Pat's Easy Change Comes Out of Alignment?

[kb2520]

Hello TBN Community,

I installed Pat's Easy Change on my JD 2520 early this Spring. Really like the system and how much easier it makes changing implements. I have noticed that as the lift arms raise, the arc of the quick hitch couplers changes. I guess this is why the eye in the lift arm has a roller eye in it. Over time (been using the box blade a lot lately), the alignment of the couplers has changed. As the lift arms raise, the orientation of the couplers changes on the implement pins. I think it's this twist that has pulled the couplers out of being square with the tractor.

Has anyone else experienced this before?
They were straight when I installed them. Is there a break in period or something and then re-adjustments need to be made?

Thanks everyone.

Right Hand Swing Arm:

Left Hand Swing Arm:

Square When Installed In March:

 

[i7win7]

I scrapped my Pat's for that very reason, it flexes lower link pins on attachment, if pins become loose it can wallow out the mounting holes. Why? because all of the mounting bolts remove the flexing motion of the ball joints in the lift arms.

Now a true Quick Hitch nothing is solidly mounted to the lift arms, flexing motion of the ball joints is converted to linear up/down motion. Those who love the Pat's system are using older implements, non QH compliant implements, ect. I think they'll sing a different tune when things start wearing out or braking.

Even some of the "Quick Hitch compliant" implements need minor modification to work, many have replaced the top hook with this
https://qualityfarmsupply.com/Product/873-dash-HF141137

 

[dodge man]

Mine does the same thing, usually it’s not a problem if they are a little crooked.

 

[Citydude]

Mine did the same. I changed out the adjustment bolts for grade 8 bolts with some success.

 

[kb2520]

I scrapped my Pat's for that very reason, it flexes lower link pins on attachment, if pins become loose it can wallow out the mounting holes. Why? because all of the mounting bolts remove the flexing motion of the ball joints in the lift arms.

Now a true Quick Hitch nothing is solidly mounted to the lift arms, flexing motion of the ball joints is converted to linear up/down motion. Those who love the Pat's system are using older implements, non QH compliant implements, ect. I think they'll sing a different tune when things start wearing out or braking.

Thanks for your reply and input. Sometimes when you're working by yourself on this kind of thing, it's easy to get it in your head that you're missing something or did something wrong. Usually happens with the most practical questions and tasks :laughing:. I didn't mention in my post that the pin on the box blade is now cocked out of square from the BB framing. I am 99.999999% sure it was straight before the Pat's Easy Change, but not 100%. I will probably move away from this system to a true QH system that allows those joints in the lift arms to work.

Thanks again for the reassurance. I mostly read, read, read on the forum and am glad the community is here.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Maybe you would be happier with these? :confused3:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/421703-going-different-route-quick-hitch.html


https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/425066-new-l6060-top-tilt-euro.html

 

[Redlands Okie]

Pins bent out of alignment is a fairly common problem. Implement not built quite sturdy enough for what they are being used on seems to be a common issue. Replace the pin or if its the frame of the box blade it might be a bit harder to fix. Can happen with the original 3 point set up. Seems the easy hitch system you have may have contributed to the issue.

 

[Trillium Farm]

The pin of the implement on the right arm is bent.

 

[aczlan]

Pins bent out of alignment is a fairly common problem. Implement not built quite sturdy enough for what they are being used on seems to be a common issue. Replace the pin or if its the frame of the box blade it might be a bit harder to fix. Can happen with Kristen the original 3 point set up. Seems the easy hitch system you have may have contributed to the issue.

Check the pin itself as well, I have had some where the "collar" was a press fit and under load it slid away from the nut which made it flop around.

Aaron Z

 

[Redlands Okie]

Pins set up like below will handle a lot of stress. A pin hanging out and fastened on one end is much easier to have problems with. Tolerances and fits have to be much better. Been there and done that more than once.