3-Point Hitch Fundamental 3-point hitch question

[la200o]

Hi Tractor guys,

Now that it's spring and we're all hooking up various implements, there've been quite a few posts about how to hook up a 3-point, the value of quick hitch systems, etc.

I've hooked up mowers (sickle bar and rotary), blades, etc. on my hitches over the years and now do use Pat's. It's great.

My question is, why in the world don't 3-points just come standard nowadays with some kind of built-in spring-loaded quick hitch hook system instead of the old rotating captive ball, which in fact certainly can be a pain in the neck to hook up, especially if you're all by yourself?

Must be some reason why what seems to be an obsolete system persists. What obvious thing am I missing?

Bill

 

[newbury]

Hi Tractor guys,

<snip> certainly can be a pain in the neck to hook up<snip>

Bill

For me it's more of a pain in the lower back.

 

[bruceatlam]

"What obvious thing am I missing?"


The cost of adding a better system ---- I think.

 

[shine]

The old style three point works for me. Its a two or three minute job. I would like to try out Pat's system to see just how much easyer it is.

 

[jesseb3@att.net]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I was just looking into this myself. Seems to be a few more variants than the last time I looked. Was going to ask everyone if they had experience with any of these other than Pat's system, which looks to be the Cadillac, including the price tag.

My issue is where they position the implement. Some position it behind the lift arms, some position it above the arms. Sometimes I wish my implements would go lower, so I'm not wild about having them sitting on "top" of the arms.

All of these were found just by doing a search on Ebay for "Kubota", except for Pat's, which is easy to find on this site.

Getting back to Bill's original question... is there a downside to having these? Anyone ever take theirs off in order to use a particular implement?

Jesse

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've had Pat's (30 day satisfaction or money back guarantee) for over 4 years and I also have a set from Ebay as pictured for other tractor. Guess that shows how much of a believer I am. The down side is they set implement back a few inches which can make upper arm to short. Did for me so went to TSC and got another longer upper arm under $30. Also makes the need for drive shaft to be able to extend a few more inches for implements with drive shafts which has been no problem for me. Some have expressed the increased power needed to lift an object a few inches further back but that has never been a problem for me.

 

[la200o]

OK. And so WHY DOESN'T SOMETHING LIKE THIS COME STANDARD ON NEW TRACTORS? Seems to me like the old hitch is obsolete. The added expense would be trivial, a few hundred bucks, maybe.

Bill

 

[MarkLeininger]

OK. And so WHY DOESN'T SOMETHING LIKE THIS COME STANDARD ON NEW TRACTORS? Seems to me like the old hitch is obsolete. The added expense would be trivial, a few hundred bucks, maybe.

Bill

If you made a list of all the things you could ask yourself this same question about (like backup lights, canopy, cup holder, bucket level indicator, etc), the cost of the tractor would probably go up about $1000 and then they wouldn't be competitive with brand X. I'm surprised more dealers don't push this kind of stuff as an add on. They'd make more money and customer would be happier. Hey, start your own tractor company, if you can build one at a good price with quick hitch and all the stuff I want, then I'll buy one from you.

 

[Harvest Moon]

Seriously though, how much more could it cost to cut a hook at the end of the arm instead of drill a hole? And weld a clip latch instead of a free swivel ball?

I think they are just afraid to take the leap, playing it safe with the old standard. Bet as soon as one manufacture does it and is successful, getting the old ball on new tractors will be an expensive after market option.

Everyone will be saying, it's about time, what took so long?

 

[SPYDERLK]

Hi Tractor guys,
I've hooked up mowers (sickle bar and rotary), blades, etc. on my hitches over the years and now do use Pat's. It's great.

My question is, why in the world don't 3-points just come standard nowadays with some kind of built-in spring-loaded quick hitch hook system instead of the old rotating captive ball, which in fact certainly can be a pain in the neck to hook up, especially if you're all by yourself?

Must be some reason why what seems to be an obsolete system persists. What obvious thing am I missing?
Bill

When you consider the full set of functions required at the joint and add in reliability under virtually uncontrolled conditions you see that there is no system as good as the ball and socket. All the QHs are harder on the tractor and sacrifice ruggedness and reliability for the convenience you get.

It is not necessarily a good idea. Altho a few avoid the problem by allowing the balls to work, on most you lose the articulation on one end of your lift arm. This causes more stress in sway and tilt, and especially when you need to run one arm at a different height to tilt the implement. Also, most of the quick attaches extend the implement further to the rear giving it more leverage on the tractor. The extension can be convenient or not, but is seriously bad with heavy implements that are anywhere near the tractors specd capacity.
larry