Quick attach for tractors

[SusanO]

I searched and didn’t see much. So here goes : I have a 22 HP sub compact tractor and a Premier arena drag ( identical to a Parma). I find it VERY difficult to get it attached to the three point hitch and to take it off the tractor. I was stupid the last time I used it and set it down in the barn on top of several hay bales. So it was uneven when I tried to hitch it up. Finally with a hammer and a hydraulic jack I got it connected. I get out to arena and the angle is not right. It is tilted with the front half too low so the leveler and roller don’t touch the ground.

My attempt to detach the top of the hitch and fix that really farked things up and I thought I would never get it detached. But normally it is very hard to get it on the three point hitch. I can get two of the three points on but the third one takes brute strength - which I don’t have and a lot of time. And lots of cussing.

So I got the idea that maybe a quick hitch would make it easier and faster to hook it up. The only other thing I use the tractor for is the manure spreader which uses the tongue and doesn’t need the three point hitch. I do have a box blade that might be useful but I can’t get it on the tractor.

Anybody use a quick hitch to attach their arena drag? How does it work?

[Bluey]

Quick attach makes life so, so much easier, get one, definitely.

Once you set it for your tractor, then set implements for the quick hitch, all you have to do is back to the implement and lift the quick hitch and it self hooks.

Mine I pull two handles, one on each side of the top of the quick hitch up, hook and push the handles down.

I have a 9’ TR3 arena drag and I put it on three old pallets for best height to hook it up and take it off.

[Guilherme]

There are a number of “quick attachment” systems out there. This is the one I use:

http://www.pats3pointhitchsystem.com/

I could actually buy a set of “quick attach” ends for my small John Deere but that would cost me north of $2000. My big Deere has them as standard equipment. It would be worth checking to see if such are available for your tractor and how much they are. Most OEM stuff is wildly expensive which is why there are aftermarket alternatives!!!

Shop around and you’ll likely find something you can use.

As to your current situation, you may have bent something and if you did then you have to either “unbend” it or replace it if you want to restore functionality.

G.

[Hilary]

I also have the Pats system and I love it. You don’t have to have any counterparts for the implements and if you have a category 1 piece you just use the sleeves to make the pins match the hitch.

There are still days where I can’t for the life of me back up perpendicular to the attachment but overall it’s a lot easier.

[SusanO]

The only thing I bent was my back and my elbow. So does the top ( 3rd part of the 3 point hitch) have a hook too on the Pats system? I can’t tell from the picture. It sounds like that is what I need. Cheaper than a new back.

[Hilary]

Pat’s hooks go on the 2 horizontal arms. You still have to get the top link attached, and yes, I’ve had some days when my mower was canted backwards so my top link was too short and even with the 2 arms attached I couldn’t make it reach. It’s not 100% easy, but it’s easier than trying to get the pins on the implement lined up with the holes in the balls on the hitch arms.

Getting at least the first 2 pieces attached means you have the tractor’s strength to help wiggle the machine around.

[Brigitte]

Comparing Pat’s hooks to this type of quick attach, does anyone have any thoughts?
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660668_200660668

[Jim_in_PA]

I’ve been using the Pat’s quick attach with my Kubota BX22 for many years now. Easy to use and you don’t need separate pieces for each implement other than the special large fender washers and clips on the ends of the horizontal pins. The product from Northern Tool also looks nice, but I have no experience with it…they don’t like folks in the Northeast US and don’t have any stores here as a result, apparently.

[Brian]

@Brigitte

Comparing Pat’s hooks to this type of quick attach, does anyone have any thoughts?
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660668_200660668

We have that style on our JD 4720 with a hydraulic top link. Works great for hooking up or disconnecting the TR3 as well as being able to change the angle of the drag while “on the go”.

Unlike the Pat’s system, not every Cat. 1 implement will work with this style quick hitch because either the frame design on the implement isn’t compatible or because the top link on the quick hitch doesn’t have enough adjustment to match the implement. Most of these hitches come with a top link adapter.

I would think TSC and most farm stores would stock these hitches for Cat. 1 & 2

[Guilherme]

@Brigitte

Comparing Pat’s hooks to this type of quick attach, does anyone have any thoughts?
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660668_200660668

I’ve used a system like this in the past that I bought from the Co-Op (IIRC). It’s not a bad system but you have to be careful it because you can bend your PTO shaft on certain implements with this system. Mine was damaged by a ham-fisted operator some time back and I never replaced it. I was happy to find the Pat’s system.

If you have top link problem you might have to buy a longer top link. You can find these at TS or your Co-Op and maybe at Northern.

G.

[Brian]

@Guilherme

I’ve used a system like this in the past that I bought from the Co-Op (IIRC). It’s not a bad system but you have to be careful it because you can bend your PTO shaft on certain implements with this system. Mine was damaged by a ham-fisted operator some time back and I never replaced it. I was happy to find the Pat’s system.

If you have top link problem you might have to buy a longer top link. You can find these at TS or your Co-Op and maybe at Northern.

G.

I would think the optional stabilizer bar on the Pat’s system would potentially have a higher risk of interference with a PTO shaft than a 3 point quick hitch…especially when raising or lowering the implement with the PTO attached.

[Guilherme]

@Brian

I would think the optional stabilizer bar on the Pat’s system would potentially have a higher risk of interference with a PTO shaft than a 3 point quick hitch…especially when raising or lowering the implement with the PTO attached.

The stabilizer bar is only used on hookup (and maybe unhook). Once the implement is attached the stabilizer bar has no function and is removed.

G.

[Jim_in_PA]

The other thing that helps with the Pat’s system is making sure that the 3pt arm adjustment method is “solid”. The original adjustment links on my BX22 were made with turn-buckles and were a bit too loosie-goosie to keep the arms spread to the preferred width. I replaced them with modified solid adjustment arms from the larger B-series tractors and that works out to be rock solid. The same situation may be true for other sub-compacts, but I don’t know if it is.

[Simkie]

@Guilherme

There are a number of “quick attachment” systems out there. This is the one I use:

http://www.pats3pointhitchsystem.com/

FYI for those interested in this system: buy on Amazon to save some bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/Category-Pats-Easy-Change-Stabilizer/dp/B00U00AUNW/

That free shipping for prime members makes a difference.

[Jim_in_PA]

There are often better deals on the Pat’s system on TractorByNet…right now, it’s $157 there.

https://store.tractorbynet.com/Default.asp

[Simkie]

@Jim_in_PA

There are often better deals on the Pat’s system on TractorByNet…right now, it’s $157 there.

https://store.tractorbynet.com/Default.asp

Amazon still cheaper once you get to shipping (Gotta have prime, though.)

[Jim_in_PA]

@Simkie

Amazon still cheaper once you get to shipping (Gotta have prime, though.)

TBN’s price with shipping to me is $177. Amazon Prime to me is $195. I’m a heavy Prime user, but have learned to shop around to insure that the prices are actually good on higher ticket items when it’s not just about convenience. Amazon’s prices are not always lower than other sources, even with Prime.

[Simkie]

@Jim_in_PA

TBN’s price with shipping to me is $177. Amazon Prime to me is $195. I’m a heavy Prime user, but have learned to shop around to insure that the prices are actually good on higher ticket items when it’s not just about convenience. Amazon’s prices are not always lower than other sources, even with Prime.

The prime option comes with the stabilizer bar; the TBN option you’re pricing doesn’t. Apples to apples is 195 to 202.

[Jim_in_PA]

Sorry, I missed the stabilizer bar, but I didn’t think about it since I don’t have it with mine.

[Brigitte]

@Guilherme

The stabilizer bar is only used on hookup (and maybe unhook). Once the implement is attached the stabilizer bar has no function and is removed.

G.

That makes more sense! I was trying to figure out how the Pat’s stayed still. If the stabilizer bar is then removed, I shouldn’t have to worry about any interference. My tractor is an older (probably about 1978) JD 950. I don’t know if that makes any difference or not.