Attached is a slideshow of pictures that I have taken during this conversion.
It really wasn't too bad, but drilling 1/4" steel is like you know...drilling 1/4" steel.
Anyway, here's the stock list:
1 = $40.00 quickhitch bushing kit
2 = $6.50 1/4" * 5" * 4" steel bar stock (local welding shop cut it on site)
1 = $3.50 4" Quick pin with spring pin
2 = $7.43 5/8" * 1 1/4" Hex bolts, 5/8" washers & locknuts
1 = $15.97 5/8" drill bit (my set only went up to 1/2")
1 = $19.98 3/4" drill bit
1 = $24.96 Dolly (if converting to quick-hitch, unit has to be raised to be removed from tractor).
$118.34 Total, I know...I could have got the whole Harbor Freight quick-hitch with the adj. top link for $79.99 and saved almost $40...****, JD missed the ball on this one. From JD you pay $225.00 and no adj. top hook, and Harbor Freigth you pay $79.99 and get an adj. top hook. If I only knew then what I know now...I would have gone the Harbor Freight route and save the $145...then deduct a couple of bucks for a can of JD Green spray paint and we're good to go.
The pictures pretty much speak for themselves...but ask if you have any questions.
This project was a bear having to drill the 1/4" plate with 3/4" holes 6 times, and the factory member 1/4" with 3/4" holes twice. That a total hole of 3/4" * 2" deep! My bits even with oil, and I mean a lot of oil, were not very happy. I drilled pretty much what I could in a drill press. I also had to use a sawzall and cut down the top busing to fit in between the plates. They had to be cut down to 1 1/2".
This project was well worth the time. I can put this unit on in a snap now...maybe in my near future that JD I-match auto hitch may be looking pretty good.
It really wasn't too bad, but drilling 1/4" steel is like you know...drilling 1/4" steel.
Anyway, here's the stock list:
1 = $40.00 quickhitch bushing kit
2 = $6.50 1/4" * 5" * 4" steel bar stock (local welding shop cut it on site)
1 = $3.50 4" Quick pin with spring pin
2 = $7.43 5/8" * 1 1/4" Hex bolts, 5/8" washers & locknuts
1 = $15.97 5/8" drill bit (my set only went up to 1/2")
1 = $19.98 3/4" drill bit
1 = $24.96 Dolly (if converting to quick-hitch, unit has to be raised to be removed from tractor).
$118.34 Total, I know...I could have got the whole Harbor Freight quick-hitch with the adj. top link for $79.99 and saved almost $40...****, JD missed the ball on this one. From JD you pay $225.00 and no adj. top hook, and Harbor Freigth you pay $79.99 and get an adj. top hook. If I only knew then what I know now...I would have gone the Harbor Freight route and save the $145...then deduct a couple of bucks for a can of JD Green spray paint and we're good to go.
The pictures pretty much speak for themselves...but ask if you have any questions.
This project was a bear having to drill the 1/4" plate with 3/4" holes 6 times, and the factory member 1/4" with 3/4" holes twice. That a total hole of 3/4" * 2" deep! My bits even with oil, and I mean a lot of oil, were not very happy. I drilled pretty much what I could in a drill press. I also had to use a sawzall and cut down the top busing to fit in between the plates. They had to be cut down to 1 1/2".
This project was well worth the time. I can put this unit on in a snap now...maybe in my near future that JD I-match auto hitch may be looking pretty good.
