Quick Hitches Quick Hitch

[mark4Jesus]

Saw this set of quick hitches on ebay. Does anyone have these, and what do you think about them?

Click here for link

EDIT: Shortened long link

 

[Inspector507]

Looks like a knock off of Pat's Easy Change Sysytem

Pat's would be much easier to use

 

[pekabu]

Is that a bolt used for the lockdowns? Not overly impressed.

 

[rambler]

Looking at them, very poor design in several areas - sloppy with no clamping bolt to keep them pinned on solid, and that top horizontal pin hold-down just looks like a problem waiting to happen, it was cheap to make that way, not going to be easy to use or keep working. Would be cool to have a set for $60 for whenever, but no where near worth the asking price. Very cheap design. IMHO

--->Paul

 

[KYMike]

Ditto on the advice to try Pat's EZ Change. They self-lock onto the attachments' pins and have good adjustments for horizonal and vertical allignment. They're slightly less expensive, too.

 

[Swampthing]

Get a Pat's. Best money you'll spend.

 

[mark4Jesus]

When it's time to disconnect a Pat's, it looks like you lift an arm to move the lock out of the way. Is that how it works? If so, when you lift to get the lock out of the way does it stay until the lift arms are lowerd?
Comparing the pictures of both, I agree that Pat's looks much more substantial/heavy duty and a better design.

 

[KYMike]

With Pat's EZ Change, there is an adjustable pin to prop open the lock so it will lower from the attachment pin as you disconnect. When connecting, there is no need to prop open the spring-loaded lock; it snaps over the pin as you lift the lock onto it.

 

[3RRL]

My observation tells me the eBay system would work. However it is important to keep in mind a couple of differences between them and Pat's system.

First, let me explain that I had 2 serious concerns about Pat's sytem until I bought them and used them. I was concerned that maybe the lift pins on the boxblade would "pop out" if I tilted it side-ways. I use the box blade like a dozer blade driving the tractor in reverse pushing a lot of dirt and rocks. This places a lot of stress on the locking mechanism and I thought it would pop out for sure doing this... and then crash the tractor into the boxblade or break the top link if this happened. Neither of these things occured and Pat's system works flawlessly in my experience. Very easy to hook-up and hook-off.... Mind you I have them on a 55hp tractor so they see A LOT of stress and max usage and have not failed.

So here's what I see with those eBay ones. This is only from the pictures so I may be wrong but this is what I see.... First, you have to remove 2 pins to attach the implement and then re-attach the pins once connected....Pat's are spring loaded and connect themselves.

Same thing for removing the attachment. On Pat's you have to "prop up the lever to release the locking mechanism and on the eBay ones you have to remove 2 pins to do it. Probably have to put them back on or you'll lose them.

Main differences are Pat's locking mechism is super heavy duty and the eBay ones appear to have a Ø3/8 pin or bolt that is then held in place by what appears to be a ؼ hitch pin. If either of those got bent somehow (could happen easily), especially the little pin, you could not pull it out and your implement would be stuck in them.

 

[billbill1]

I'd go with the Pat's, they help support TBN and keep this site the wonderful place (free to us) that it is!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[canoetrpr]

Slightly off topic but how would you guys compare the Pat's system to the other quick hitches that there are out there. There are a few - Speeco, LandPride etc.... most with adjustable toplink hook things to help with non standard implements. Although I believe that anything I will get will fit the standard.

I do not specifically need something that I don't want to get off the tractor for - I don't change implements THAT often. What I would like is something that would be quick - i.e. couple of minutes to get an implement hooked on with. I have no problems with those couple of minutes being spent adjusting the toplink hook or hooking up the toplink, pto shaft - etc.

Thoughts?

 

[mark4Jesus]

I'm going to order a Pat's this coming payday. I have to do 90% of the implement hook-up/disconnect by myself so having this will be exellent. Thanks for the input and experiences!

Mark

 

[3RRL]

mark4Jesus,

I think you're making a wise decision. Like I said, I can only speculate from the pictures of the eBay model, but it looks like you could get some problems with it. I'm certain you'll enjoy Pat's system. I know I have.

 

[mark4Jesus]

I ordered a Pat's hitch and received it today. I ordered it at 10:45p on Tue. night and it arrived at 4:30p on Thurs., that's fast! It was easy to install. My 12 yr. old son helped me with it and had no trouble understanding what to do. I didn't get to use today, I'll try it out Saturday. Thanks to all for the advice and comments. I'll report back after I get a chance to use it Saturday.

Mark

 

[mark4Jesus]

Used the Pat's Easy Change today for the first time, what a great piece of equipment! First time I looked up the plow without scraping my shin! Unhooked plow, hooked up disc in less time than it would take to hook up disc. Thanks for the advice guys!

Mark