Quick hitch vs pat's hitch

[streamin]

I was considering getting a quick hitch but am debating on the pat's system or the full quick hitch. I see the major difference would be that Pat's does not allow for the top link and the other 3 pt quicks do, and they seem more solid with the complete frame. Any real advantages or disadvantages of getting the full hitch over Pat's?? I wont be worried about the cat 2 size as I don't have anything that is not cat 1.

 

[3v0]

I went with pat's system on my BX2200 and wish I had gotten the quick hitch. My spreader bar got messed up and my top link is too short to work with my only 3pt attachment which is a box blade. The next size top link from TSC is too long. Just a headache in my book.

Now I have no way of knowing if the quick hitch would have been less so but I am not pleased with what I have.

 

[Zebrafive]

The pros of a quick hitch (for me) is more weight at the rear, top link is hooked up. If you have a hydraulic top link, it (the top link, not QH) can be hard to hookup (you have to go back and forth to the operating platform to change it's length)

The cons, All your implements have to be compatible, or you must take the QH off to use them.

 

[gwdixon]

The top link hook up on a solid frame is over-rated unless your implements are exactly the same dimensions. Even then, if the top link hook up on the implement is braced underneath the attachment point then it can't be accessed from underneath.

If you haven't read it yet, the Pat's thread that is a sticky at the top of the forum page is informative. The "Similar Threads" at the bottom of this page are worth reading as well.

I tried a rigid frame QH without satisfactory results. All my tractors now have the Pat's system.

 

[econometrics]

I'm a quick-hitch guy (JD iMatch) and I love it. I looked at the Pat's-type system and figured the iMatch would be easier. I think it has been.

I enjoy not having to go back and mess with the top link. All of my implements are Frontier, so they are all very friendly with iMatch. The only one that's not Frontier is my new Wallenstein chipper, but it works perfectly with iMatch as well.

The only time I have to mess with the top link is in hooking up my MX6 cutter. I just loosen the thread on the toplink while it is attached to the iMatch and it hooks right up.

Another thing I like about the quick-hitch is that I can tighten my lower links so there's little to no sway in them (I loosen them just a little when pulling ground engaging implements). Set the tension on them once and you're all set! No more "Ah man, the right link won't slide on because it's too tight" ... "Okay now the left one is too tight!" :laughing:

To each his own, though! This is what I have found works best for me. YMMV.

 

[DutchHenryBrown]

I like both styles but have a QH system on my tractor now. I did have the PATs system on my first two tractors when the implements I had were not QH ready. Now the implements I have are QH ready and with TnT set up my life is much easier! I back up hook up flip the two levers and I'm on my way. When I did use the PATs system I liked it. I think you will like either one you choose I guess it just depends on what floats your boat. Good luck. :thumbsup:

 

[The Bog Man]

as Zebra mentioned, the only downfall to a QH on a BX is that many of the "BX sized" implements do not fit on the QH. The sub compact attachments are very inconsistent as to their 3PH sizing. I purchased a QH 3 years ago that I only started using a couple of months ago after purchasing my new tractor. I also have a Pat's system available, but currently not in use. The Pat's system is extremely versatile though!

 

[streamin]

great feedback, thanks all. I think it will be quick hitch for me...

 

[murphy1244]

I use Land Pride Implements and Quick Hitch and I wouldn't use anything else. Good Luck in your Search.

 

[MJPetersen]

The cons, All your implements have to be compatible, or you must take the QH off to use them.

The other option is to modify your implements to fit your hitch. That is what I did and I have not regretted it for one moment. I recently bought a mower--my first purchased implement--and the first thing I did was modify the top link to fit the quick hitch. In order to move the heavy mower forward 3 inches, for weight distribution I took off my QH and attached it normally--I was quickly reminded why I love the QH. It would be very hard to go back to not using it.

Mike

 

[newbury]

I went with PEC Cat 2. I have a variety of implements and knew I would have to modify several for a QH. I had to buy a PTO extender for $20.

The PEC did not fit my tiller (Cat 1) very well, it was a tight fit on the pins, but other implements (so far) went fine.

 

[yelbike]

Now that you pretty much settled for a quick hitch , personally I think it is more user friendly as long as you implements are compatible or modified, check out the harbour freight one with the 20 or 25% discount. I liked my first one so much I purchase a second one for the other tractor.
Good luck.

 

[newbury]

Now that you pretty much settled for a quick hitch , personally I think it is more user friendly as long as you implements are compatible or modified, check out the harbour freight one with the 20 or 25% discount. I liked my first one so much I purchase a second one for the other tractor.
Good luck.

This brings up a point I was wondering about.

I only have 1 behind I sit on. I only use 1 tractor at a time. How difficult is it to move a QH between tractors? It's got to be easier than moving a tiller.

 

[yelbike]

Moving a quick hitch between two tractors I'd say is easier than switching implements without anything. Unlike changing a heavy implement, changing the quick hitch just flops around on you as you trying to install it. I'd say buy one, make sure you like it(I'm sure you will) than go buy the other one. Or just buy both at the same time. Last time I was at hf I left the store with $104 receipt, quick hitch and a bunch of other crap in hand. they are inexpensive really.

 

[ovrszd]

I think another important point in this discussion is whether the operator has the ability to alter his implements or not?? If equipped to do modifications to implements the QH is the way to go. If not equipped for such modification then Pat's is the best choice. In these discussions the person asking the question rarely starts by clarifying their own personal abilities and equipment.

I'm a QH TnT guy and never remove the QH. Everything I buy fits the QH or I modify it.

 

[WM75Guy]

I put Land Pride quick hitches on both of my tractors. They are too heavy to easily move between tractors.

 

[shibaura_4043]

I made a couple of "hybrid" type QA's from harbor freight CAT II QAs, I can Adjust mine for Cat I, II and other odd ball sized implements. I've been happy with mine and I built each of them for right at 100.00 each... Harbor freight was discontinuing this model so I picked them up at a discount plus I used a 20% off coupon.

Here's a few pics, the first pic is before I modified it:




EDIT: I also had a little trouble with my top hook so I milled the angle down and it works pretty good now.

 

[streamin]

Yes I do have the ability to alter anything, so altering the implements is a good option. I always thought Harbor freight tools were sub standard but I guess on some tools they are ok.

 

[yelbike]

Yes I do have the ability to alter anything, so altering the implements is a good option. I always thought Harbor freight tools were sub standard but I guess on some tools they are ok.

I agree with you on your take on HF. There is a difference in workmanship, materials and appearance. However I have not found a useable difference between the HF quick hitch and others. You'll be happy.

 

[brewdog]

Well I have a Quick hitch and I'm going to buy Pat's Hitch system. My Woods Finish Mower PTO shaft hits the crossbar on the Quick hitch and it's a royal pain on uneven ground. Tears up the shaft and plastic cover. Pat's is my next stop before spring.