Quick Hitch woes

[dnw64]

Right, I've never understood the need for a quick-hitch. I can hook up pretty much any implement in just a few minutes.

On flat, hard, level ground, and with the extensions like I have on my B3030, I'd pretty much agree with you. However, I don't have that luxury at one of my properties, and trying to hook up when things are wonky is a real pain.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

I can hook up pretty much any implement in just a few minutes. Don't see the point in pushing everything back another foot or so and dealing with all the adjustments to linkages and PTO shafts, etc.

I can hook most implements up somewhat quickly with the M6040, having the extendable lift arms and hydraulic side link working for me.

With the L3800 it's a very different story and with that one I often switch implements 3-5 times in a day. So a couple of years ago I bought a cheapy HF quick hitch to try out, and I'm glad I did.

Using the link on top instead of the hook (which wouldn't fit most of my implements) there's still one pin to insert, but a switch is still about three times faster than they were without.

There were no adjustments to deal with and the lower pins are now 4.5 inches farther back, the top one five inches, leaving plenty of PTO shaft engagement. That quick hitch will stay on there until it breaks. And if it does I'll fix it or buy a new one

 

[dnw64]

Using the link on top instead of the hook (which wouldn't fit most of my implements) there's still one pin to insert, but a switch is still about three times faster than they were without.

That would take care of 95% of my issues. So does the QH kind of flop around, or what keeps it in position?

 

[Too many Kubotas]

That would take care of 95% of my issues. So does the QH kind of flop around, or what keeps it in position?

It's held in place by the lower hooks, and the top can move in normal fashion. It can and does move in the hooks since I don't use any bushings, but it's often good to have some slop and movement both there and in a blade.

I can take photos once it stops snowing for a bit. Hopefully I'll remember.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

Right, I've never understood the need for a quick-hitch. I can hook up pretty much any implement in just a few minutes. Don't see the point in pushing everything back another foot or so and dealing with all the adjustments to linkages and PTO shafts, etc.

Some people drink whiskey, some beer or wine, and some not at all. I guess this is just personal preference but I don't see anything compelling from a utility standpoint about a quick-hitch.

I don't need or care for any type of QH on my Cat 2 tractors as they both have extendable lower lift arms but I do like the Pat's QH on my Cat 1 tractor without extendable lower arms, it makes it easy to hook up any implement instead of having to get perfectly lined up side to side or having to try to drag or move an implement to get it attached.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Okay, this is how the connection points on my QH looks.

I modified the upper portion, eliminating the holes for the hook, which allows more travel for the link when using the inner hole for the pin.

 

[TORQUIN]

Nope. I had ordered one of those a couple years ago. My 3-pt has the extendable lower link bars and Pat's would not physically fit on.
View attachment 5497213

Are you sure? I tried the quick hitch like you have a few years ago and, due to the variances in connecting pints in different implements, ended up getting Pat's Quick Hitch adapters for my Kubota 3830, which also has the extendable lower link bars. Haven't extended them since I got the Pat's adapters installed.
If yours does not extend far enough out by default, you could just remove the unlock levers since you'll probably never use them again.

Chris

 

[ismilelots]

My son convinced me to get a quick hitch.

Problem #1 - my flail mower is not QH compatible. Not a big problem, I thought, and got an adapter.

Problem #2 - the adapter makes the top link waaaay too long. It's too long even retracted all the way, and when it's retracted all the way, the 3-point arms won't go down far enough anyway.

Am I missing something?

View attachment 5495952

You don't need the adaptor with that implement. Just a pin in the top hole and it will sit on the hook. Put the pin in the round hole if you want it to ride solid and the slotted hole if you want some floating.

 

[CoyPatton]

Hook the implement on the bottom and use the std top link. You do have to get off, but still a LOT easier than a fully manual hookup.

On that line if thought, I bought a different brand, but look into Pat’s QH. I wish I had bought Pat’s but mine works. Not sure if the brand I have. With a PTO implement, you have to get off to connect the PTO so connecting top link is very little extra effort.
For those unaware, adding any QH system adds 4+ inches yo your required PTO length. Also there is no implement 3PH standard for older implements. Some standards are manufacture standards—meaning a frontier (or other brands) implement may not fit other brand QH’s without some mods.
Pat’s are one of the few that I’ve seen that work regardless of the implement age or brand.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

One of the advantages of the kind of QH the OP has (And I have one on both tractors!) is IF there is no PTO involved, AND an open station, I can just lift hitch all the way and turn around and pull the levers, drop attachment, go get other one, and off I go ...

I quite often will switch attachments a few times a day!

While the QH does extend the attachment 4"-5" farther back, that also helps with increasing the effect for rear ballast consideration ...

 

[pwhite42]

My son convinced me to get a quick hitch.

Problem #1 - my flail mower is not QH compatible. Not a big problem, I thought, and got an adapter.

Problem #2 - the adapter makes the top link waaaay too long. It's too long even retracted all the way, and when it's retracted all the way, the 3-point arms won't go down far enough anyway.

Am I missing something?

View attachment 5495952

I use the Pat's Easy Change Hitch with no problems.

 

[dnw64]

Are you sure? I tried the quick hitch like you have a few years ago and, due to the variances in connecting pints in different implements, ended up getting Pat's Quick Hitch adapters for my Kubota 3830, which also has the extendable lower link bars. Haven't extended them since I got the Pat's adapters installed.
If yours does not extend far enough out by default, you could just remove the unlock levers since you'll probably never use them again.

Chris

I hadn't considered extending them and leaving them there, because they don't lock in that position. I see that you put a U-Bolt on the extension, presumably to hold it in place. That may be an option - thanks.

 

[dnw64]

You don't need the adaptor with that implement. Just a pin in the top hole and it will sit on the hook.

Oh, so put the pin in AFTERwards. I can see that would work, except as has been pointed out to me, the hook is not near high enough. I'd need to fabricate an extension (which is possible).

 

[crhunts]

If you could return it, and pick up a Pat's QH. I use one on all 7 of my implements with no problems at all. Good luck.