A few months ago, I picked up the HF quick hitch, on sale for $69, and with the 20% off coupon, it came to a whopping $57. After playing with it and pondering implement modifications, it was apparent that the top link adapter would require far less work than changing my implements. So I ordered that. Also picked up some bushing adapters from Northern Tool.
The last few days, I finally got around to setting everything up and testing with my attachments. Made a couple of modifications. I did the typical grind to allow the top link adapter to swing over the top of the top attach point, so it can stay in place when using the hook. I swapped the HF bolts for 1/2" pins, so the hook can be removed easily when not needed. Also drilled an additional hole in the hook, between the two existing holes, to allow it to sit one hole lower in the bracket, while still using two pins.
With my box blade (Lowery Manufacturing standard 5') and rotary cutter (Lowery Manufacturing Clipper 400), both set up with adapter bushings, attachment is quick and easy. In fact, I even managed to attach the box blade without leaving the seat of the tractor (Yanmar 2210). My dirt scoop is a Leinbach 30" model, and the top attach point is completely fubar for a quick hitch. What I did find could do was remove the hook from the quick hitch and lift the dirt scoop slightly via the bottom pins, and then slide the hook in place and pin it to the quick hitch. Ideal? No. But still about five times faster than a manual hook up without the quick hitch.
But the real revelation for me was the value of the hook for dragging logs. I was going to buy a boom pole to drag logs (and probably still will, for other reasons), but I find the hook of the HF quick hitch works great for this. I used a heavy duty tow strap, because I dont have the right chains. Can anybody recommend an appropriate chain setup for this application?
Only downside to this whole process is now I need some suitcase weights up front. Did some scoop and box blade work late this afternoon, and with the attachment a few inches further back, the steering is getting a bit too light for my comfort.
Some pics from today:
The last few days, I finally got around to setting everything up and testing with my attachments. Made a couple of modifications. I did the typical grind to allow the top link adapter to swing over the top of the top attach point, so it can stay in place when using the hook. I swapped the HF bolts for 1/2" pins, so the hook can be removed easily when not needed. Also drilled an additional hole in the hook, between the two existing holes, to allow it to sit one hole lower in the bracket, while still using two pins.
With my box blade (Lowery Manufacturing standard 5') and rotary cutter (Lowery Manufacturing Clipper 400), both set up with adapter bushings, attachment is quick and easy. In fact, I even managed to attach the box blade without leaving the seat of the tractor (Yanmar 2210). My dirt scoop is a Leinbach 30" model, and the top attach point is completely fubar for a quick hitch. What I did find could do was remove the hook from the quick hitch and lift the dirt scoop slightly via the bottom pins, and then slide the hook in place and pin it to the quick hitch. Ideal? No. But still about five times faster than a manual hook up without the quick hitch.
But the real revelation for me was the value of the hook for dragging logs. I was going to buy a boom pole to drag logs (and probably still will, for other reasons), but I find the hook of the HF quick hitch works great for this. I used a heavy duty tow strap, because I dont have the right chains. Can anybody recommend an appropriate chain setup for this application?
Only downside to this whole process is now I need some suitcase weights up front. Did some scoop and box blade work late this afternoon, and with the attachment a few inches further back, the steering is getting a bit too light for my comfort.
Some pics from today:
