Pats system quick change

[RoyJackson]

The PEC doesn't articulate at all, so the hooks end up at an angle that won't accept the lift pins.

I see your point. As mentioned, I never had that problem although I could see an implement using a clevis (rather then just pins sticking out) being a problem. Some larger RFMs (Befco and Land Pride are two I know of) use a clevis arrangement for the lower link hook up. Unless the PEC was perpendicular to the clevis, it might not fit.

My Befco RFM (84" unit) has those clevis type lower hookups. I don't have my 790 or the PEC any more. When I bought the 4400, I bought a QH...which doesn't fit the mower either (or any other implement except the Deere ballast box and the Land Pride rotary cutter (which uses pins as it's a 60" unit)
At this point, I haven't used the QH or purchased a new PEC. Either will require modifying the mower and chipper (not sure about the rear blade). The mower would require swapping some brackets and making two spacers...not sure what the chipper would require (but I would need a new PTO drive shaft for sure).

Villengineer, how about a couple pictures of the problematic implements? Maybe we can figure something out.

 

[RoyJackson]

Maybe your widest implement can reverse the pins to be on the inside??

You're assuming they're pins...might not be.

 

[nspec]

I always just lined up the best I could, engaged the implement pins, then installed the washers/lynch pins.

I like that. I have trouble fitting my PECS between the washer and the implement. The washers seem to rest with a little angle, thus narrowing the opening that the hitch fits in. A lot of times the PECS hits the washer and won't engage the implement pins. Anybody else encounter this? I've used electrical tape and wrapped the washers so they sit tight against the lynch pins and that helped. Seems like this would solve my problem.

 

[Villengineer]

Roy, I know what I'd have to do to make it work. I just have to decided if it's worth the time and $ to alter them. You are correct in that one of my attachments, RFM, has clevis style lift points that require the PEC to be almost perfectly straight to fit. While it doesn't play nice, the real problem child is my tiller. It's a Yanmar and the spread of the lower lift links is very narrow relative to all my other attachments. I've already altered it once to correct the top link geometry, I'm just not sure it's worth it to alter it again.

nspec, yes I've encountered the same issue with the washers unless I use the cross bar to keep the arms at nearly perfect spread. The problem is that I've found that I can't leave the cross bar attached to PEC. The adjustment knob vibrates loose and I don't want to lose it. It also tends to bind if the PEC ends aren't perfectly parallel. Anyway, back to the washers, I've been thinking about designing an alternative based on some parts from one of my products here at work. No way it would be as cost effective as the bent washers though.

 

[gwdixon]

I like that. I have trouble fitting my PECS between the washer and the implement. The washers seem to rest with a little angle, thus narrowing the opening that the hitch fits in. A lot of times the PECS hits the washer and won't engage the implement pins. Anybody else encounter this? I've used electrical tape and wrapped the washers so they sit tight against the lynch pins and that helped. Seems like this would solve my problem.

Oh, yeah - it's a pain.

I bought some correct sized Grade 8 washers and some small washers in bulk. Then a small bend was put in the small washers and they are welded on so the lynch pin catches both sides of the large washer.

The same thing was done to the original Pat's washers but only one extra washer was necessary.

When the hole in the lift pin is located in the vertical the lynch pin will hold the large washer tightly and avoid the Pat's.

Another trick is to mount the stock Pat's washers "upside down" - that is with the bent part on the bottom of the lift pin. That holds the bottom tightly and the curve tends to guide the Pat's onto the lift pin.

Photo when the sun comes up.

 

[nspec]

Yeah, that was my first fix - mounting the washers upside down.

Also, for all you guys buying extra washers, you can make them for a heck of a lot less than $5 for a set. As much as I like my PECS system, that's a bit excessive. Drill a hole in a big washer for the lynch pin, put it in a vise, heat it cherry red, and knock the top 1/3 right over.

 

[gwdixon]

Here are the photos mentioned above.

Yellow is Cat 2.

 

[nspec]

Hey, that's neat. Great idea...I may steal it!

 

[teg]

Here are the photos mentioned above...

So, how much are *you* selling them for??? :laughing: (will be duplicating those :thumbsup: Thanks!)