Quick Hitch

[WinterDeere]

I use a QH for everything but still find it convenient to have the implements level when hooking up. For the stuff that's outside, I have "landing spots" that I have level with concrete blocks or 4x4's.

I built either tiny sheds for some equipment that needs to sit outside, and for others I just built a roof panel that sits right on the equipment, with the equipment sitting on concrete blocks:

 

[deezler]

I built either tiny sheds for some equipment that needs to sit outside, and for others I just built a roof panel that sits right on the equipment, with the equipment sitting on concrete blocks:

View attachment 3328464 View attachment 3328465

Well if that isn't the cutest little shed for a brush hog that I've ever seen, lol. Would probably be a pain to hook up inside that shed if not for the quick hitch eh?

I still don't have a consistent storage solution for keeping my attachments out of the weather. It really takes a lot of roof area to keep 4 trailers and 10 attachments dry!

 

[WinterDeere]

Well if that isn't the cutest little shed for a brush hog that I've ever seen, lol. Would probably be a pain to hook up inside that shed if not for the quick hitch eh?

I built it before I had the quick hitch, and it wasn't terrible, except that you had to walk around the front of the tractor to get from one side to the other, when hooking up or disconnecting.

That she is actually up for grabs, if anyone wants it. I already sold the brush hog, and no longer need the shed.

 

[jyoutz]

The only "attachment" I use that would really benefit from a quick hitch is the concrete ballast block. That thing is a royal PIA to get hitched. Mostly cause I don't have any level spots to drop it.

Top and tilt is the answer for unlevel ground.

 

[dinoedwards]

I found it Tractor Supply, want to make sure it will work before ordering

SpeeCo Cat 1 Quick Hitch Adjustable Top Link Bracket​

4.8(33)
Item # 2531920

$170.99

 

[bcp]

For those running w/o bushings, or bushings lacking the larger bulb at the end, any issues with side-to-side play allowing the implement to fall out of the quick hitch?

The opposite side of the hitch controls the implement. If the implement is pushed left, the implement frame hits the left hook, which keeps the right pin from sliding out of the right hook. The linch pins only keeps the bushings on the pins. They doesn't stop side to side movement of the implement.

Bruce

 

[bcp]

Good info! I have a rake, box blade and rotary cutter.
Concern is cutter.
My RC5 may need a clevis/stirrup, see photo. Thoughts?

You're saying the hook will fit under #10?View attachment 3326628

That is the intent of the arrangement. The hook would fit the lower blue arrow bolt and bushing. But a "bushingless" sized hook may not fit because that bolt has a spacer bushing.

Bruce

 

[scootr]

I tried a conventional quick hitch like the one pictured above...connecting a drive shaft was too hard for this old man. Pats or Euro hooks is a better option.

 

[bcp]

I tried a conventional quick hitch like the one pictured above...connecting a drive shaft was too hard for this old man. Pats or Euro hooks is a better option.

I find it easiest to hook up the PTO when the hitch and the implement are still maybe 10-12 inches apart.

Bruce

 

[California]

A photo showing why I need the extra slack allowed by a chain at the upper link location. The top of the mower was jammed against the QH which lifted the rear tires off the ground, I couldn't climb the grade. (and risked damage to the mower's upper link). Lifting the mower still didn't help.

It was necessary to shorten the top link to the tractor, to proceed.

 

[WranglerX]

You don't need those expensive bushings with the enlarged end. The simple tubular ones work OK, even if doubled up on the implement pin to fit the hitch.

Bruce

On my ballast I put a short piece of 1 inch water pipe on pin and secured it with bolt and elastic lock nut.....

 

[California]

I found it Tractor Supply, want to make sure it will work before ordering

SpeeCo Cat 1 Quick Hitch Adjustable Top Link Bracket​

4.8(33)
Item # 2531920

$170.99

That's a good price for a quality QH. Like Tinhack I got the HF QH back when they were about $75 but now at $140, not a bargain.

Another plus for the Speeco: unlike many of the clones, it's hook is offset away from the mounting holes to make room for an implement's upright straps at that location. I finally put a Speeco hook on my HF QH, it works better that way. Here's a post with photos in an old QH thread describing this.

 

[California]

On my ballast I put a short piece of 1 inch water pipe on pin and secured it with bolt and elastic lock nut.....

But for ballast is anything gained by having a precision fit at the lower pins?

If the ballast is wide enough to just fit between the QH's lower hooks so it can't fall off, then slop there shouldn't affect the usability of the ballast - no?

 

[scootr]

Alternatively you could replace the long angled braces on the mower with chain

 

[California]

Alternatively you could replace the long angled braces on the mower with chain

Some mowers are built that way but see my photo, above. The front uprights are panels double-bolted at their bottom edge.

 

[dinoedwards]

I'm going to order it and if I need this adapter I can make it work. Also some 3/4" pins to replace bolts on hook to adjust up and down quicker if needed. Thanks!
All my attachments thus far, don't think I'll ever need a tilter. Rake is 4', 28" from pin ends.

 

[WranglerX]

But for ballast is anything gained by having a precision fit at the lower pins?

If the ballast is wide enough to just fit between the QH's lower hooks so it can't fall off, then slop there shouldn't affect the usability of the ballast - no?

My lower ballast support is based on CAT 1 draw bar.... Good design process make easy work if its done with some forethought....

 

[lostcause]

I used straight pins on my ballast box - the width just fits between the hitch arms, so there's no way it can slide off either way. i deigned the cage with a notch to suit the top link placement compared to the bottom pins. One of these days i'll empty out the blocks & paint it. Been saying that for a few years so far...

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/img_1332-jpg.681101/

 

[dinoedwards]

I watched "Dave Knows How" on you tube that shows how to use QH with older non QH ready attachments. Guys knows his stuff!

 

[WinterDeere]

A photo showing why I need the extra slack allowed by a chain at the upper link location... It was necessary to shorten the top link to the tractor, to proceed.

As jyoutz said earlier, a hydraulic top and tilt function is the QH's best friend.

I actually didn't bother with tilt, I store and use my implements on level-ish ground. But I have and use the hydraulic top link, constantly.