Hey guys! I have a John Deere 5045d an I wanting a quick hitch but which would be better the i match or a regular quick hitch? All it would be used on is my 6ft bushhog, box blade an hay spear? Thanks guys
The imatch is a quick hitch, it is just JD green. Are you looking for a cat 1 quick hitch or Cat2? Do they make a Cat 2 imatch? I have 2 cat 1 imatches and I like them. I would also look at the land pride quick hitches if you need a cat 2. In the cat 1 version it looks just like an imatch. The imatch is actually less than the Land pride quick hitch for the cat 1. I don't how much a cat 2 would be. I guess you know you have to have quick hitch compatible equipment.
There are also some cheaper quick hitches like the harbor freight Speeco knock off. The speeco quick hitches I have seen are not as nice as the imatch.
Here is a video I made comapring the harbor freight to the imatch.
I have the cat 2. Unless you need it, id stay with cat 1. My hitch has a sticker of 580 or something. They are proud of them. I needed cat 2 for my mx7
I have two of the harbor freight cat 1 , and am very happen with them. One is mounted to a SSQA plate to use on loader and the other is on the 3pt. I looked at a I match the other day while getting a loader third function handle at deere dealer. I will say they have a nice fit and finish compared to the cheaper ones. But for 350 dollars they should have. that being said Mine has seen a bunch of heavy duty use and have had no issues.
My Harbor Freight quick hitch doesn't fit several of my implements -- mostly because the top link hook is too short. I'd say it is a 50/50 proposition. I would by an alternate, more expensive one if I had confidence it would fit better.
Is there a source for different shaped top-hooks? (I am not a proficient metal-worker!
It's not uncommon for a person with several implements to find that all will not hook up to a QH or imatch without modification.
Where I would be looking to make this decision is price. $350 for a CAT I hitch is terribly high. You can buy a very well built CAT II hitch for less in an off brand.
I use the snot out of my QH. It has to be well built and stout with quality materials. Being JD green with an imatch sticker does not guarantee that.