Pat's Easy Change Problem with Pat's EC system and my boxblade

[kebo]

Wasn't sure to post this here or in the pushpin thread for Pat's EC system but decided to post it here since it gets more views. Anyone had any problems with an implement not being compatible with the Pat's EC???

I ordered the Pats Easy Change and got it installed with no trouble and thought all my implement changing woes were over with. Wrong!!! The very first implement I wanted to hook up was my 5ft BB and it took me longer (and was more difficult) to attach it with the EC installed and than it used to without the EC! Essentially the problem is that the 7/8" pins for the side draft links are positioned about 1" directly above the front edge of a piece of 4"x"4"x1/4" angle iron that runs the width of the BB. This causes an interference problem with the Pat's Easy Change by hitting a heavy 4x4x1/2" angle piece of the BB framework.
Pictures below can show it better than I can explain it.

The way I see it, I have three options to fix this:
1) Sell the boxblade, or perhaps trade, and get one that is compatible with the EC system. I bought the no name BB from a guy that sells used tractors and new/used implements from his yard about 7 years ago for $325. He's still in business and I think he would trade with me on another BB and not make it too painful on the wallet, but I really like the BB that I have.

2) Modify my BB by welding some 3" x 1/2" flat stock onto the BB framework (along with bracing for strength) to re-position the 3pt brackets about 2 inches forward of where they are now. I would also have to drill some holes in the rear for the two pieces that support the center link bracket. I don't have ready access to welding or 1" drill bits so that makes it the least desirable option.

3) Modify my BB by cutting out notches that would give the EC clearance needed to come from underneath the pins to latch in when attaching the implement. This would involve cutting out two notches maybe 1 1/4" deep by about 2" wide into the 4x4x1/4" angle frame work. I don't think that notching it out would weaken the heavy angle iron enough to where it might bend. The BB framework is braced pretty well and I think it would be ok.

The third option is the way I'm leaning at the moment. The only thing is if I decide to notch it, all I have to cut with is a sawzall and metal cutting blades. Would that cut through the 1/4" thick angle? Or do I need something better to cut with?? Don't have a cutting torch either. Any other suggestions or ideas???


Here is a side view with the BB sitting on the ground showing the interference:

Here's a view looking directly over the top of the 7/8" pin. (Btw, I know that washer is sitting wrong, it was because the lynch pin was too short but I fixed that little problem with a longer pin after I took the picture).

Here's a picture of the other side with the BB raised:

Here is a wider view showing some of the framework:

What would you do????

 

[GIJOE]

With what appears to be a 1/2" piece of flat bar behind the scarifiers, I wouldn't think twice about notching the angel iron. What brand of box blade do you have?

Joe

 

[kebo]

With what appears to be a 1/2" piece of flat bar behind the scarifiers, I wouldn't think twice about notching the angel iron. What brand of box blade do you have?

Joe

No idea who it's made by. I bought it new and there was no nameplate, label, or paint (other than the yellow) on it.

 

[kennyd]

This just can't be...I thought the PEC was the perfect QH and it fit everything unlike the dreaded I-Match

Sorry-tongue-in-cheek, but every time there is a post about the I-Match QH not fitting something the PEC is presented as the end-all-be-all solution to QH's.

 

[BobRip]

I think the Sawzall will work. Lubricate with oil or other suitable fluid and have a little patience. Keep your blade speed low or you will burn up the blade. I have cut 1/4 inch steel with mine and it was not too bad.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

I vote notch - and your sawzall blades should work fine as I really doubt that angle is heat treated in any way.

 

[The Dougster]

Yup... sawzall or perhaps a right angle grinder might be faster.. doesn't appear that you'll have to remove much material... Good luck with it..

 

[sellercreek]

Hi,

How difficult is it to remove the PEC?

Your fourth option might be to remove it and connect the box blade directly to the 3 point hitch.

 

[Ductape]

I'd just grind, or otherwise notch the angle on the boxblade. Doesn't look like you'd need to remove enough to worry about the strength of the piece.

 

[Dutch445]

If I'm looking at the pics right, the PEC works ok once
the box blade is hooked on?

What about setting your box blade down but blocking
up the rear blade so that it sits tilted down, with the
back blade up in the air,,, would it take much of a tilt
to make enough room up there for the PEC to clear
that steel frame?

 

[wny770]

This just can't be...I thought the PEC was the perfect QH and it fit everything unlike the dreaded I-Match

Sorry-tongue-in-cheek, but every time there is a post about the I-Match QH not fitting something the PEC is presented as the end-all-be-all solution to QH's.

I agree....I have a speeco QH and it fits my tiller, back blade, box blade, and carryall with NO modifications.

 

[ninefinger]

This just can't be...I thought the PEC was the perfect QH and it fit everything unlike the dreaded I-Match

Sorry-tongue-in-cheek, but every time there is a post about the I-Match QH not fitting something the PEC is presented as the end-all-be-all solution to QH's.

I, too, had to smile. I have no doubt the PEC is a well made and quality unit and the folks that have them are great defenders and advocates for them and that many people can not be wrong, but for me my cheap HF QH has done all I have asked of it. I also vote for the notch, the BB appears well built enough that what little material you must remove will never be missed.

 

[tommu56]

kebo

My first vote is for the notch too give your self plenty of clearance.

My second would be take the pin out of the a frame on both sides and have some one weld the A frame to the front of the present bars you will have to move the back braces forward too just get them welded too or just drill new holes in front of the others its a one time fix.



tom

 

[Cocre]

On the other hand I bought the cheap HF QH and wish I had bought the PEC. I got the 27.5" model and it was still not wide enough to fit the KK 60" brush mower when assembled as shown in the KK documentation. I moved the mower lift arms that the lower hitch pins attach to from the outside to the inside of the mower webbing and lost an inch, so that problem is solved. But the QH top link J-hook opening is too small to let the 3/4" pipe top link spacer on the mower slip into it. So I have to get the QH J-hook opening machined about 3/16" wider.

On my KK 60" tiller I have the same top link problem, but worse than that the QH lower hooks hit the tiller housing before the tiller lower pins align with the QH hooks. Just no way, they are at least a 1/4" too big. I guess I will grind some off of the QH lower hooks. Attached is a cell phone picture that shows the issue.

My old 72" box blade lower hitch pin width is too narrow to safely use with the QH, so I bought some longer pins for it, same for the middle buster. Even my cross drawbar is too short to fit the hitch and get latch pins in.

I'll probably be happy after I get all the issues worked out, but they are more of them than I bargained for.

 

[kebo]

I, too, had to smile. I have no doubt the PEC is a well made and quality unit and the folks that have them are great defenders and advocates for them and that many people can not be wrong, but for me my cheap HF QH has done all I have asked of it. I also vote for the notch, the BB appears well built enough that what little material you must remove will never be missed.

Ok folks, like I mentioned this BB is at least 8 years old. Not sure if that predates the first PEC but if it did, give him a break!! Pat couldn't possibly anticipate every implement design!


Thanks for all the comments though. I've decided to go with the flow and get the Sawzall blade warmed up! I agree that the BB seems to be braced adequately enough that it shouldn't even miss that little bit of metal. I'll probably try and notch it out this weekend. If I get 'er done, I'll post a pic or two of the aftermath damage!

 

[ninefinger]

Ok folks, like I mentioned this BB is at least 8 years old. Not sure if that predates the first PEC but if it did, give him a break!! Pat couldn't possibly anticipate every implement design!

kebo, I was very careful in my choice of words, at least I thought I was. In no way did I intend to slam "Pat". I have seen him post here and read enough about him to believe he is a stand up man. All issues about his product that I have seen have been delt with more than fairness on his part. And sorry about dragging you under the bus kennyd with me but we were just poking fun at Pat's loyal customers. No harm was meant.

 

[nunyabinis]

kebo,


Bring her to my house and we'll put the plasma cutter to work.



Nuthin' like cuttin' metal, boy!!!

 

[kebo]

Finally got around to modifying my boxblade today so it will work with the PEC system.
Here's the marks to cut out the area needed for clearance:

Here it is after cutting it and with a Sawzall (and drilling five 1/4" holes on the backside). Once I did the cutting and drilling, I just took an adjustable wrench, set it to 1/4", put it on the cut area and worked it up and down till it broke off.

Finally, here it is after the cut and the BB hooked up with the Easy Change in place:

And just a pic of the whole boxblade hooked back up. I don't think it will miss that little bit of metal at all. Maybe one day I will get a small grinding wheel and a file and work the backside cut so it will look nice and straight, and then paint it. Obviously I got to hook up the BB with the Easy Change in place and I got both side pins hooked up in no time flat, with no cursing this time!! BTW, previously I didn't know who made this BB but upon reading the tiny little silver warning label on the side of it, there was the name Wallberg Farm Equipment Co out of Winston-Salem, NC. Never had paid it any attention before! Duh....

 

[ninefinger]

Just a small mod and life is good again. Enjoy your BB and Pat's system.

 

[RadarTech]

nice work!