Pat's quick hitch

[Ricn]

As I have several rear mounted tools for my L2501 Kubota have been thinking to get Pat's quick hitch in cat 1 type. I see TBN sells these for $157.00 less stabilizer arm that adds $25.00 to the cost. Is this stabilizer necessary and do all those having Pat's quick hitch recommend one? I will be using this setup with my box blade, box scraper, rotary mower and flail mower. Both mowers have PTO shafts cut as long as I could safely make them when new so chances are I won't need new ones, Humm? Also, do these get shipped UPS only, we don't get USPS here so I need UPS shipping and did not see which they use on the ordering page.

Thanks for the help.

Ricn

 

[Liquidsilver]

I absolutely love mine. I've never had occasion to use the stabilizer, but I know different arms may vary. I had to get two longer PTO shafts, because the extra 4-inches were outside my confidence level on the shafts I had, but still worth every penny. I've saved hours of connect and reconnect time.

 

[Ricn]

I'm thinking the stabilizer bar holds the lift arms a specific distance apart? and to help align the quick hitch to the implement pins? If so, is this not an issue for you?

Ricn

 

[oldnslo]

Yes the stabalizer holds the arms apart and is adjustable for different width implements. I find it necessary or the arms will typically not be the correct width apart.

 

[Liquidsilver]

Yes, maybe I'm lucky, but mine just kinda hang in the right spot, so I've never needed it.

 

[Ricn]

Guessing I may need it too as it's a real struggle getting the arms lined up, especially having tilt cylinder on back that is not so flexible at times. Thanks.

Ricn

 

[CincyFlyer]

For those who worry about their PTO shafts being too short with a Pat's or the other type of QH, consider this type of thing: PTO Extender

 

[Liquidsilver]

I DID use an extender... until I mowed a typical Ozarks invisible rock and it broke.

When I heard the blades spin down, I looked back thinking it was the shear pin... and nope, the extender snapped in two. That's when I went for a correctly sized PTO shaft.

 

[CincyFlyer]

I DID use an extender... until I mowed a typical Ozarks invisible rock and it broke.

When I heard the blades spin down, I looked back thinking it was the shear pin... and nope, the extender snapped in two. That's when I went for a correctly sized PTO shaft.

Or a better extender.

 

[Liquidsilver]

The one I used was the Speeco model. Perhaps it would've been fine for lighter duty jobs. I really did like the easier access to the shaft with the extra inches, but when it broke, the cautions of other members of this forum played loudly in my head.

 

[bilrus61]

My Kubotas have stabilizer arms that limit the spread of the link ends. I just set them to the width I want and don't use the rod/bar thing ever.

 

[Ricn]

So what does that look like, photo? Are you meaning the ones that Pat's sells on TBN? Tell me more please.

Ricn

 

[check]

Yes the stabalizer holds the arms apart and is adjustable for different width implements. I find it necessary or the arms will typically not be the correct width apart.

Same here.

 

[hslogger]

I rely on the stabilizer bar because it really is a measuring stick that holds your lower arms in the right range for using. I have multiple attachments of mostly ancient but also newer vintage and I have found the "sweet spot" for hooking up in a big variance. So, for each one, I measure the spot, adjust the arms and pretty much line up nicely. Voila. Then I REMOVE the arm and store it in the SAME SPOT SOMEPLACE in my shed. I painted mine a very bright color so I can find it when I need it. You can use the bar this way... set the two short ends in the middle of the hook up arms on the implement. Then just do the same to the PAT's end, then just stick them in the proper holes and tighten them up after adjusting. I almost bought another one to have "just in case". IMHO money well spent. Also you might as well get an extra package of the special bent washers for the implement increase down the road.

 

[BufordBoone]

On my Kubota (L5740), the lift/drag arms have pin holes and pins. I record the proper settings for each implement and it works well with no need for the stabalizer bar.

On my JD (2355), the lift/drag arms don't have settings, they flop around. I use the stabalizer bar on it to make hookup easier.

 

[scdeerslayer]

If your tractor has telescoping stabilizers then the Pat's stabilizer bar isn't necessary. Pat's + telescoping stabilizers are an awesome combination.

If your tractor has turnbuckle stabilizers then the Pat's stabilizer bar will probably be a big help, but you could probably make something fairly cheaply and easily that will also do the job. Whether it's the Pat's stabilizer or something you make yourself, you need to remove it once the implement is attached before using the implement.

 

[Ricn]

Good info, thanks. Plan to order Pat's stuff soon and will also get the adjustment bar. This add on will really help in mounting the flail mower more easily as we often switch with several implements now. Likely will need a new pto shaft but will measure first, see if it works safely enough. When new, my Son and I cut the length about 3/4 inch back from the pto mount leaving as much length as possible so just maybe this one will work ok but if not, I'll be looking for another of good quality..

Ricn

 

[fried1765]

Good info, thanks. Plan to order Pat's stuff soon and will also get the adjustment bar. This add on will really help in mounting the flail mower more easily as we often switch with several implements now. Likely will need a new pto shaft but will measure first, see if it works safely enough. When new, my Son and I cut the length about 3/4 inch back from the pto mount leaving as much length as possible so just maybe this one will work ok but if not, I'll be looking for another of good quality..

Ricn

If you order the Pat's Quick Hitch from Agri Supply (in North Carolina) they include the stabilizer bar in the price.
Their price ...INCLUDING the stabilizer bar is $169.99.
Agri Supply is a GREAT company to deal with!

 

[Ricn]

Good price but shipping is $40. to my zip code...I know, hard to get around shipping costs these days...

ricn

 

[Ricn]

Amazon has them 4 $195. shipped with bar included. Think I will order some.

Ricn