Pat's Quick Hitch Pointers

[Dranrab]

Hi folks. It's your resident n00b again. I hate being the n00b asking all the new guy questions, but I am the new guy and I do have questions. Thanks for suffering/indulging my ignorance.

On the recommendation of quite a few folks here I ordered Pats Quick Hitch. I later learned that there was a spreader bar that can be used with it. Is the spreader bar necessary? Since I will be out at my acreage and away from most of my tools when I install them, what will I need to get them properly installed?

 

[CobyRupert]

Not necessary, but the spreader bar is handy, and only temporarily used, when backing up to the attachment to keep the tractors lift arm at the correct width apart to align with the attachment's pins. A bungy cord and a stick would do the same thing.

 

[Dranrab]

Thanks Coby. Does the quick hitch need and/or come with bushings?

 

[oldballs]

The bushings, if needed, go on the implement ears.

 

[doneill127]

As said above it’s handy but not required. My opinion is if you spend the money on the hitch why hassle with sticks and bungees etc when the whole purpose of the hitch is to make life easier. I have my spreader bar marked for the width of different attachments. If you bought a cat 1 you shouldn’t need any bushing for cat 1 attachments.

 

[YLee Kioti]

Used to struggle but here's what I did.
The four 5/16 screws can angle your hitch inwards/outwards.
Mine are now adjusted to where both will slide in up against the inside portion of the implement, then the arms will spread slightly and hitch right up easily.

 

[fried1765]

Not necessary, but the spreader bar is handy, and only temporarily used, when backing up to the attachment to keep the tractors lift arm at the correct width apart to align with the attachment's pins. A bungy cord and a stick would do the same thing.

You can make your own spreader bar, using a piece of 3/8 rebar bent down at each end.
One bar for each different width implement.

 

[Wagtail]

Thanks Coby. Does the quick hitch need and/or come with bushings?

As oldballs mentioned, the bushings are for the implements you're going to use with the quickhitch. Two per implement on the lower pins. Typically, the bushings are a standard length/diameter for your Category however (and there's always a 'however', isn't there? :laughing sometimes you'll require an extended bushing. [My 'gratuitous' JD ballast box needed those]

Bushings are a separate purchase and can be found at any rural supply shop or dealership. Get a set for each implement you're going to use with the quickhitch... plus a spare set for future use.

 

[Dranrab]

As oldballs mentioned, the bushings are for the implements you're going to use with the quickhitch. Two per implement on the lower pins. Typically, the bushings are a standard length/diameter for your Category however (and there's always a 'however', isn't there? :laughing sometimes you'll require an extended bushing. [My 'gratuitous' JD ballast box needed those]

Bushings are a separate purchase and can be found at any rural supply shop or dealership. Get a set for each implement you're going to use with the quickhitch... plus a spare set for future use.

Does the quick hitch not ship with any bushings?

 

[Wagtail]

Does the quick hitch not ship with any bushings?

I don't know (I've got a JD iMatch quickhitch). The Pat's system might. :confused3:

If it does it will only be one set, which you would then have to swap around with all of the other 3PH implements that you have or will get in the future... which kind'da defeats part of the purpose of the 'quick' part of the 'quickhitch'.

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Addendum: I just clicked on the (blue) link to the Pat's quick hitch, offered by/via TBN... it's just the two-piece hitch. A stabilising bar is offered, for an added price.

NO bushings included.