iHitch bushing requirement - why?

[ScottK]

Why does the iHitch require bushings on everything? Why not just leave all the bushings off or modify the iHitch to have smaller diameter hooks so that bushings aren't needed? I can't figure out why JD designed it to require bushings. Any ideas? Has anyone modifed theirs?

 

[gordon21]

I assume they designed it to be used with almost every tractor they build including the 150HP models. Not all of us use cat 3 implements. The i-match is certainly built strong enough. For us guys with tractors in the cat 1 range, it is a pain. I bought only as I needed them and then every time I bought something else to go in the back, it was another trip to TSC for more bushings. They are cheap, about $5-6 per implement. Get a bunch including extras. One will eventauly disappear into the dirt or leaves never to be seen again. I also started buying some extra pins, lynch pins etc every visit. I now have a little parts tray with about $35 of assorted stuff in it. If I lose something now, the work can still continue.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

or you can buy the same hitch from Habor Freight that will fit the implements without bushing for $69... literally.

 

[turbo36]

or you can buy the same hitch from Habor Freight that will fit the implements without bushing for $69... literally.

Of course you have to add in the time it takes modify this cheap China built cr*p to actually work

 

[flyngti]

Of course you have to add in the time it takes modify this cheap China built cr*p to actually work

Can you explain that? What modifications have you had to make?

 

[turbo36]

Can you explain that? What modifications have you had to make?

The one I bought was poorly made and I had to cut the welds loose to realign things so the fit. I eventually junked it and bought the I-match.

 

[JCB]

Why does the iHitch require bushings on everything? Why not just leave all the bushings off or modify the iHitch to have smaller diameter hooks so that bushings aren't needed? I can't figure out why JD designed it to require bushings. Any ideas? Has anyone modifed theirs?

Scott,
I think Gordon answered your question well. I've seen quick hitches on larger tractors (equipment is so large you wouldn't have a chance of muscling the attachment around) and those guys don't need bushings.

 

[ScottK]

Thanks. I took it back to my dealer for a refund (they had trouble finding appropriate bushings and I would never be able to run down there and grab some in the event I wanted to borrow a neigbor's implement). I wish we had Tractor Supply, but there are no stores in Washington. Went and got the Harbor Freight quick hitch and installed it. It fits my Frontier 2048 box blade, but only because I took a sledge hammer to the brackets that hold the flappers since they stuck out an eighth inch too much, thereby reducing the already narrow 26.5 inch spacing. Now it fits fine. I notice that there's a lot of space above those flappers - sorry, not sure the technical name - unlike the iHitch where they close pretty snuggly around the pins. Anyone see that as a problem?

 

[California]

Went and got the Harbor Freight quick hitch ... lot of space above those flappers - sorry, not sure the technical name - unlike the iHitch where they close pretty snuggly around the pins. Anyone see that as a problem?

I don't think you can wear it out in hobby-level use. Pins are cheap, replacing the HF QH is relatively cheap. If you use it thousands of hours or at max rated hp you might eventually find some wear.

I think the only issue is whether the added slack, slop, is a problem in precise operation. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Superduper]

or you can buy the same hitch from Habor Freight that will fit the implements without bushing for $69... literally.

Of course there is also a $200 difference in the level of quality and workmanship between the two products.