Looking for opinions on a quick hitch (Pats for a BX)

[gogojuice]

Looking for peoples opinion who have used Pat's quick hitch.

Looking to do quick and easy switches between blade and pto generator when I'm not home. Wife can make the 3pt work, but I'm trying to make it easier for her.

So. that led me to looking at quick hitches.

Appreciate the help

 

[prichard]

There are lots of good systems out there and I'm sure you'll hear all about them. I have pat's and am quite happy with it. I have never used any other quick hitch so I can't compare but it beats the heck out of no quick hitch.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I used the Pat's system on both my L3010 and L3430 and it worked pretty well. The only problem I had was the tractor linkage, which maintains the lift arm separation, had some play. Occasionally, I would have to get off the machine to align the Pat's hooks with the implement pins. You have to get off anyway to attach the top link so it wasn't any big deal. Keep in mind the Pat's system extends the length of your lift arms about 4" which may or may not be a problem with your implements. You also have to check the tightness of the Pats mounting bolts since they occasionally work loose. In any case, the Pat's does simplify and reduce the time necessary to switch implements and is worth the price IMO.

I bought a set of Pats for the new MX5800 but haven't installed them yet. So far, I've been using the lift arm extenders that came on the machine. If the MX goes the way of the L's, it won't be long before they jam up and I'll likely install the Pats.

The frame type quick hitch solves the sloppy linkage separation issue but implement top link compatibility can be a problem. If you go this route, make sure your attachments will work with the frame you choose.

 

[milkman]

I've had a set on my BX for years and they work well with the spreader bar, and work even better with these http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/47770-stabilizer-links-bx2200.html?highlight=

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

I installed Pats and like them very well. My implements are different widths at the pins so a normal quick hitch will not help. A longer top link may be needed, but I havent ran into that yet. With Hodges stabilizers and my implements an dollies, hookup is a snap.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I used the Pat's system on both my L3010 and L3430 and it worked pretty well. The only problem I had was the tractor linkage, which maintains the lift arm separation, had some play. Occasionally, I would have to get off the machine to align the Pat's hooks with the implement pins. You have to get off anyway to attach the top link so it wasn't any big deal. Keep in mind the Pat's system extends the length of your lift arms about 4" which may or may not be a problem with your implements. You also have to check the tightness of the Pats mounting bolts since they occasionally work loose. In any case, the Pat's does simplify and reduce the time necessary to switch implements and is worth the price IMO.

I bought a set of Pats for the new MX5800 but haven't installed them yet. So far, I've been using the lift arm extenders that came on the machine. If the MX goes the way of the L's, it won't be long before they jam up and I'll likely install the Pats.

The frame type quick hitch solves the sloppy linkage separation issue but implement top link compatibility can be a problem. If you go this route, make sure your attachments will work with the frame you choose.

Mostly agree. The added length was a problem for me with some implements. Later bought some less expensive ones off ebay under $100 and preferred them, especially the ones that would face up or down with opening slot which I still have.

I've had a set on my BX for years and they work well with the spreader bar, and work even better with these http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/47770-stabilizer-links-bx2200.html?highlight=

This may be where my Pat's went??!!:confused3: Sold/traded Milkman some stuff a few years ago. :thumbsup::cool2:

 

[Kevinc2004]

I used a Woods quick hitch that is like the big boys on my BX1860. It corrals all 3 hitch arms, and you just lift up on the quick levers and then back up to the attatchment, lift it up, and drop the levers. I used it for 4 years on my BX1860, then moved it over to my new B2601 last year. This is the same hitch system that is used on much larger tractors as well.

 

[GaryM]

I've had Pats system on my JD for better than 10 years. The only downside I've found is that they limit the amount of side tilt available with my scraper or box blade. Other than that I'm very happy.

 

[skipperbrown]

I had pat's on my 3940 and thought it was the cat's meow. I moved it to my b2650 and it works very good. There is some loss of pivoting at higher lift angles, but I wouldn't be without it. It will also give you a much needed extra 3" of wiggle room on the back of your tractor. Another thing to think about is anything you lift will be further back and cause your front end to be lighter.

 

[gogojuice]

Thanks for all the responses. Appreciated them.
How would you compare it to a traditional hitch style like the imatch etc.?

My implements are a box blade that I use in the winter for the driveway and a PTO generator.

I'm worried about it being -30 and the power goes out having to go out in the worst weather and change over implements while I'm away. I would like to make it as easy as I can for her.

Thanks again

 

[TomSeller]

I have Pats but would not buy them again. Only slightly better than without.

 

[gwdixon]

Pat's are great IMO. I have had them on all my tractors except the backhoe L48. My BX2200 uses them.

But...if you only use two implements (blade, PTO generator) and they are the exact industry standard size between the lift pins, then I'd recommend that a rigid frame QH would be easier for your wife to negotiate. Pat's requires a spreader bar (or luck) and dismounting to hook up the top link.

This is especially true if the top link hook-up can be set up just right. Then it is just back up, lift, and done. Off she goes with whatever. Make sure that the top link attachment point on your implements can be accessed from the bottom as the QH is lifted. Sometimes there is a reinforcement bar in the way.

Hooking up the PTO shaft is an additional task. Be very careful that there is plenty of engagement of the two sliding parts of the shaft because a QH will set the implement back 4" at least.

You need 6" of engagement at the very minimum on the PTO shaft. That means that you should have 10" of engagement without a QH as it is currently. Be sure to check. You may have to buy a new shaft and cut it to size. Sometimes you can just buy a half shaft it that would give enough engagement.

Harbor Freight sells a rigid QH that is just as good as the more expensive ones for your uses. It will save quite a bit of cash especially if you have a 20% off coupon.

3-Point Quick Hitch for Tractors - 27-3/16" Clearance

 

[milkman]

Pat's are great IMO. I have had them on all my tractors except the backhoe L48. My BX2200 uses them.

But...if you only use two implements (blade, PTO generator) and they are the exact industry standard size between the lift pins, then I'd recommend that a rigid frame QH would be easier for your wife to negotiate. Pat's requires a spreader bar (or luck) and dismounting to hook up the top link.

This is especially true if the top link hook-up can be set up just right. Then it is just 8back up, lift, and done. Off she goes with whatever. Make sure that the top link attachment point on your implements can be accessed from the bottom as the QH is lifted. Sometimes there is a reinforcement bar in the way.

Hooking up the PTO shaft is an additional task. Be very careful that there is plenty of engagement of the two sliding parts of the shaft because a QH will set the implement back 4" at least.

You need 6" of engagement at the very minimum on the PTO shaft. That means that you should have 10" of engagement without a QH as it is currently. Be sure to check. You may have to buy a new shaft and cut it to size. Sometimes you can just buy a half shaft it that would give enough engagement.

Harbor Freight sells a rigid QH that is just as good as the more expensive ones for your uses. It will save quite a bit of cash especially if you have a 20% off coupon.

3-Point Quick Hitch for Tractors - 27-3/16" Clearance

That's what i'd have if not for Pats.

 

[gogojuice]

Great info. I'll have to do some measuring.

Bad thing is we do not have harbour freight up here in Canada.

 

[gwdixon]

Great info. I'll have to do some measuring.

Bad thing is we do not have harbour freight up here in Canada.

If you know someone in the US, or live close to the border it would be worth trying to get the HF one by hook or by crook.

Princess Auto has this: (but $400 and apparently out of stock)

3-Point Cat. 1 Quick Hitch | Princess Auto

 

[The Deerslayer]

Have the Pat's and have no regrets. Did need to get a PTO extender and longer top link, but neither was a big deal.
Before the Pat's I bought a Harbor Freight special that went back the next day. Not one of my implements fit and did not feel like modifying to make them. Good luck

 

[gwdixon]

Have the Pat's and have no regrets. Did need to get a PTO extender and longer top link, but neither was a big deal.
Before the Pat's I bought a Harbor Freight special that went back the next day. Not one of my implements fit and did not feel like modifying to make them. Good luck

Yep. That is / was my experience exactly. Several homemade implements sitting around with non-standard hook-up dimensions.

Except that I bought two of the rigid frames and had to take both back. I'm a slow learner, I guess.

However, if I read it correctly, the OP has a special circumstance when his wife has to hook up implements. If his implements are built to industry standard, then the rigid style may just work perfectly.

 

[EndlessMowing]

Saw the Pats Easy Change was a Black Friday deal.

Has anyone used solid bar type stabilizer in conjunction with the easy change? I use bar type stabilizers on a 68 Massey 135

It appears the cat1 pins will now be 3-4 inches further back now so I guess longer stabilizer bars would be necessary if I was to use this. Or change the original set up

Just feeling those out who may run into this issue.

 

[pizzaguy]

I am looking at switching to Pat's system also and was reading this thread for comments. I have the Harbor Freight quick hitch and think it is way too light duty. I can see it bending very easily if you are not careful. Mine is for sale.
I see that Titan sells their version much cheaper also. Does anyone have experience with these ?Quick Hitch Tractor Implement Deere Skid Steer Kubota Ford Rapid Change System

 

[gwdixon]

Saw the Pats Easy Change was a Black Friday deal.

Has anyone used solid bar type stabilizer in conjunction with the easy change? I use bar type stabilizers on a 68 Massey 135

It appears the cat1 pins will now be 3-4 inches further back now so I guess longer stabilizer bars would be necessary if I was to use this. Or change the original set up

Just feeling those out who may run into this issue.

I have aftermarket "solid" lift arms on a BX and they make no difference in the use of Pat's. Except that they make the use of the spacer bar less critical than on the turnbuckle type.

Pat's does set the lift point 3" to 4" further to the rear. If your top link can handle that increase then there is not a problem there. The lift arms do not need to be a different size (if that is what you mean by "stabilizer bars").

The PTO shaft needs to be longer as well when using Pat's. Once again, if there is enough engagement (like 6") between the two PTO shaft sections then there is no problem and it can be used as is. Also, a PTO extension can be had for about $20 from Agri Supply that makes up the difference very nicely.