Pat's Easy Change problem disconnecting Pats Easy Change

[rico304]

I've searched and tired of reading through posts. SO... this is my problem.
I have the Pat's Easy Change system on my JD. I don't have the instrucions for them.

To release, you have to pull up on the lever. As you lift lever on easy change up, the piece that holds the implement in place is supposed to retract into the easy change system. Works great with no implement on it. When there is an implement on/in system, I cannot pull the lever (on system) up all the way. I see it catching on the implement pins. Sorry about poor explanation.
Hope you know what I'm trying to say.
The implement pin doesn't allow the easy change to retract. I have to keep re positioning the implement. I can get one off, but the other one won't release.
If you understand my jumbled post, please explain it to others better by using proper terms! hahaha
Is there some adjustment to make lifting the easy change release lever easier?

 

[rico304]

I do lower my 3ph all the way, but maybe it might help if I off load implement onto a pallet? I'll give it a try this weekend. Thanks!

 

[RollTideRam]

My Pat's sticks some on my KK rake, mainly because the pins are not straight. I have no problems if I lift the rake up before I open and lock the easy change. Then let it down on the ground. JC

 

[greg_g]

I do lower my 3ph all the way, but maybe it might help if I off load implement onto a pallet? I'll give it a try this weekend. Thanks!

Implement pin location is a consideration too. I've got a dozen or so various implements that I use with my PEC. No two have identical pin heights. When dropping one implement in favor of another, I'm often adjusting the vertical distance between upper and lower lift arms. This adjustment is independent of the hydraulics.

//greg//

 

[3RRL]

When you lower all the way is it on level ground? If not, there might still be some tension on the pins to the latch?
Also check to see if PEC is on square on your lower drag links. If they are a little cocked they could also bind a little.

 

[GIJOE]

rico304,

I installed the PEC Friday after Thanksgiving and immediately noticed the same problems your are having. I realized when there is an implement attached to the tractor and raised off the ground, the tail weight of the implement forces the lift pins forward and up into the latch lever of the PEC, preventing them from being opened. If the implement is on the ground and unlevel, or there is no weight on the lift arms the latch lever will also bind and not open. What you need to do is drop the implement to the ground and unhook the top link first. Raise the implement a few inches off the ground and unlatch the PEC, then lower your lift arms from the implement. Once I figured that out after the first time it happened, I haven't had that issue since.
Hope this helps.
Joe

 

[RoyJackson]

So far, no problems unhooking from Pat's Easy Change. Something I do that may (or may not) help is disconnect the upper link first, then the PTO shaft (if rigged)...then disconnect from the Pat's Easy Change.
Hope this helps you folks...

Oops...I see GIJoe beat me to it.

 

[rico304]

Awesome! I'll give it a try and report back

 

[Racer71]

Make sure they are square and level.

1 Set the gap between them at about 26" for a cat 1 tractor.
2 Get a 1" pipe and put in both side at the same time. Larger than the 7/8 pin diameter.
3 Set the lower arms level with a level.
4 Shim the bottom of Pat's system level.
5 Square with the adjusting bolts.

I also use a wrench to increase my leverage on the release arm if needed.

 

[PATG]

rico304,

you can check out the instructions for PEC at this link:

New Page 2

Let me know if you are still having a problem, if so just call me at 888-243-4204 and maybe we can help.

Thanks
Pat of Pat's Easy Change

 

[sugarmaple]

On the subject of Pat's Easy Change, does anyone have any clever solutions to PTO shafts being too short? It seems like the shaft length shouldn't be so critical as to not allow for the length difference. What with this and top and tilt, it seems like the permutations and expense are endless, to say nothing of parts storage and constant rearranging of the 3ph setup.

 

[RoyJackson]

On the subject of Pat's Easy Change, does anyone have any clever solutions to PTO shafts being too short? It seems like the shaft length shouldn't be so critical as to not allow for the length difference. What with this and top and tilt, it seems like the permutations and expense are endless, to say nothing of parts storage and constant rearranging of the 3ph setup.

I haven't bought one yet, but there are PTO shaft extenders. These fit on the tractor PTO shaft (locked on like a regular implement PTO shaft) and extend the shaft about 5 or 6 inches...just enough.
I do need one for my RFM PTO shaft.
These should be available at your local Tractor Supply for about 20 bucks.

 

[AlanB]

I run a push lock attaching ORC on mine and it takes up about as much length as the Pat's, they are available from Agri Supply online if you do not have a local dealer.

As too the original poster, I think what you are describing is that the weight of the lift arms is holding down against the pins, which will not allow you to lift the lever.

2 options I see,
1. lift the levers while the implement is still suspended in the air by the 3 point.
2. If you have already set the implement down, and the second lift arm is hanging (which is what makes me think this is the case) then just grab the lift arm and lift a little. There is nothing keeping your lift arms from raising, but the weight of the mechanism holds them down.

Short version, you have the weight of the three point lift hanging against the trip on that second hook, and that will keep you from lifting it.

 

[greg_g]

Whereas an ORC represents an extension, there's really no need to spend that kind of money. For about half the price of an ORC, I bought a purpose-made PTO adapter (#11976) that adds 4" to the existing PTO length. See Search Results: pto adapter

//greg//