Quick Hitches Quick hitch & ballast recommendations?

[scuba911]

Hi All - I'm new to the forum. This place is an awesome resource for tractor talk and ideas! i've been looking for a SCUT TLM for about a year now and i've narrowed to down to the 1026R. I was seriously considering the 2320 but my primary function will be mowing 2.5 acres of my 3.5 acres and i think the 1026R will be a better, more comfortable, mower. My question is - and this may seem silly - but is it worth buying the JD imatch quick hitch over another brand? the JD dealer priced the JD imatch at $320. i can get the harbor freight one for $80. Are there significant differences btwn the JD QH and other brands? My only function initially will be carrying, attaching, and detaching a ballast box but I will eventually be using tiller痴 and possibly a box blade. Also any recommendations on a ballast box or ballast ideas are appreciated. I saw another thread w/ a pic of a 18 drain pipe filled w/ concrete made to fit a QH I really liked that idea.

And before you ask I have not bought the tractor yet. I plan to make my offer next week.

 

[RoyJackson]

WELCOME TO TBN!!

What implements are you planning to buy?
I'm assuming your tractor will have a midmount mower.

If you're getting a loader with your tractor, you'll want a ballast box. The Deere QH works perfectly with them (I have the Deere QH and ballast box). Then it would be worth negotiating with your dealer for the QH and ballast box.
Another alternative is to just get the ballast box and a $15 furniture dolly from Harbor Freight. It's pretty easy to jockey the ballast box around (as long as you're on a cement or concrete surface) to hook it up the 3PH. I did this for a few years before I got a QH.
That way, you can delay buying a QH until you determine an actual need.

I'd buy the ballast box first, if it's an "either or" situation.

 

[scuba911]

Tractor, loader, mower. the H120 Loader and 60D autoconnect deck. i'm going to get a toothbar for teh 53" bucket, some kind of quick hitch, and some kind of ballast. i'm also going to get rim guard in the rear tires. i see myself only needing the ballast when i'm doing loader work. my primary function will be mowing and i plan on taking the loader and ballast off when i'm mowing which is why i want the quick hitch ability. I have access to a tiller and a box blade that i will be using probably 1x per yr.

 

[RoyJackson]

Well, it's your money...I just don't see a real need for a QH at this time.

BTW, since you have access to a tiller and box blade, I suggest you make sure they'll fit the QH. Not all implements will fit a QH without modification.

I have 4 implements:
Deere Ballast Box
Frontier (Deere) RFM
Land Pride rotary cutter
Woods 5000 Chipper/Shredder

The Deere QH fits the ballast box and RFM. It does not fit the rotary cutter or chipper.

Unrelated, but something to consider...since you're borrowing a tiller, make sure the PTO drive shaft length will fit your tractor