Quick hitch for 3 point – options

[beowulf]

I have had Pat’s Easy Hitch units for years – in a box in the barn. I never hooked them up after I figured out that I had to get a longer hydraulic top link, and would also have to lengthen the PTO shafts on a couple of implements.

However, I have now decided that I want to try to install them for use on my non-PTO implements (I rarely use the post hole digger and the rotary mower and may sell both) – meaning I only need to worry about the top link issue.

I tried to read all I could find here re the issue. This is what I see as options:

1) Buying a longer hydraulic top link.

2) Buying an adapter for the ‘implement end’ of the top link - in the correct length. (See below)

3) Finding an adapter for the ‘tractor end’ of the top link. (a member here fashioned a great one a while back but I lack his skills).

3) Forgetting about Pat’s unit and buying a three-point quick hitch from TSC or HF.

I am concerned the TSC or HF three-point quick hitches will add weight to the rear and still may not ideally work with the existing top link. The two most expensive choices are buying the TSC 3 Pt quick hitch or a longer hydraulic top link. The least expensive choice is a top link adapter, but as to the ones I have found (see below) – I have a question. (I assume the fork end would connect to the hydraulic top link, and the prong end would connect to the implement with a top link pin).

My concern: It seems that the adapter would or could pivot up when the top link is extended, i.e., now the top link connects directly at a fixed point to the implement and thus can push or pull the top of the implement directly rearward. But maybe the weight of the implement would effectively ‘drop” as the link is extended and thus prevent any upward pivot of the adapter.

I hope I have made this clear enough. I may be overthinking it all, but I would rather hear from members here before I leap.

Top Hitch Adapter-Quick Hitch

Find all of your tractor quick hitches at Agri Supply such as this Top Hitch Adapter Bracket among our many 26,000 plus products.

www.agrisupply.com

 

[ljjhouser]

You are right about the top link. I use Pats. Have for 4 years. I like them. I replaced my top link with one from TSC. It was the longest one they had, I think 34". I do not use my pto. I don't mow with the tractor. But I use a box blade a lot and it works well.

About the added weight. Do you have ballast in your tires? I am going to guess you need the added weight back there. I say that because my L4701 has 40% filled with methanol (about 450 pounds added to both tires). If I have the box blade on (weighs 400 pounds) I still do not have enough ballast to go up a gravel road hill in 2WD - not enough traction. I am in the process of changing to Rim Guard because that will add another 200 pounds to the back. I have to use 4wd going up gravel hill road with anything more than 200 in the bucket.

Might check to see how your tractor is doing ballast wise. You may find you will be happy to add weight.

I have not used the fork device, so I can't help there.

 

[jeff9366]

You can buy a longer manual Top Link from TSC for under $40.00.

There are many web options for Top Links as well.

Goodgle Search: Tractor Top Link

 

[RickB]

Most rotary cutters and post hole diggers have enough forgiveness in PTO shaft length that using Pat's won't require changes to the PTO shaft. Where shaft length quickly becomes problematic is implements with short shaft lengths like tillers and spinner spreaders.
Implement compatibility is a much more significant concern with quick hitches than Pat's.

 

[Foodplot]

I've got Pat's on a large utility tractor that doesn't have extendable lift arms and generally like them. On a compact tractor, I had better luck with these: Welcome to CARTER AND SON'S TOOL AND DIE
The EZ hitch doesn't require longer PTO shafts or top links and offered the added advantage of raising the implement a bit which made tall implements easier to use with the compact tractor. Relative to Pat's, they do require a little more work, as there is no automatic latch to lock the implement's lift pins in place (or to jam with mud). I'm not a fan of the fixed, three-point quick hitches as we have too many implements from too many decades that get used on multiple tractors. Not enough compatibility.

 

[mcfarmall]

That fork adapter thingy goes between the QH and the implement, not between the top link and the QH.

 

[LouNY]

Not the cheapest by any means but in my opinion and having used most every style of 3 point arms and a few quick hitches,
I much prefer the Euro hook type arms.
Such as these;

https://www.agristoreusa.com/products/cat-2-1-lower-link-quick-release-hook-kit

And they are also available from a TBN member, mtnviewranch.

 

[beowulf]

That fork adapter thingy goes between the QH and the implement, not between the top link and the QH.

Mcfarmall - thanks for input. Yeah, I saw those hookups between QH and implements as I searched for options. What I did not know was whether I could use the adapter between the implement end of the top link and the implement to provide the extra length I need.

 

[beowulf]

Not the cheapest by any means but in my opinion and having used most every style of 3 point arms and a few quick hitches,
I much prefer the Euro hook type arms.
Such as these;
View attachment 718772
https://www.agristoreusa.com/products/cat-2-1-lower-link-quick-release-hook-kit

And they are also available from a TBN member, mtnviewranch.

LouNY, I saw these as well - watched a video. Looked great but required welding and some precise cutting and alignments - skills I don't have. Otherwise, a great choice.

 

[beowulf]

I've got Pat's on a large utility tractor that doesn't have extendable lift arms and generally like them. On a compact tractor, I had better luck with these: Welcome to CARTER AND SON'S TOOL AND DIE
The EZ hitch doesn't require longer PTO shafts or top links and offered the added advantage of raising the implement a bit which made tall implements easier to use with the compact tractor. Relative to Pat's, they do require a little more work, as there is no automatic latch to lock the implement's lift pins in place (or to jam with mud). I'm not a fan of the fixed, three-point quick hitches as we have too many implements from too many decades that get used on multiple tractors. Not enough compatibility.

Foodplot, thanks for this. Looks interesting and doable - I will check this out further - only downside I guess is that I already have Pats - but still your option may be better.

A question: you mention (and I see it in the pic) that it rasises the implements a bit. Has that been an issue with using (getting things low enough) for a grading blade or box blade? I could see it might be an issue with a middle buster which I cannot get low enough anyway, or using the rippers on a box blade when you tilt it foward to be more aggressive with the rippers.