Where is "Pats" Quality Control?

[suncoast]

I have always been the type of person to do my own projects due to the fact that I can't seem to find people who care about the quality of their work as I do. Many years ago I needed a customized trailer to haul ladders, equipment and vinyl siding materials. The prices that shops wanted to build to my specs were outrageous! I bought a flat bed trailer, a welder and some steel and that was it. I got what I wanted for a great price, a welder and learned how to weld on my own. I never hired anything done after that if there was any possibility of me doing it. I have thanks to the Lord become a successful businessman and have a remodeling company that has the contract for a major grocery chain and a Palm tree nursery / farm here in Florida. Like many of you, I had become very irritated with installing implements on my tractor. I looked at many "Quick Hitch" makes and decided to buy "Pats System". I purchased it from Agri-Supply (item#70078 $159.95). My time has become so valuable that this price is maybe 2 hours of my billing time. I coudn't build it that fast. I ordered it on 7-25 and it arrived 7-30 just as promised. (I thought this is a good thing). Then I opened the box and hadn't been so disappointed in many years. This product looks like it was built by first time blind laborers! Look at these pictures and you let me know what you think. The paint looks like it is from a spray can. There are several spots that there is NO PAINT, and do they know what primer is. Yes primer does make a major difference on steel. Weld spatter everywhere. The pin hole on one unit were so out of line the pin would not go through my arm. Yes I tried both sides, One fit both sides, the other fit neither.(Out with the Dremel) This is an extremely poor quality built product. I removed the spatter and runs and refinished it correctly after I had to straighten the arm hole alignment. What about grade 5 or 8 bolts. With the vibration and torque on these units I was not about to put that stress on the cheap grade bolts that came with Pats product.

 

[greg_g]

I won't speak for the fit and finish, after all - it's not going on a show car. They lift implements out in the mud and the blood and the beer. At least mine do.

But it does appear that Agri-Supply screwed up and sent you a mixed set. Two of those photos suggest that you received one PEC for a Cat 1 lift arm, and one PEC for a Cat 2 lift arm. What size were the lynch pin washers?

//greg//

 

[suncoast]

So its ok to sell shoddy workmanship as new and as a quality product. I don't care what the purpose is of the product is for. This should have NEVER been shipped to any customer. The pin holes are the correct size. They were drilled out of line. No paint coverage inside, let alone primer. (THINK THIS MIGHT RUST QUICKLY) I did not become successful by putting products like this in my customers sights and expect payment as if this was quality workmanship. Enough excuses!!!

 

[BlacknTan]

I bought a Land Pride Quick Hitch..

Made in the USA. All my implements fit it. Back up, lift and go. At most I have to hook up a driveshaft. Same for unhooking... Don't even have to leave the seat. It's built very well, unlike the Asian imports I've seen..

I've been a Tool & Die Maker since 1967, and the Pat's system never appealed to me because of all the setscrews, locknuts, U-bolts, pins and whatnot just to make it usable. Add to the fact that an adjustable rod is necessary to spread the lift arms and hold them for different implements, and one has to get off to hook up a toplink anyway, and it just doesn't seem like a huge savings in time or work to me.

I think that the Delta Hook system is the best out there, although it's heavy and pricey...

My LP quick hitch has been flawless, and for me at least, it is the solution.

Please don't take this as an indictment of Pat or his system. I've read lot's of good things about him and his product, and he appears to try to make everyone happy.

But, from an old timer who has spent a lifetime in machine shops, big and small, clean and filthy, high tech and low tech, Pat's system was just not for me.

 

[weldingisfun]

Suncoast, I sure do hope you brought all of your concerns to "Pats" attention. If their QC is lacking, they need to know it and I am certain they will do everything in their power to make it right with you.
I had dealings with them and had a problem that they fixed right away. It ended up that I returned the product and they took it back with no complaint but rather with an apology and refunded my money.
Let them do right by you.

 

[wedge40]

I've got a speeco and love it.. Not any problems so far.
But like other have said, did you contacted the manufacture before posting here? I know it's frustrating to get shoddy workmanship but to me the true test of a company is weather they stand behind their product. We'll all be waiting to hear what happens after you contact the company.

Wedge

 

[bigdad]

I had real good luck with mine and considering the first season I got it, I plowed salty snow with it, the paint held up poorly but that's to be expected with any attachment. I have come to the conclusion that you might as well paint, grease or coat your stuff as soon as you get it. Hey....it's work stuff.

Sounds to me like your beef is with Agri-Supply first. I'll tell you, once Pat sees this post, you will hear from him. One thing I have noticed, he doesn't want anyone unhappy with his product and will bend over backwards to make it right.

BD

 

[Bedlam]

Personally, the spatter wouldn't bother me. I would just paint the whole thing, as eventually you would after its used awile. all implements etc need to be maintained with being touched up.
I would contact Agri Supply and see if they would take it back. I know that the manufacturer would take it back if you weren't satisfied.
As for the fit, this is the first post that ive seen where it wasnt right so I suspect there was a problem there, just as another poster said.
I am sure that 'Pats' will respond directly to you here, as he with other buyers.

Agri Supply says this;When you have a problem with a product from Agri Supply, we will either fix it for you, replace it for you, or refund your money back to you... no questions asked!

from their site here;Agri Supply® Guarantee - Agri Supply

Not sure how they would address the shipping.
Hope you get it worked out.
Al

 

[bigdad]

BTW I have had good experience with Agri-Supply. Never had to use their return policy. Good stuff.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Doesnt look like a Pats to me. Only very vaguely similar to mine. I think you got a Chinese copy.
larry