Quick Hitches Going a different route for a quick hitch - weld on euro style hooks

[HybridVigor]

I have benefited from many great posts and videos about different quick hitch options so I wanted to add my contribution as well. When I was thinking about outfitting one to my Kubota L3301 I decided to do something a little different and install the somewhat rare (in the US anyway) euro style or Waltershied style quick link hooks.



European Quick Hitch Hooks on a Kubota L3301 - YouTube

Trying to use a traditional one piece quick hitch on non standardized implements just simply does not work. I see these Euro style hooks on newer big tractors and even some older Olivers and thought I would experiment with putting a smaller set on my L3301 instead of something like the Pats or Carters system. The Pats Easy Change is obviously a big hit with many but I think it sacrifices some sturdiness and rigidity for cost and ease of install in my opinion. I am sure on my 33hp tractor it probably would have been adequate but I just wanted something a little different and little more stock.

These hooks came from Cat. 2/1 Lower Link Quick Release Hook Kit | AGRISTORE USA.

I wish a true category 1 hook could be found in the States so there is a little more clearance around smaller implements, but I could not find one. My Cat 2/1 hooks fit everything but my brush hog, and the interference there is a minor fix.

Pros:
Fast and easy to use on all my implements with little or no modification.
Extremely solid and rugged with no slop or play in the connection.
Fits non standard implement widths and no interference with a top link hook.
Lower link balls are cheap and locally available.
Plenty of room to access the PTO and hydraulic remotes.

Cons:
Need a welder and there is no going back.
Need to attach the top link.
Probably one of the more expensive quick hitch options.
These hooks are hard to come by in North America

Hopefully these will catch on a little more and there will be more options in the future.

 

[Roadworthy]

Interesting idea. Perhaps that's where Pat got the idea of his add ons.

 

[ptsg]

Great job! You won't regret it! :thumbsup:

Those things are really nice and allow for much more freedom of movements versus the Pats.

 

[LouNY]

That style is what came on my Branson 8050,
the first couple of years I put a quick hitch on her then I dropped that off and went to using the hook and balls.
I like it much more then the quick hitch.
And if you want for some reason you can always still mount a quick hitch.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

There is a top link hook also available in both manual and hydraulic versions. I've been selling the European type quick hitch for years, I just don't push them.

 

[HybridVigor]

There is a top link hook also available in both manual and hydraulic versions. I've been selling the European type quick hitch for years, I just don't push them.

Are yours manufactured by AMA or someone else? I have been on your site while thinking about top and side links and would have picked your brain had I known you were an option.

I think there would be a market for these if someone could import them in the sub $300 range. Personally I think they are tougher and make a more solid connection than the Pats system and was willing to spend more money and time with a welder to make it happen. The market share in NA is creeping up on these with these cat 3 equipment and I think it will bleed down to compact equipment.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Are yours manufactured by AMA or someone else? I have been on your site while thinking about top and side links and would have picked your brain had I known you were an option.

I think there would be a market for these if someone could import them in the sub $300 range. Personally I think they are tougher and make a more solid connection than the Pats system and was willing to spend more money and time with a welder to make it happen. The market share in NA is creeping up on these with these cat 3 equipment and I think it will bleed down to compact equipment.

AMA is my supplier for them. I sell the top link hook for a $100 up charge on the hydraulic links. $250 for the cat 1-2 draft link ends like yours. Mine also come std with 2 sets of balls. So 2 ends, 4 balls shipped to your door for $250. That should be less $$$ than what Agristore sells them for.

And I agree with you, A far superior product.

 

[HybridVigor]

AMA is my supplier for them. I sell the top link hook for a $100 up charge on the hydraulic links. $250 for the cat 1-2 draft link ends like yours. Mine also come std with 2 sets of balls. So 2 ends, 4 balls shipped to your door for $250. That should be less $$$ than what Agristore sells them for.

And I agree with you, A far superior product.

Good to know as I have a feeling I will be putting these on my next tractor too. Can you get a true category 1 hook from them? The AMA catalog lists a cat 1 option but Agristore did not have it.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Good to know as I have a feeling I will be putting these on my next tractor too. Can you get a true category 1 hook from them? The AMA catalog lists a cat 1 option but Agristore did not have it.

I have not seen a cat 1 set. They have cat 1 draft link balls, but not actual cat 1 hooks. I have to modify the top link balls to fit cat 1 applications. Those they do not offer for whatever reason???

 

[ptsg]

Branson sells their tractors on EU with Cat 1 hooks. The balls are, if I remember right, 44 mm in diameter.

I can source those easily, but where is the fun in that? I have a lathe and I always wanted to build a ball turning attachment, so I just made 2 sets of balls.