Using Category 1 and 2 Equipment With the Same Quick Hitch

[trook]

Tomorrow, I intend on purchasing a JD 5075E cab with a MX-8 rotary cutter. I already have several category 1 attachments such as a disk, fertilizer spreader and box blade that are equipped with the collars to accept the category 1 JD I-match quick hitch (from my previous tractor) that I will be using with this new tractor.

The MX-8, as I understand it, is category 2 and will not work with the category 1 quick hitch that I intend to purchase with this new tractor. Obviously, I do not want to purchase both cat 1 and cat 2 JD quick hitches. I anticipate that the MX-8 will be used much more than all other attachments, but I would certainly like the ability to attach and detach the MX-8 with ease.

What is the best solution here to be able to utilize my current cat 1 attachments with a quick hitch while still being able to use a quick hitch with the MX-8? Will I have to remove the cat 1 quick hitch every time I want to attach the MX-8 or can I somehow make these compatible? Is there a way to use a category 2 quick hitch with my current attachments (I'm not aware of this)?

 

[gwdixon]

Get a Cat 2 Pat's Easy Change. (click on the blue link) Then bush the pins on the Cat 1 to make them Cat 2.

This is what I did with a Cat 2 Kubota M7040 and it works great for both categories. I was able to get the slide in replacements. Not sure if they are still made. Give them a call. They are very helpful.

Pat's is a sponsor on TBN. Check the top of the "Attachments" forum.

 

[Tx Jim]

gwdixon
I agree on getting Cat 2 Pat's easy change. Only other option would be convert MX 8 to Cat l hitch.
OSHA will be after you for removing the pto safety shield that's always in the way when attaching/detaching pto coupler.

 

[bandaidmd]

looks like priefert has stopped making these but it is just what you asked for.

Priefert Quick Attach

 

[gwdixon]

Another option that I had wished I'd done is to buy the weld-on Pat's Cat 2, cut off the ball ends of the tractor's 3PH, and weld the Pat's in the ball's place. That would keep the extendable feature of the lower lift arm hook-ups.

I may just do it anyway and sell the current set of Pat's. Trouble is, they were custom made for the dimensions of the M7040. However, they will fit a L5240 since my neighbor bought a set and the measurements were the same.

Oh, well...decisions, decisions.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Without researching the width dimensions to verify if it will work, you may be able to buy a Cat 2 hitch then just swap the pins on the smaller stuff to Cat 2 size. I don't know if putting Cat 1 pins in a heavy bush hog like the MX8 would be safe, but upgrading all the small stuff to larger pins would be a snap. The attachment bolt holes in CAT 1 and 2 are the same diameter, just the pins are larger. First thing I had to do with my tiller was swap out the Cat 1 pins with Cat 2 so they fit my tractors hitch. I don't use a quick hitch so I have no idea if the width is the same. Google the hitch dimensions and you might get a standard dimension, but not all companies follow that to the letter either.

 

[Deerherd]

I have a Cat 2 QH and converted several implements to fit by getting extended Cat 1 pins and the Cat 1 to Cat 3 QH bushings. You need to use the bushing with raised end or the implement WILL fall off. Things like a spreader work out fine but I would imagine you could tear up a too light box blade on your bigger tractor. Be safe! Here is what I used:

 

[trook]

Deerherd,

I thought about that. What about the increased distance from the top hook of the quick hitch versus the top pin of the implement. Are the distances different or is the only difference the distance between the bottom pins?

 

[Deerherd]

Only difference is the width of the bottom pins. I have several implements, such as a rake and box blade that are both cat 1 & 2 QH compatible.

Edit: I just saw you have a Deere. Not sure if it is different.

 

[Tx Jim]

Another option that I had wished I'd done is to buy the weld-on Pat's Cat 2, cut off the ball ends of the tractor's 3PH, and weld the Pat's in the ball's place. That would keep the extendable feature of the lower lift arm hook-ups.
Oh, well...decisions, decisions.

If you decide to sell the Pats easy change in your photo PM me with the price you want as I'm going to check TODAY with Pat when they open on availability & price. As you can ascertain from my profile I own a M7040.

 

[Tx Jim]

How did you go from Cat ll to a Cat l implement seeing how the Cat ll pins are 32" apart & Cat l pins are 26" apart? Thanks,Jim

 

[Jd5203]

Get a Cat 2 Pat's Easy Change. (click on the blue link) Then bush the pins on the Cat 1 to make them Cat 2.

This is what I did with a Cat 2 Kubota M7040 and it works great for both categories. I was able to get the slide in replacements. Not sure if they are still made. Give them a call. They are very helpful.

Pat's is a sponsor on TBN. Check the top of the "Attachments" forum.

I would recommend not getting these for the 5075e. I got some for my 56 hp john deere, the side bolts were always bending and other parts were bending as well. this may be fine if your going slow, but i was mowing about 8 mph in rough terrain, so this may have been a problem. but even with my father they would bend going 4 mph. i think they are a great if you dont have bumps and not in a rush all the time. For my experience they were not worth the money. If you get them, i hope they work better for you and anyone else that purchases them. I had to replac each side bolt 5 times before i finally took them off. also i found it easier to hook up with out them to the bush hog.

 

[Tx Jim]

gwdixon
I received my USED Pat's Quick attach in the mail yesterday that you sold me. I've very satisfied with them although my post lady complained about the weight of the box. I enjoyed doing business with you. Jim:thumbsup:
PS: anyone interested in buying a slightly used HF quick hitch that's in good shape for $70 OBO

 

[gwdixon]

gwdixon
I received my USED Pat's Quick attach in the mail yesterday that you sold me. I've very satisfied with them although my post lady complained about the weight of the box. I enjoyed doing business with you. Jim:thumbsup:
PS: anyone interested in buying a slightly used HF quick hitch that's in good shape for $70 OBO

Heavy box indeed. My wife usually takes packages into the Post Office to mail. An outright, "No thank you" on that package.

The Pat's inserts should fit just fine.

Hey, I just had a thought. If you like the Pat's and will sell me the old Kubota inserts & levers then I can cut them up and use them for the Pat's weld-ons that are coming on Monday. I'll give $45 with free shipping. A medium flat rate box from USPS will cost about $15 to send - no weight restriction if under 70 lbs. Let me know by PM.

 

[Tx Jim]

I think I'll keep the original inserts with the balls to enhance my M7040's resale/trade in value. Thanks anyway,Jim
PS: just for grins I looked up the price of the inserts with the balls & they're $206.82 ea.

 

[gwdixon]

I think I'll keep the original inserts with the balls to enhance my M7040's resale/trade in value. Thanks anyway,Jim
PS: just for grins I looked up the price of the inserts with the balls & they're $206.82 ea.

EACH!!!! Yeow!

That makes the Pat's price look like a bargain.

 

[Kaliburz]

How did you go from Cat ll to a Cat l implement seeing how the Cat ll pins are 32" apart & Cat l pins are 26" apart? Thanks,Jim

This is the issue. I'm sorry to say, the Quick hitches are made for one type. the ones that you show for the arms only/balls are not true quick hitches. A dedicated cat 1 or cat 2 system, you can hitch w/out getting off the tractor. I have an older JD quick hitch and the bottom and top pins have to be in a specific location (which Deere puts on their equipment). All you need is that bushing showed in a post to adapt the bottom and keep a pin on the top (some say w/ a a bushing).

I also have a Cat 1 quick hitch similar (mine is heavier duty) to this NorTrac Three-Point Quick Hitch Category 1 | 3-Point Hitch Adapters| Northern Tool + Equipment . It has an adjustable top link hook, since most manufactures do not keep a constant distance between the bottom links and center top link. For my hard to hook up equipment, the hooks in the bottom are faster and only adjusting the top hook is simple for me.


Now, certain tractors, as I read, the bottom "balls" come out and can be switched from Cat 1 or 2. My tractor, you had to put a bushing ON the hitch pin (2) bottom, one top to convert from cat 1 to 2. But the bushings are only $3-5 each....each tractor has 2 sets in the tool box. The balls are usually pricey...so most just get/keep the Cat 2 balls and use a bushing on the pins.


If someone wanted to make an adjustable width quick hitch like the fixed units (like the Northern tool linked), it could be done. It would only be two bolts to adjust the width. If the center hook is adjustable, it would work.....

Quick hitches were made/developed because of bigger and bigger equipment (ie V rippers, 4 bottom plows). It was difficult for some to jocky the tractor around or pulling the pin for the telescoping arms didn't work or moving the implement to the correct position was not an option.

 

[ovrszd]

If you end up using Pat's I'd be curious for a followup thread about how they hold up. The MX8 is gonna test them for sure. That's probably a 1900lb attachment that is going to put a lot of lateral stress on the Pat's.

I carry a JD1008 (older version of MX10) with a CAT II QH. I'd be nervous using a Pat's.

 

[Tx Jim]

If you end up using Pat's I'd be curious for a followup thread about how they hold up. The MX8 is gonna test them for sure. That's probably a 1900lb attachment that is going to put a lot of lateral stress on the Pat's.

I carry a JD1008 (older version of MX10) with a CAT II QH. I'd be nervous using a Pat's.

After viewing the Pat's Quick attach I think they will be fine as I've be using a Harbor Freight(China made) quick hitch on a 6 ft tiller and JD 709 cutter for several years with no problems. I also used HF QH on a Howse 8 ft cutter before I bought the JD 709.

 

[Tx Jim]

If someone wanted to make an adjustable width quick hitch like the fixed units (like the Northern tool linked), it could be done. It would only be two bolts to adjust the width. If the center hook is adjustable, it would work.....

Quick hitches were made/developed because of bigger and bigger equipment (ie V rippers, 4 bottom plows). It was difficult for some to jocky the tractor around or pulling the pin for the telescoping arms didn't work or moving the implement to the correct position was not an option.

Anything is possible but IIRC the question was will a QH fit both Cat l & Cat ll which it won't without SERIOUS ALTERATIONS!