I-Match. What do you think?

[Ledgemere Farm]

Anybody have I-match? How about an I-match review?

 

[stuart]

I looked at I-Match and was not impressed by the fact that the top link connector is fixed and cannot be moved up and down the way the Quik Hitch models can be adjusted. I stayed away from I-Match for that reason alone.

 

[beenthere]

I think mine is great. Not a problem with the top hook fixed (for me). I have modified some 3pt attachments to fit, not because the top hook was in the wrong position, but because the attachment didn't have the room or space for the top hook to slide into position. The top hook is also perfect for pulling and lifting things with a chain (i.e. towing the UPS truck out of the ditch), or dropping the logging tongs over to pull logs out of the woods.

I would find adjusting the top hook to be more inconvenience than I want to have when using a quick tach. But I don't want to disparage anyone who likes theirs "adjustable" that way.

I have found the I-match (and there are others that are similar) to be one of the handiest attachments that I have. Wouldn't have it any other way. Other thing I like, it is GREEN.

 

[Hypernix]

What kind of prce range are we looking at for the I-Match? Is there more than one size or is it the same for all size of tractor?

Hyp3rnix

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I have the iMatch and have been happy with it. I only have a ballast box, rear blade and a caddy that I use on it however.

 

[beenthere]

The I-match for Cat I is in the neighborhood of $180 - 200, from what I paid and what others have said. Depends a lot on the dealer, and if it is being purchased with other things, or if the item is already at the dealer without extra shipping charges.

What I find interesting is the lack of cat I to cat III bushings available to buy (add a set of these to each attachment for the lower hooks to engage). Seems they only come one set to a quick-tach, and hard to find other sets to buy.

 

[Hypernix]

Thanks for the info beenthere... I'm thinking about getting a box blade for my 4110 and I was wondering if also getting the I-Match would be a good idea. The only other attachements I have right now are a snow blower and a tiller which I'm not sure I wouldwant to use with the I-Match since I will still need to manually attach the PTO shaft anyway...

Hyp3rnix

 

[kennyd]

I have one. It is GREAT! It is so nice to be able to drop the ballast box and rear blade without getting off the seat.
Yes you still have to get off to hook-up or unhook the PTO shaft on some implements, but it is still easier to get the tractor lined up with the tool then trying to nudge, push, or wrestle the tool to line up the tractor.

 

[wisconsinguy]

I have the I-Match and the Speeco with a movable top link. The I Match is the best with fixed top link and then buy your implements or modify them to work with it. The adjustable top link may work with more implements but it sure is a pain to change from the hook to the link for each implement, it really defeats the purpose of a quick hitch. Its much better to make a onetime mod to your implement to make it work with a fixed top hook, then no more messing around just back up and pick it up. The bushings are available at Tractor Supply or online at SpeeCo for about 20 dollars, if your in the midwest and have a FleetFarm close they are about 10 bucks.

Phil

 

[raynman]

IHCrules,

I have the I-Match and love it, makes it very easy to connect and disconnect rear implements. I only have a back blade right now but plan on buying more as time goes on. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Thanks all. I have a JD weight box that is a real pain in the patoot to put on and off. I have adjustable links on my 3PH, but I hate to jockey around for 10 minutes.

 

[beenthere]

I cut that time to closer to 10 seconds with the addition of the I-match. In fact, I attribute the quickness to the fact that I now carry the ballast box more than when I didn't have the I-match, and that makes the tractor with FEL (bucket and forks) safer to use. Too often was finding I was a bit light in the rear end when carrying a load in the FEL, just because I didn't have the ballast box on.


As fast as you can back up, lift the 3pt arms, and lift - - is how fast you can have the ballast on (then just reach back and flip the latch levers down after the box is raised).

 

[stuart]

Go to Northern Tool and Supply and TSC. They all have or can order bushings for about 15$ a pair.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I hate it when you are going down a hill with a bucket load of gravel in 2WD and no ballast and you try to hit the brakes. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[megotatractor]

I was considering buying a Speeco from Mills Fleetfarm. Why is the Imatch better? is it worth the price diff?

 

[yooperdave]

How does top & tilt work with this system?

Thanks

Yooper Dave

 

[Docsknotinn]

All you have to do is buy two sets of bushings and insert one inside of the other to get the right size. Total cost is about four bucks. I really like the imatch and I use it with a tiller. Even thought you have to manually connect the PTO the time to hook up is nominal.