heard a word, even after emailing then on the 16th just asking if they had my order and had any updates.

 

[eubie5]

I'm a fan of Pat's Quick Hitch as well. I had a set on my previous John Deere 3720 (the current owner is a fan as well) and now my 4066R. I too switched over to the grade 8 hardened bolts. AND, their customer service in view is as good as it gets.

What size bolts did you buy?
I guess i could just take 1 of the bolts that came with it to the hardware store and match it, but if you know actual size, that would be great.

 

[BufordBoone]

I ordered grade 5 bolts. Had no issues (two tractors) so far. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z3W9U2E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[jjk454ss]

Don稚 these bolts just hold the quick hitch in place, side to side? Seems like to real weight is on the bolts

 

[widefat]

Don稚 these bolts just hold the quick hitch in place, side to side? Seems like to real weight is on the bolts

The bolts in question are under tremendous pressure from the side to side forces of the implement. It does'nt take long for the ends of them to flare and the threads to get boogered up.
And, for me, they were always working loose - so they required tightening, which became difficult due to the flared ends. Maybe I didn't torque them to spec.
I did the grade 8 mode and also added some blue loctite - so far so good, they stay tight.
At least that's my story,

 

[jjk454ss]

The bolts in question are under tremendous pressure from the side to side forces of the implement. It does'nt take long for the ends of them to flare and the threads to get boogered up.
And, for me, they were always working loose - so they required tightening, which became difficult due to the flared ends. Maybe I didn't torque them to spec.
I did the grade 8 mode and also added some blue loctite - so far so good, they stay tight.
At least that's my story,

Makes sense. The side to side if think wouldn稚 be an issue, got to be a lot note than the sideways pressure maybe shearing off a bolt. But if it痴 enough to flare the end or mess up the threads it痴 worth replacing with better ones

 

[super55]

I had the same issue with the bolts. I also ended using some of those square head masonry nails as shims. Also put a longer top link on the tractor and now run a small overrun clutch off the back as an extension because some of my PTO shafts only had and inch or two of overlap.

Overall though they are definitely worth it. The dimensions for my 3 point connections are all over the place due to running older 3 point equipment. Pats style is the only quick hitch type that works for me. Definitely makes hooking up heavier implements a whole lot easier.

 

[widefat]

Overall though they are definitely worth it.

Absolutely - Pat's is not a panacea, but definitely makes life easier.