Quick hitch question

[Macinnis]

The tractor I am going to purchase soon is category 2.

The flail mower I am planning to buy is category 2 NON QUICK HITCH COMPATIBLE.

I will be using the mower most for the first year, but after that, will be changing attachments more frequently.

My question is...should I even purchase a quick hitch with only 2/3 of my implements being able to utilize it?

I was really looking forward to having a quick hitch, but at this point, with my 3 implement needs, it almost seems like it would be more trouble than it痴 worth.

 

[Mat4644]

If possible modify the flail mower brackets to be quick hitch compatable. Common retrofit.

 

[LouNY]

I would recommend going a different way;
adding ball hook ends to your lift arm.
Weld-on Ends | AGRISTORE USA
A member on this site also sells them,
this thread starting at post #32 goes on to show and talk about them;
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/390265-quick-hitch-3-point-extendable-2.html
And this thread;
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/384881-3ph-lower-lift-arm-quick.html

These are mine, back up to the implement, lower the 3 point and back into it, lift just a bit (I have a lift button on the fender makes it even handier), hook up the top link and go..

 

[TractorGuy]

Very common and not always that hard to modify and implement to be quick hitch compatible. Share pics of the mower and you might find some helpful advice.

 

[Macinnis]

Thanks all.

 

[TractorGuy]

Go ahead and get the hitch before you cut the mower driveshaft.

 

[dodge man]

You might look at “Pats Easy Change”. They are similar to the weld on ones listed above but bolt on. They are not as good as a quick hitch but you can still set the width to what ever you want and the top link hooks up in the normal manner as if you don’t have a quick hitch.

 

[Randy Gann]

I have a Pats Easy Change on my Massey 1528 and it works great. Took less than an hour to bolt on and makes hooking up implements much easier. The 1528 does not have extendable link arms. So changing implements was a real pain. My 1528 is Cat 1. Not sure if weld on or bolt on would be better for Cat 2 hitch. Either way, if you don’t have extendable link arms using the lift and lock system is so much easier than the old ball mounts.

 

[mpsmith60]

I chose the Pat's Easy Change system because it is compatible with almost all attachments, old or new. They will give you the most flexibility for hooking up implements, especially if you have or are going to get a post hole digger. But there are situations where a Quick Hitch might be the right choice. For anyone undecided, you might want to watch "Quick Hitch vs Pat's Easy Change: Which is Right for You?"

Either system adds about 4" to the length of your lift arms and will slightly reduce your lift capacity and may require you to buy extra accessories.

If you are leaning toward the Pat's system, you might find this one helpful: "Pat's Easy Change Quick Hitch: Review, Installation & Tips"

I have had the Pat's system for over 2 and a half years now and they have held up very well.

 

[bearthebruce]

I'll be another to praise the Pat's system. Massey Ferguson MF1533. Bolted them on in May of 2019. Found only one minor issue: The nuts on the U-bolts vibrated loose. Use Lock-tite or double nut. Nyla-nut locking nuts did not stay. Double nutting was my solution. Else, I love everything about the Pat's system. The hooks simply make hook-ups and changes much much easier.

Pat's Hooks

 

[ptsg]

I would recommend going a different way;
adding ball hook ends to your lift arm.
Weld-on Ends | AGRISTORE USA
A member on this site also sells them,
this thread starting at post #32 goes on to show and talk about them;
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/390265-quick-hitch-3-point-extendable-2.html
And this thread;
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/384881-3ph-lower-lift-arm-quick.html

These are mine, back up to the implement, lower the 3 point and back into it, lift just a bit (I have a lift button on the fender makes it even handier), hook up the top link and go..
View attachment 673093 View attachment 673094 View attachment 673095 View attachment 673096

+1. Definitely something to consider.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I don't think there is much you can buy, that will make your life easier (for the money spent) than a quick hitch. If you can't get much compatibilty with the implements you have, go Pats, but in my mind it's a major compromise.

 

[LouNY]

I've had quick hitches then I started using the Euro style ball and hooks in my mind there is no comparison,
the Euro hooks are as much of an improvement over a quick hitch as a quick hitch is over non-extendable lift arms.

 

[mpsmith60]

I'll be another to praise the Pat's system. Massey Ferguson MF1533. Bolted them on in May of 2019. Found only one minor issue: The nuts on the U-bolts vibrated loose. Use Lock-tite or double nut. Nyla-nut locking nuts did not stay. Double nutting was my solution. Else, I love everything about the Pat's system. The hooks simply make hook-ups and changes much much easier.

Pat's Hooks

I had the same issue with the u-bolt nuts vibrating loose so I used nylocks nut as the jam nuts and they have stayed tight.

 

[bearthebruce]

I had the same issue with the u-bolt nuts vibrating loose so I used nylocks nut as the jam nuts and they have stayed tight.

I didn't try the nylocks as a locking nut.. figured if I needed two nuts, I would just have 2 same nuts.

The important thing is, ya solved the problem as did I!

I actually think the brush hog is what caused all the vibration on the hooks to shake the nuts loose.

 

[workinonit]

For me the lift arms aren't the issue when connecting, it's the top link. Pat's wouldn't help me at all really. I need something that I can attach without getting off of the tractor. A QH with hydraulic toplink is the only thing that meets that bill.

 

[CoyPatton]

You might look at “Pats Easy Change”. They are similar to the weld on ones listed above but bolt on. They are not as good as a quick hitch but you can still set the width to what ever you want and the top link hooks up in the normal manner as if you don’t have a quick hitch.

Remember as you have a PTO connection to make, you have to get off/out of tractor regardless.
One caution of Pat’s or the QH type items, if you have already cut a PTO shaft, you may have to replace it as either style hitch will add distance between the tractor and implement (ask me how I know).

 

[Randy Gann]

I agree that a QH with hydraulic top link is a great system. But if have to hook up the PTO you have to climb off the tractor. If you use PTO implements a lot, the Pats and other hook style lift arms are big improvements over the old ball style.

 

[CoyPatton]

For me the lift arms aren't the issue when connecting, it's the top link. Pat's wouldn't help me at all really. I need something that I can attach without getting off of the tractor. A QH with hydraulic toplink is the only thing that meets that bill.

If you as the OP states are using an implement that requires a PTO connection, you will get off anyway.
Also frequent issue with non compatible implements are lower pin spacing. Of the few implements I own that the issue is not the top link, the lower pin spacing is non-compatible.
Each has to reach what is right for them, but I am amazed how many complain about having to hook up the top link, but have to hook up a PTO or adjust the distance of the top link hook and have to get off to do so but use the top link connection as there deciding point for QH.

 

[LouNY]

To me a quick hitch just gets in the way of getting in and connecting a pto shaft.