Harbor Freight 3-point quick hitch

[flwiii]

I just picked up one from the HF Store and found that the unit is not fitted as well as the expensive JD I-match, but for the difference in price, who cares. It fit my JD 2305 lift arms with no problems. I did notice that the lower lynch pins that came with the quick hitch were too small in diameter. I fear that these will wallow out the lift arm balls, so I used a large rattail file to enlarge the holes in the HF Quick Hitch to accept my 7/8" link pins. It required only minor filing to get it to fit.

My next concern is the difference in the lift hooks on the HF Quick Hitch versus the JD I-Match. The I-Match upper hook is sized to 1 1/4 inch bushing and 1 1/2 inch lower bushings. This is not the case on the HF model. The upper hook is sized for the same 1 1/4 inch bushing but the bottom hooks are set for 1 inch bushings. This poses a problem as my lower link pins are 7/8 inch. I can't find a bushing with a 7/8 inch inside dia. and a 1 inch outside dia., also afraid that this bushing would not last long being so thin. Currently I am not using a bushing on the bottom hooks, just picking up right off the 7/8 inch link pins. Could this cause a problem because of the difference of 1/8 inch in link pins to hook slot?

I also had to spread apart the upper bout of my Frontier box blade by using a 3 1/2 inch long bushing instead of the 2 inch bushing as it would bind up on the bolts that attached the HF upper hook to the housing. With the top ears spread further apart the bolts of the upper hook clear the box blade without hitting. All in all it took about 5 hours to get all my implements to fit to the HF Quick hitch. I was hoping that the HF would have the same size lower hooks so that the JD bushing kit would work. Just expecting too much I guess.

 

[fagetaboutit]

Just joined after finding this site while searching for information on a quick hitch for my Kubota BX23. Thanks for all of your input. I ordered a Harbor freight unit today. BTW, I couldn't find the adapter on the harbor Freight site either. Another source is http://www.speeco.com/asp/display.asp?view=top&category=Category+1+Quick+Hitch+Adapter
Thanks again - great discussion board.

 

[joes_427_vette]

I looked at the display model at my local store. Can't build one for 70.00. The only thing missing is a grab hook for chain and a square tube hitch receiver which will be added courtesy of my Miller wire feed. The store got in 2 ( one of which is the display ) for the sale. I think they are gathering up numbers for a huge order from the manufacturer. Many rain checks are being written up.

 

[TBDonnelly]

Purchase by Sept. 27 at a HF retail store and get an additional 15% off with the coupon on the attached link.....

HFT-USA

Don

 

[3RRL]

I'm going to make mine adjustable to fit different width implements. Also going to modify it so it can mount on the front fel via quick attach system.

 

[mchasal]

I'm going to make mine adjustable to fit different width implements. Also going to modify it so it can mount on the front fel via quick attach system.

After seeing your box blade project, I can't wait to see this! Please keep us posted.

Mike

 

[ALHILLDIRT]

I also bought one from Homier. Hitch is fine. My problem is the top link. None of my equipment will work without using the adaptor. Any suggestions out there on how to modify the top link on my equipment so it will work?

 

[MrJimi]

I'm going to make mine adjustable to fit different width implements. Also going to modify it so it can mount on the front fel via quick attach system.

Pictures we hope, we all need some help
Jim

 

[California]

I posted the following over in Parts/Repairs but I think it's also helpful here. The coupon is good for 15% off anything in a HF store, through Wednesday. They just started selling the Quick Hitch in the retail stores.

Harbor Freight 15% off coupon link .....good thru Sept. 27

HFT-USA

Don

Just a note to verify that is a good coupon, whether you are a 'Prefered Customer' or not.

I did a page-print of that (on a color printer) and it was accepted for 15% off the $70 Quick Hitch today - the most expensive thing I ever bought at Harbor Freight.

 

[BobinIL]

I ordered a hitch and adapter online Monday 09-25-06. Are these still on backorder? I recived an oder confirmation but have yet to hear if it has shipped.

 

[npaden]

My adapter is still backordered.

 

[joerocker]

I called today and got an automated response of...get this...November! Won't ship until November!

 

[California]

Progress report after installation today.

1) They got those weird dimensions under control. It fits onto the tractor's link arms properly, and it accepts the lower pins of all three implements perfectly.

2) The top hook is a different story. I need to move it up and down the available bolt positions to match each implement. On each implement the lower edge of the top hook hits a cross bolt on the implement before the lower hooks are low enough to engage their pins. Still, moving the top hook-attach bolts with a couple of box wrenches is far easier than muscling around the entire implement on rough sloping ground which I have been doing until now. I wonder if the bolts could be replaced by pins and clips?

I think I will buy the optional top adapter.

3) I need more rear ballast and this Qh helps. Not only its own 60 lbs a couple of feet behind the axle, but also it spaces the existing ballast (box blade) farther back increasing its leverage without that part making the overal rig heavier.

Summary - I should have gotten one as soon as they were on the market. It's that good. Now I rassle the implement into position by nudging it with the tractor. This replaces the grunt labor of aligning it by hand with a prybar after it settled into the uneven ground.

 

[3RRL]

Exactly, what does the optional top adapter accomplish?

 

[California]

Exactly, what does the optional top adapter accomplish?

Here's a picture of the adapter, from a recent post in this thread:

http://www.speeco.com/asp/display.asp?view=top&category=Category+1+Quick+Hitch+Adapter

The right side in that picture, the part that engages the implement's top pin, can swing up or down to match the height of the pin.

 

[npaden]

I would love to see a picture of the actual adapter than harbor freight is selling (when they aren't on backorder).

Several people have mentioned getting them, but no one has posted a picture or even measurements.

It would sure help me if I decide to go ahead and make one myself because I'm getting tired of waiting.

 

[California]

There's a photo of the adapter referenced in this recent post.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/79288-harbor-freight-3-point-quick-15.html#post967148

The picture on the right shows it swung up over the top and out of the way; in use it would point straight back.

If I were building an adapter I would make the tongue a little longer. This is because the rotary mower has a slot to let the top pin slide front to back as you mow uneven ground. A longer tongue would let that pin slide clear to the back before the adapter yoke hit the implement.

 

[Doug W.]

I have been thinking of a way to try to avoid this top-link adapter issue and make this hitch (and others Like it) a truly quick hitch.
The thought that mulls around in my head is this......

Since many (or most) of the implements I have seen have the top link mounted toward the very top of the implement framework and gussets, bolts, and other support features are below the top link pin, then why not have the top connector on the QH an upside down hook on a sliding t-slot arrangement. This would also allow for any difference in pin height from bottom.
This would also need a retainer such as the bottom hooks use.

I have even gone as far as beginning to lay this out on Cad, but is not finished yet.

Would like to hear thoughts on this possibility.

 

[Bedlam]

i THINK YOUR

 

[Bedlam]

i THINK YOUR ON to something there. I thought the same thing. But when I tried to make it upside down the top bracket, wasn't high enough to bolt the hook onto. Now I have thought maybe if the upper metal tabs were added onto to support the hook it would work. Theres allot of pressure there. When I tried it, I could only place one bolt, and it bent the bolt.
But your on the right track. Modify the quick hitch upper metal tabs so the hook could come down onto the link.
This does defeat the hook up though, . as the original idea was to back up and hook under it. But if you would have to get off the tractor, and place the adapter to it there shouldn't be much difference.
As others have said its the lower pins that are the pain.
I would assume if someone added to the top, and made holes similar to the stock spacing, that it could be done that way. Possible replacing the bolts with pins of some sort.Which has been mentioned before.
Perhaps some side movement bracing on that as well.
Great minds at work here...