New version of Pat's Easy Change

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: New version of Pat\'s Easy Change

GaryM,
First, to answer your question, yes I did use one spacer on each side, I believe it fit best with the thin spacer in place. And I did manage to figure out that I had to pound the roll pin into the spacer, but then had a hard time fitting the spacer into the bottom of the unit . . . until I realized I could back out the hex screws so it would just drop into place!

Also, did you by the optional adjustable separator bar with your Easy Change? I bought it but have not attached it yet. I thought it would make life easier so I wouldn't have to worry about the lower arms swinging in/out as I back into the implements. Unfortunately I have to do most of my attachments on uneven ground/grass because I don't have enough room in my garage to keep all the toys. I think if I kept them inside on a smooth surface the separator bar would be unnecessary, but I don't have that luxury so I got the bar.

 

[Inspector507]

Re: New version of Pat\'s Easy Change

Bob,
What did the separator bar cost??

Jerry

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: New version of Pat\'s Easy Change

It cost $20.00

 

[GaryM]

Re: New version of Pat\'s Easy Change

When I bought my adaptors, there was no mention of a bar. I might have missed the introduction by a week or so.

I'm thinking of welding some plates to the vertical web that the pins are attached to. These would project forward about 3-4 inches and be angled in so that as I back up to the implement the plates would spread the links so that they spread out and matched the pins. The tractor is currently at the home construction site, but I'm planning on trying to see if that would work.

What do you think? some 3/16 plate would probably be OK.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: New version of Pat\'s Easy Change

Gary if you could get it to work to automatically spread the lower links to the right position it would be worth the effort, but for $20 you can just order their system. I just wonder if you will spend a lot more than $20 worth of your time welding up your idea?

I will take some pictures of Pat's optional spreader bar attached to my tractor and post them this weekend sometime.

 

[GaryM]

Re: New version of Pat\'s Easy Change

Bob,

You're probably right, but I like the idea of coming up with a solution and seeing if I'm as smart as my dog thinks I am. And on the plus side, if I modify the two main attachments it's easier than putting Pat's bar on the draft links.

Pat still has the pictures of the old model on his website, and no mention at all of the spreader bar.

I need to go to the metal yard tomorroe for some aluminum plate, might pick up some 3/16 steel while I'm there.

 

[Henro]

Re: New version of Pat\'s Easy Change

GaryM and all,

Here is a picture of the spreader bar that Pat sent me in an email answer to a question I had about using his product on my BX2200...

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: New version of Pat\'s Easy Change

Henro - GaryM
Yup that is what the bar they sent me looks like.

My big question is when I back up to an implement that requires PTO power, such as my Befco finish mower, will the PTO shaft clear the spreader bar after the implement is connected? Or will I have to disconnect the spreader bar to lift up the PTO shaft so I can connect it to the tractor's PTO? If I have to keep connecting it and disconnecting it, then I would really like to know if Gary is as smart as his dog thinks he is and if he can make up a set of his auto-attach gizmos too!!!

 

[markct]

Re: New version of Pat\'s Easy Change

looks to me like when ya lift up a pto driven implement that bar is gona smack right into the driveshaft, somehow this whole setup doesnt impress me that much, especialy since you eliminate ball eyes from the 3pt system, they are in there to allow the arms to swivel without messing up the pins and binding, but thats been disscused before. just not a real good setup in my opinion, i think it would be better to design a quick hitch like the ordinary ones, but make the height and width adjustable by telescoping the square tubing. pats system just has too many drawbacks for me to consider it usefull. i think a better product to manufacture would be the floating link ends like ford/NH tractors have, they slide out and flop all around to connect them to the impliment then ya just back up and they click in and lock rigid. but no one seems to make aftermarket setups like that, well glad i own a ford tractor.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: New version of Pat\'s Easy Change

markct,

I totally agree with you . . . but I still bought Pat's Easy Change because it was the best COMPROMISE that I could find to work for me.

I don't know if the connecting bar for Pat's Easy Change will hit the PTO shaft or not. But I will find out this weekend when I am playing with it. Right now I don't have it installed, I just got the hitch part installed.

I would have preferred a Quick Hitch, but none work with all my implements. And to my knowledge, none are adjustable in the ways that you describe, and believe me I looked. And even a Quick Hitch eliminates the ball eyes connecting concept as far as how the Quick Hitches attach to implements.