Not to Brag, but...

[TractorGunn]

If you all haven't heard of these, they are game-changers for me. First, I use the iMatch quick connect/disconnect system LVB25976: iMatch™ Quick Hitch Coupler Attachment, Category 1 | LVB25976 matched up the PTO Link Easy PTO quick connect for tractor attachments. You can probably find the iMatch cheaper online than you can get it at John Deere. I can hook up in less than a minute. The PTO Link is the shizzle. They make standard and heavy-duty. I pull an MX6 and use the Heavy-Duty on our 5075E

I saw those quick connects somewhere. I believe it was around $400-$500 dollars. But it does make it look simple.

Edit: I found one on amazon for $205.00. I'm probably going to get one.

 

[tassmannn]

Here is a video that shows how fast it works Good Works Tractors - Get the PTO Link® A Complete Game-Changer! (51 seconds) - PTO Link

 

[tassmannn]

I saw those quick connects somewhere. I believe it was around $400-$500 dollars. But it does make it look simple.

Edit: I found one on amazon for $205.00. I'm probably going to get one.

You won't be disappointed, and their support is excellent too!

 

[tassmannn]

... and then another barn to store the new tractor in. Then a little more land to make room for the barn. Then...

I like the way you think.

 

[smaywork]

I ran out of 4 letter words to use, so I bought a second tractor and leave the brush hog attached. The wife actually suggested it since she was sick of all the profanity.

I did the same!

 

[WinterDeere]

PTO Link Easy PTO quick connect for tractor attachments.

I sure wish I knew about these about 6 years ago, when I upgraded everything to iMatch compatible. I spent a bunch of money, and even more hours, extending several PTO shafts, which now makes them mostly incompatable with machines not having iMatch or similar.

This PTO quick connect probably extends the shaft by enough that this work would have been completely unnecessary. At my salaried rate, I probably burned $5k in sourcing odd-ball shaft components, cutting, welding, painting...

 

[HAR]

Do you know the difference between a tractor and a plane?

Yup! Have operated both. And what I learned from operating an airplane has served me well in so many other areas. Especially where it concerns safety and checklists.

 

[tassmannn]

I sure wish I knew about these about 6 years ago, when I upgraded everything to iMatch compatible. I spent a bunch of money, and even more hours, extending several PTO shafts, which now makes them mostly incompatable with machines not having iMatch or similar.

This PTO quick connect probably extends the shaft by enough that this work would have been completely unnecessary. At my salaried rate, I probably burned $5k in sourcing odd-ball shaft components, cutting, welding, painting...

Yeah, me too. I started using iMatch years ago, and I use it for everything except my Auger. I used to dread swapping out the bush hog since it basically lives on the tractor until I need to run harrows or a tiller, and was a pain at times to get the coupler off the PTO. I found these little guys about 2 years ago, and now all of my implements that require PTO have these on them. One thing to note, speaking from experience, is to make sure the safety pin is in all the way and seats itself.

 

[5030]

What brands of tractors have the two different settings for the links for the lower arms that allows to lift each one independently ? I have been around 3 point hook up tractors most of my life and don’t recall ever seeing one built like you described. Could you please post a picture of one ?
As far as only hooking and unhooking on pavement unfortunately a lot of folks don’t have that option.

Both my M9's are like that actually. Each lift arm has multiple holes in it so you can space them accordingly, though I've never did that. Would be an easy modification by drilling holes in the lift arms using a drill press or a Mag drill.

 

[tassmannn]

I saw those quick connects somewhere. I believe it was around $400-$500 dollars. But it does make it look simple.

Edit: I found one on amazon for $205.00. I'm probably going to get one.

If this is the one you're looking at Amazon.com it's the female side. You'll need the male side for your implement.

 

[texaswren]

Got my bush mower hooked up in record time. Like 10 minutes total.

That's a record for me.

I've made some modifications to my 1970's 10' Sidewinder. It's a drawbar hitch, and I welded on some loops and added a spring to keep the drawbar coupler centered (it used to sag down and point at the ground, which was a real pain). I also welded on a place to stow the jack along the central rails, so I can just wind it back real quick, pull the pin, and stow it where it can't cause trouble. Also added better routing for the hydraulics. As long as I don't have to fill up the tires, it only takes a couple of minutes to back in, drop the pin, plug in the remotes, stow the jack and go.

 

[WinterDeere]

I like the way you think.

The sad truth of my life, which has been entirely defined by a very long series of continuous projects, is that I am forever building for the phase of life that is about to end.

My current barn/shop is a perfect example. I built that in 2015, and it was perfect for my needs of perhaps 2002 - 2018. If I were to have better foresight, or be less conservative with my money, I'd have built it 3x it's present size.

My advice to the young guys, when planning projects, is to imagine what you'll want this thing to be in 15 or 20 years... since you'll still be living with it then.

 

[tassmannn]

The sad truth of my life, which has been entirely defined by a very long series of continuous projects, is that I am forever building for the phase of life that is about to end.

My current barn/shop is a perfect example. I built that in 2015, and it was perfect for my needs of perhaps 2002 - 2018. If I were to have better foresight, or be less conservative with my money, I'd have built it 3x it's present size.

My advice to the young guys, when planning projects, is to imagine what you'll want this thing to be in 15 or 20 years... since you'll still be living with it then.

Well said...been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Now, anything I build on the Farm is twice the size I think I need! Still have time, God willing!

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I saw those quick connects somewhere. I believe it was around $400-$500 dollars. But it does make it look simple.

Edit: I found one on amazon for $205.00. I'm probably going to get one.

Just make sure implement is compatable. Not all are

 

[TractorGunn]

If this is the one you're looking at Amazon.com it's the female side. You'll need the male side for your implement.

Yes, I see that now, so both together are over $400.00.

I may as well just buy another tractor at this point. That's what I'll tell my wife when she asks why I bought another tractor. ''Because a quick connect was over 400 dollars!"

 

[tassmannn]

Just make sure implement is compatable. Not all are

I found this on their site for fitament:
The PTO Link® HD System is our most versatile model. It’s designed for heavy duty applications with compact or utility tractors rated from 35 HP up to 130 HP (engine net), and with most 3-point hitch or pull behind (drawbar) implements. PTO Link® is the original, universal PTO quick-connect system consisting of two interconnecting steel couplers. Its patented Open-Plate™ system replaces the traditional spline-to-driveline connection with a visible interface design that’s both easy to see and reach. Now you can quickly and safely connect / disconnect implements at the tractor’s PTO in just seconds! A complete PTO Link® System requires both a Tractor (Female) Coupler and an Implement (Male) Coupler. For best results, every tractor should be equipped with a Tractor Coupler, and every power-driven implement should be equipped with an Implement Coupler. The PTO Link® System adds 5 inches to the implement’s driveline. See more descriptions, product features and safety information below.

PTO Link® is the original, universal PTO quick-connect system consisting of two interconnecting couplers. Its patented Open-Plate™ system replaces the traditional spline-to-driveline connection with a visible interface design that’s both easy to see and reach. Now you can quickly and safely connect / disconnect implements at the tractor’s PTO in just seconds! A complete PTO Link® System requires both this Tractor (Female) Coupler and an Implement (Male) Coupler. For best results, every tractor should be equipped with a Tractor Coupler, and every implement should be equipped with an Implement Coupler. See more descriptions, product features and safety information below.

Designed for:

• Any compact or utility tractor (from 35 HP up to 130 HP) with Category 1 or 2 implements
• Any pull-behind implements, including flex-wing or batwing rotary cutters
• Tractor owners who operate in a rough environment.
• Standard PTO spline length (3″ and longer)
• High Torque (>650 ft.lbs) scenarios or with heavy-duty implements (e.g., stump grinders, balers, augers, flail mowers, water pumps, large tillers) where reverse torque is common
• The exception tractor models listed below must use the PTO Link® Compact System as the only compatible option (the SD and HD Systems are not compatible to the following):
  • Kubota B Series
  • Kubota BX Series
  • Kubota LX Series
  • Kioti CS Series & DK Series (Cat 1)
  • Yanmar SA Series
  • John Deere 2520
  • New Holland Workmaster 25 S
  • Cub Cadet 6284D
  • Bad Boy 3026
  • LS MT122 & MT125
  • Mahindra Models 1526 & 1626
  • Massey Ferguson 1010, 1020, 1030 & 1035

Note: The HD System adds 5 inches to the implement’s driveline. See driveline measurement instructional video and FAQ #5 and #6 for more information.

NOTICE: In rare situations, certain pull-behind implements with two separate sections of a single driveline and a universal or CV joint located at a midway point on the driveline between the primary PTO connection and a single gearbox (as shown), may not be compatible with the PTO Link system. If you have this type of implement, please see FAQ #17 for more information on compatibility or if you have further questions, please call us at 833-444-5465, ext 1.

For safety, the female or male mating coupler components of the HD System are NOT compatible nor interchangeable with the SD or Compact Systems!

 

[tassmannn]

Yes, I see that now, so both together are over $400.00.

I may as well just buy another tractor at this point. That's what I'll tell my wife when she asks why I bought another tractor. ''Because a quick connect was over 400 dollars!"

Just blame it on me

 

[Santa Craig Cringle]

Got my bush mower hooked up in record time. Like 10 minutes total.

That's a record for me.

After struggling to hook up my brush hog for the first time in direct sunlight on a 90 degree day, I quickly decided that I was going to do whatever it takes to make this job easier. I'm only 47 but I'm not getting any younger.

I had already installed a hydraulic top link, but I just picked up a quick hitch from Tractor Supply. Also switching to a chain for the top link connection. Going to test it out next time I'm at the property. Crossing my fingers that it works easy peasy.

Seriously contemplating a quick connect PTO link too. Might as well start now while I'm just getting my collection of attachments started than trying to retrofit several attachments in a few years all at once.

 

[TractorGunn]

After struggling to hook up my brush hog for the first time in direct sunlight on a 90 degree day, I quickly decided that I was going to do whatever it takes to make this job easier. I'm only 47 but I'm not getting any younger.

I had already installed a hydraulic top link, but I just picked up a quick hitch from Tractor Supply. Also switching to a chain for the top link connection. Going to test it out next time I'm at the property. Crossing my fingers that it works easy peasy.

Seriously contemplating a quick connect PTO link too. Might as well start now while I'm just getting my collection of attachments started than trying to retrofit several attachments in a few years all at once.

Yep, it's not fun doing that in the heat for sure.

I'm 60, so I got ya beat by a few years!

 

[WinterDeere]

One thing that came to mind when I read the first post in this thread, was hornets, ground-dwelling or otherwise. Given the time of year the brush hog would see the most use, I always half-expected to be attacked by hornets as I was connecting the thing.

It never happened, but maybe that made me move quicker?