Question for "Quick Hitch" Users

[ovrszd]

seems mostly positive...a few neg though...I am going to hydraulic top&tilt and was thinking about just going ahead and making the swap to quick hitch...lot to spend to get all my attachments compatible, lot to think about...

I agree. I built my hydraulics and saved quite a bit of money. My CAT II Quick Hitch belonged to my Brother and he gave it to me. So I got in pretty cheap. If you are adding top&tilt, definitely spring for the Quick Hitch. Then you gotta modify attachments. I'm handy in a shop so that was minimal cost and gave me some good Winter projects.

You can buy a good CAT I Quick Hitch for around $150. You can buy a good CAT II Quick Hitch for around $250. You'll hear all kinds of bargain comments about getting one a lot cheaper from wherever. But when buying something like this I'd want quality before price.

I regularly switch between a Box Blade, Angle Blade, Weight Box and Brush Cutter. I'll never go back to pinning on attachments.

 

[Sysop]

That appears it could be a real bear to get into it to connect the PTO shaft. Looks like a more viable solution than the silly little things sold elsewhere. But I can also see where the implements might need altered to line up to a non-adjustable frame like that.

 

[ovrszd]

That appears it could be a real bear to get into it to connect the PTO shaft. Looks like a more viable solution than the silly little things sold elsewhere. But I can also see where the implements might be a pain to line up to a non-adjustable frame like that.

I don't notice it being hard to hook the PTO but I'm on a pretty good sized tractor too. The secret to an easy hook-up is a good unhook. My attachments are normally parked on a good flat place and blocked. So hook ups are very easy.

If you also have top&tilt it's possible to hook up when at almost any angle or tilt. Not pimping top&tilt, just making points about how to get the most out of a Quick Hitch.

 

[jeff9366]

I am drooling because of your photos.

ENVY, ENVY, ENVY.

Have you tried a cocktail shaker on the hitch?

 

[ovrszd]

I am drooling because of your photos.

ENVY, ENVY, ENVY.

Have you tried a cocktail shaker on the hitch?

Took me several years to get to this point so I'd say patience is a virtue.

Had a guy tell me I should build a hydraulic latch system on the Quick Hitch so I don't have to get off the tractor. Told him I'm already lazy so don't need any help in that area.... Thanks for the compliments.

 

[Sysop]

Honestly to me, from all my investigations the hydraulic links are the only thing I've been personally considering; top moreso than tilt. For what I've found myself doing it would be the most beneficial of everything. I would need a second remote kit or some sort of controller to split the flow with controls for each to have more than a single function back there. I'd need a tool that I need to alter the tilt on the fly before that would become a consideration. The adjustable top link is something I already could use in a couple situations.

Also, thanks to the OP for starting this thread and thanks to all the contributors of knowledge. I've learned more from this conversation on quickhitches than any of the two dozen other various threads I've found and read on the subject.

 

[ovrszd]

Honestly to me, from all my investigations the hydraulic links are the only thing I've been personally considering; top moreso than tilt. For what I've found myself doing it would be the most beneficial of everything. I would need a second remote kit or some sort of controller to split the flow with controls for each to have more than a single function back there. I'd need a tool that I need to alter the tilt on the fly before that would become a consideration. The adjustable top link is something I already could use in a couple situations.

Also, thanks to the OP for starting this thread and thanks to all the contributors of knowledge. I've learned more from this conversation on quickhitches than any of the two dozen other various threads I've found and read on the subject.

I hope the OP doesn't think we are hijacking the thread. But it's almost impossible to talk about Quick Hitches without bleeding over into top&tilt. As Forrest Gump would say "they go together like peas and carrots.

There is a wealth of information on TBN about top&tilt and more specifically about adding hydraulic functions to your tractor. I prefer a dedicated circuit rather than using a diverter, but that's just me personally.

I agree with you, if cost or tractor function limits you hydraulicly, go for the top link first. I use it the most. The side link comes in handy when using dirt moving equipment such as a box blade or rear angle blade.

The top link allows you to do things like this with a brush cutter.

 

[Burtonbr]

Oh yea, after having a quick hitch, I do want to go without it at all now. Every implement I've bought used needed modifications to hook up but once that's done it is a breeze to hook up without getting off the tractor most times, except for PTO Shafts... I'm a fan of the HF QH for about $70 you can't beat it. Might not be tough enough for 40 HP but wirks good for me.

Had a guy tell me I should build a hydraulic latch system on the Quick Hitch so I don't have to get off the tractor. Told him I'm already lazy so don't need any help in that area.... Thanks for the compliments.

Hydraulic latch system !!!! I might have to look in to it, that would be slick !

 

[MtnViewRanch]

No one brought up the Delta Hook, so I will. Simply the BEST QA system there is that I know of. All you have to do is get close and you can be hooked up. :cool2: Huge Huge down fall is the cost.

And of course I have to put in a plug for top & tilt systems, it just makes life "better".

 

[lostcreekranch]

Brian;

I have a set of Delta Hook QA for the Kubota B2710 we just added your upper link to. Have one tractor plate and three implement receiver plates. You are correct in that they are really simple and fast to hookup and detach but, they are pricey. Think the class one like ours are well over $300 per piece which is the downside.

Just checked their web site and kit including one tractor plate and two implement receivers is $1,060.00.

http://www.deltahook.com/

 

[bandaidmd]

Just picked up another HF QH yesterday and right there on the box it says 28 1/2" inside clearance, woo hoo.
Unboxed that sucker today and put it on the old B8200 "without checking the width" and guess what its the same old 26 1/2 they always had. Slice and dice time!
Around 28 seems to be the sweet spot with my implements.

 

[Wagtail]

3 thumbs up (the third one is 'kinda' a thumb ) for my JD iMatch. the only implement that it doesn't 'quite' fit is the ballast box. The bushings leave it hanging precariously on one side.

I was into my dealership yesterday and asked about this, so they set one up right there in the yard and found that I was correct: the bushings are not quite long enough, but for only the ballast box. Everything else (slasher, 655 tiller) lines up perfect.

They're going to look into it & get back to me.

 

[KennyG]

I have the HF quick hitch and wouldn't be without it. It hasn't been off since I bought it. I've had to do a little modification to the hitch and to my implements to make everything work but it's worthwhile. I don't have a hydraulic top link and haven't really needed it. I can back up to my box blade and snowblower and pick them up every time. (I have to get off to hook up the SB PTO of course.) For my log splitter, I have to use the extension bracket for the top link so I have to take the hook off and manually fasten the top link, but I have to get off to hook up the power beyond anyway. For my boom pole and trailer hitch receiver, I just pick them up and set them into the QH, but it's a lot easier than hooking up pins.

Count me as one who wouldn't do without the QH.

 

[Biggreenavalanche]

Don't feel high jacked in the least...learning a whole bunch...like, dang this is gonna cost $ ! :laughing: but gonna probably give the QH a shot when T&T gets done...I really appreciate the feedback !

Rich

 

[robbyr]

What about for the front end loader? Have Mahindra 4500 and it's a PITA to knock out four pins to switch from bucket to tool bar to use forks or verse visa. I even emailed Mahindra a while back inquiring if they had some type of quick hitch for the loader but got no answer.

 

[Sysop]

From my understanding, Mahindra doesn't make front loaders, they source them from other manufacturer's. I'd check out the FEL very close for a label indicating the actual manufacturer. For instance mine is made by KWM.

 

[yelbike]

I've had a quick hitch for a couple years now. I bought a cheapo from northern tool. I needed to grind the hooks a little to make them slip on to some implements. I would never go without, in fact when I'd go help out my dad and use his tractor, I'd get frustrated with changing implements the "old" way. I recently bought him one from Harbour freight, $104 plus 20%coupon. Money well spent so I can help him out with the frustration.
There slot of pros but I don't know of any cons. Maybe a con would modifying some of the implements, but that's a one time investment. I don't use the "required" bushing adapters, I have only one set. Since my tractors are small I just let the cat1 pins slop in the hooks. Never popped out yet not do they show any signs of wear.

I vote for QH!!!!!

 

[bandaidmd]

What about for the front end loader? Have Mahindra 4500 and it's a PITA to knock out four pins to switch from bucket to tool bar to use forks or verse visa. I even emailed Mahindra a while back inquiring if they had some type of quick hitch for the loader but got no answer.

For some reason the terminology is different for the front of the tractor. a quick "attach" is what the front needs , not a quick "hitch".
Its just a slight change but when talking to "tractor" people it sometimes eliminates some confusion.
Some mahindras do have a quick attach for the buckets and if not there are adapters made by several company's.

 

[jenkinsph]

I use quick hitches on all of my tractors because they are simple and easy to use by myself. You can opt for auto hitch to automatically hook up the pto if you get all of the right implements to start with. Deere has this compatibility available with their MX rotary cutters, 6xx series tillers and a few other tools.

The standard I Match is what I use without the pto add ons, makes it about 1 minute to drop most implements and pickup another from the seat. Sometimes it is a little more trouble but not often. I would only recommend using a quick hitch if you are willing to setup the implements correctly at the beginning. When I bought mine I took the better part of one day and made all the modifications needed to make everything fit. That was over 4 years ago, I have been smiling ever since.

 

[Biggreenavalanche]

I use quick hitches on all of my tractors because they are simple and easy to use by myself. You can opt for auto hitch to automatically hook up the pto if you get all of the right implements to start with. Deere has this compatibility available with their MX rotary cutters, 6xx series tillers and a few other tools.

The standard I Match is what I use without the pto add ons, makes it about 1 minute to drop most implements and pickup another from the seat. Sometimes it is a little more trouble but not often. I would only recommend using a quick hitch if you are willing to setup the implements correctly at the beginning. When I bought mine I took the better part of one day and made all the modifications needed to make everything fit. That was over 4 years ago, I have been smiling ever since.

How does this work ?