Quick Hitches Quick Hitch worth it?

AlbertaDan · Mar 8, 2011

I have BX2360 that is about 2yrs old. Last year when I tried my new tiller out I found it hard to get onto the 3pt hitch. I was thinking of investing in a quick hitch.

Are they worth it? Am I doing something wrong when putting on the tiller? Or is it normally a tricky job lining up all three pins to the 3pt hitch?

The tiller is a Land Pride RTR05. This is the first time I tried to put the tiller on.

kennyd · Mar 8, 2011

You couldn't pry my QH (iMatch in my case) from my cold dead hands

RoyJackson · Mar 8, 2011

AlbertaDan said:
I have BX2360 that is about 2yrs old. Last year when I tried my new tiller out I found it hard to get onto the 3pt hitch. I was thinking of investing in a quick hitch.

Are they worth it? Am I doing something wrong when putting on the tiller? Or is it normally a tricky job lining up all three pins to the 3pt hitch?

The tiller is a Land Pride RTR05. This is the first time I tried to put the tiller on.

Rigging implements gets easier (for the most part) as you get more experience and learn the tricks that work for you.

As far as a quick hitch...you may have to modify the implement for it to work. I have a Deere QH and personally, I prefer (and recommend) the Pat's Easy Change (which I had on my previous tractor). No modifications required with PEC, but do order extra washers and use those heavy duty lynch pins (the ones I used are black rather then cad plated).

galaxie428 · Mar 8, 2011

I bought a QH from Harbor Freight a couple of years ago and it is one of the best purchases I have made so far. I don't even have to get off the tractor unless I have to hook a PTO up. I can just back up, raise the hitch, reach back to lock the handles down and go.

As mentioned previously, depending on your attachments, you may have to modify them slightly to hook up. I did have to modify my finish mower but it was a simple fix.

I don't think you would regret getting one whether it is a full QH or Pat's system.

LittleBlueTractor · Mar 8, 2011

AlbertaDan said:
Are they worth it? Am I doing something wrong when putting on the tiller? Or is it normally a tricky job lining up all three pins to the 3pt hitch?

Can't say whether or not you are doing something wrong, but I'm sure I was doing the same things. Problem always seemed to be that final lower pin. I ended up getting the infamous Harbor Freight 3pt quick hitch w/top link adapter and feel the same about it as kennyd. Now I just back up to the implement, raise the 3 point, and the bottom pins just snap in. Lower it a little and the get off and do the top link -- finished. The HF version came with a hook on top, but I couldn't get it to work with my cutter nor my box blade. The top link adapter is a special order item for $17. shipped. Not bad if you can get the QH for $70 with a 20% off coupon.

nspec · Mar 8, 2011

Pat's = awesome.

No modifications for anything. Works perfect with any piece of equipment.

RoyJackson · Mar 8, 2011

One thing I should have wrote in my initial response...
Both a QH and the PEC will move your lower link hook up 3-4 inches aft. This can reduce the PTO drive shaft overlap to an unacceptable degree. I picked up a PTO shaft extender (goes on the tractor's PTO stub shaft) to use with my chipper. No problems with the mower or cutter though.
Just something to consider...

radioman · Mar 8, 2011

galaxie428 said:
I bought a QH from Harbor Freight a couple of years ago and it is one of the best purchases I have made so far. I don't even have to get off the tractor unless I have to hook a PTO up. I can just back up, raise the hitch, reach back to lock the handles down and go.

As mentioned previously, depending on your attachments, you may have to modify them slightly to hook up. I did have to modify my finish mower but it was a simple fix.

I don't think you would regret getting one whether it is a full QH or Pat's system.

I agree here- bought mine from HF as well for my BX. quoting kennyd, you couldnt pry it from my hands. :thumbsup:
Since the BX doesn't have sliding pin turn buckles and I am finicky on how tight/loose it should be. It gotta be just right. With the QH, I can set it and forget it. :thumbsup: It makes hooking up my tiller a breeze and gives me an extra space for pto shaft to slide more. it doesnt make that horrible clattering noise when raised all the way up. Makes it easier to swap other implements I got as well.

teg · Mar 8, 2011

The King Kutter tiller I had didn't work with the HF QH... In fact, it didn't work with a couple of my attachments. I also bent the HF QH with my mower. You may not have that problem with your tractor. Basically, I'm not a fan of HF QH.

I ended up buying Pat's and so far it's been great but have not used it on all my attachments... The chipper I have, moving it back 3-4" was actually better.

DAY · Mar 8, 2011

i can't speak to a quick hitch, having never used one. But I have hooked many 3 point attachments to many tractors. The "trick", if there is one, is NOT when you put it on, but when you take it off. Back up to your (level) storage spot, and set the implement down on a firm base, then lower the 3 point to where all three connections are 'loose'- free to move. Disconnecting can be done with ease, and if the implement hasn't settled six months later, re-connecting should also be a breeze. If not, well, that's what an adjustable link is for.

That said, if you are swapping implements a lot, then go with a quick hitch. I wish we had 'em 40 years ago!

rocknrod · Mar 8, 2011

Ya I had the Harbor Freight 3 point quick hitch. Now I use the Pats QH and life is much easier.
There is a place you can buy Pats for less. But that will not be posted here.

CompactTractorFan · Mar 8, 2011

It would not be worth it for me now since I only have the BH & carryall and when I go to put the BH on, I have to take the 3-point hitch off. :thumbsup:

Ruark · Mar 8, 2011

kennyd said:
You couldn't pry my QH (iMatch in my case) from my cold dead hands

Same here. Man, the guy who invented the QH should get a Nobel Prize.

kday64 · Mar 8, 2011

Hi all,

After tinkering with the snow thrower last weekend. I am convinced that the QH is the right answer for me.

I am not going to keep my FEL and a Ballast Box on while I mow my lawn. And I don't want to expend the effort to manually take the Ballast Box on and off, on and off, on and off.

The QH is the right answer for me. God and time willing my yard will be flat by the end of the summer. Odds are it will take more of the second than the first but I will take it where ever I can.

~Kevin

santa2u · Mar 9, 2011

Another satisfied QH owner here. I have a Land Pride QH and wouldn't go back to fighting the three point for all the tea in China.

Don

chuckd1277 · Mar 9, 2011

I am happy with my QH as well. Not sure what brand it is, my dealer had a used one that came in on a trade that he gave me a deal on. I was surprised at just how easy it was to use. I had my box blade on in seconds on my first try. I think I will like it even more in the spring when I am swapping between the bb and the rake.

AlbertaDan · Mar 9, 2011

"That said, if you are swapping implements a lot, then go with a quick hitch. I wish we had 'em 40 years ago!"

I won't be swapping out implements but having to take the tiller off and put it back on seems to be a chore.

AS for settling and being on a flat level ground. The concrete floor of the garage should be good enough but I am still having trouble (read fight, cursing). Must be doing something wrong.

RoyJackson · Mar 9, 2011

AlbertaDan said:
AS for settling and being on a flat level ground. The concrete floor of the garage should be good enough but I am still having trouble (read fight, cursing). Must be doing something wrong.

Something that has helped me and might help you is setting the tiller on a dolly with casters. That would let you roll it around and it will be easier, especially since it's on a concrete floor.
I don't have a tiller so I cannot picture the best way to build a dolly (as I type this), but I will suggest picking up one or two of the furniture dollys sold at Harbor Freight. They're cheap (10-12 bucks or less when on sale). I use one under my ballast box (when not on the tractor).

My "problem child" is my rotary cutter.Unfortunately, casters wouldn't help due to the surface I have it parked on. I do keep the front resting on a couple of 4x4's which helps.

Glen Watkins · Mar 9, 2011

AlbertaDan if you are on concrete try using a dolly if you have one. What is giving you the most problem? You are starting lined up with the attachment and lift arms loose and inline with pins on attachments? Hook them up first right? Then top link? Then pto? Raise and tighten anti sway?

I don't have a quick hitch and never wanted one after reading the troubles people go through to use them! You still have to get off to hook the pto anyway. I don't have much trouble hooking up to various attachments but I make sure I am centered on the attachment too.