Hook & Ball Quick Hitch on LS?

[Avenger]

I was pretty much sold on the Pat's easy change quick hitch system, but never pulled the trigger, putting it off waiting for "one day." I know others have used the Harbor Freight Quick Hitch, but that has it's own set of problems. So, I was just browsing around and found a post where someone was having an issue with the Pats system. I have not really heard of that issue so I read on. And then someone mentioned this post:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/425066-new-l6060-top-tilt-euro.html

This really caught my attention! I think I like this system better than Pats! If you dont want to click the link, here is the jist of the system:
You cut the end off your lower links, and weld on these quick hitch hook EU style links. Install the balls on the pins on your implements, and boom! Its better and faster. Apparently, they are pretty much standard equipment in Europe.

I never considered cutting and welding on new lower links. So I poured a ton of research into the potential project. I learned that you need to cut, as square as possible, just behind the last bend in the lower link. Once you make this cut, there is no going back. You then simply weld on these new ends square and, viola! its done. Here is a YouTube Video I found showing this system off. Euro Style Quick Hitch Hooks on a Kubota L331 - YouTube
(I found them cheaper that he shows in the video, dont need the kit, just the ends)

The issue I can immediately see, when I looked at my lower links currently on the tractor, is the extendable links. I am simply not sure where to cut. The bend is...where exactly?

I thought, maybe I don't want to cut these links up... maybe I can find lower links without the extensions, cut those up and keep my stock ones in the shop as spares. Sounds good right? Where do even start looking for replacement lower links without the extensions, that will fit my tractor?

So now I am here. I am asking you, have you ever seen this system before? Have you installed it before? Do you know where to cut with extendable links to use this system? Do you know where I might be able to find lower links without extensions?

I like the lower links that are currently on my LS. But, adding a quick hitch might get me out working on more projects, if I can swap implements faster. It's always a dread, hooking and unhooking constantly to do something if its needed.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Why put the Euro ends at an angle? Your ends are straight, are they not? :confused3: Just weld them on straight. The small amount of additional width they will add is easily made up with the anti sway adjustment.

If you can do some simple fabrication, there is no need to cut your factory links at all. Just make new pieces that fit in place of the extendable ends.

 

[LouNY]

Why put the Euro ends at an angle? Your ends are straight, are they not? :confused3: Just weld them on straight. The small amount of additional width they will add is easily made up with the anti sway adjustment.

If you can do some simple fabrication, there is no need to cut your factory links at all. Just make new pieces that fit in place of the extendable ends.

This sounds like a good way to do it, just making up a pair of your own extendable links.If you would rather not you may be able to find a pair at a tractor salvage yard.
The Euro style ball hooks are very nice I have a set on my 8050.

 

[Roadworthy]

I've got the Pat's Quick Hitch. As I'm sure you're aware it mounts in the ball in the three point arms. The ball rotates allowing for different widths of implements. Pat's Quick Hitch is at a fixed angle relative to the arm. If you wish to connect an implement of a different width you may find yourself needing to adjust yoru Quick Hitch to ensure it is square with the implement. It is not difficult to do but I'm not sure how the "Euro" system adjusts for width. Since I usually use one implement (a mower) I am fine with that on those rare occasions when I wish to use my box blade.

 

[Avenger]

Why put the Euro ends at an angle? Your ends are straight, are they not? :confused3: Just weld them on straight. The small amount of additional width they will add is easily made up with the anti sway adjustment.

If you can do some simple fabrication, there is no need to cut your factory links at all. Just make new pieces that fit in place of the extendable ends.

This is why I made this post. Perfect. I will look into making my own extensions with these. I will probably hit you up sometime soon to get these, if it is still possible?

The links are bent like an 'S' slightly. Say the top of the S hooks to the tractor, and the bottom is where the extensions are. The bend is actually on the extendable part JUST before the eye. I figured I would have to cut off the whole darn thing! Maybe I just need to make my own and put my own bend in just before the end in order to weld the new piece on. Got some more thinking on this. But I like it, make a new one.... who woulda thought.

 

[1 of U]

Harbor Freight Quick Hitch, but that has it's own set of problems ??

what problems on the HB quick hitch ?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

This is why I made this post. Perfect. I will look into making my own extensions with these. I will probably hit you up sometime soon to get these, if it is still possible?

The links are bent like an 'S' slightly. Say the top of the S hooks to the tractor, and the bottom is where the extensions are. The bend is actually on the extendable part JUST before the eye. I figured I would have to cut off the whole darn thing! Maybe I just need to make my own and put my own bend in just before the end in order to weld the new piece on. Got some more thinking on this. But I like it, make a new one.... who woulda thought.

I should have them, but if I'm out, I have more on the way. :thumbsup: Suppose to be here anytime now.

Of course, if you get the Euro ends for your draft links, then you"need" a Euro end with a hydraulic link in front of it.

 

[sodamo]

I like Brian’s idea. Don’t destroy your extendable links.
Looks like you might be able too buy arms Category 1 & 2 Lower Link Arms to modify.

 

[Avenger]

Harbor Freight Quick Hitch, but that has it's own set of problems ??

what problems on the HB quick hitch ?

The problems I see with a single piece quick hitch, like the HB, is that it adds too much length to my links, which might mean I would need to replace some pto shafts. Another reason I do not prefer this style is accessing the pto shaft, its just another thing to get around. And lastly, but not really a concern is all the adapters I would need to get for all the implements. That last 'issue' is an issue I will have with any of them though. I currently do not own a single piece HB style quick hitch for these reasons. I was really interested in the Pat's until I found these.

I should have them, but if I'm out, I have more on the way. :thumbsup: Suppose to be here anytime now.

Of course, if you get the Euro ends for your draft links, then you"need" a Euro end with a hydraulic link in front of it.

And you can get the cat 1 only style too, right? Have you heard of any issues finding cat 1 balls? I looked around a bit, seems like everyone is sold out or very low on their inventory. All the local places have never heard of them, especially the ones with a flange. And yes, one day, I will get the top and tilt kit by Fit Rite Hydraulics.

I like Brian’s idea. Don’t destroy your extendable links.
Looks like you might be able too buy arms Category 1 & 2 Lower Link Arms to modify.

Awesome! Thank you for the link. But I think I can probably make the ends that slide into the extenders out of some flat bar. I have never removed those ends out of the links, but they gotta come out somehow. I'll use a torch or plasma cutter to cut the notches and bend the very end to be inline with the tractor, weld on the new hook type and slide it into place. It's going to be a bit of a project, but I dont believe it is beyond my skill set.

 

[Ford850]

Why put the Euro ends at an angle? Your ends are straight, are they not? :confused3: Just weld them on straight. The small amount of additional width they will add is easily made up with the anti sway adjustment.

If you can do some simple fabrication, there is no need to cut your factory links at all. Just make new pieces that fit in place of the extendable ends.

That is a great idea! I looked at these links last year and definitely crossed them off my list because I was leery of cutting off the factory links. But if I just fabbed up the extension stubs and welded to those, I could save the originals in case I wanted to sell the tractor
and save the euro hooks for the new one. Now these are back on my list as a possible mod.