We've talked tractors, how about 3-pt hitches?
 

Harbor Freight has a 3-point quick hitch. 25% off single-item coupon until Sunday.

I hate swapping implements, and am missing a lower link of my hitch that adjusts. So I could get this and it would simplify fabrication of a new link.

Good Idea or Junk? I've watched a few youtube videos that point out the issues, so I think it will work with my brush-hog and rake.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-point-quick-hitch-27-3-16-inch-clearance-97214.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609522177.jpg

I've thought quick hitches in the past. Like the idea, but I've got a number of different cat 1 / cat o implements with so much variation in sizes, I probably couldn't use it on everything.

I think if you had one or two implements that would fit on it, buying should be a no brainer. If the HF model didn't work, but the general concept did, you could always upgrade to a John Deere quick hitch or something. A good learning tool to see if it's right for you.

At that price, you can't lose. Don't like it? Sell on CL for $50 or something.

I have JD I max set up, same idea.
It's been a real time saver.
Works on the brush hog, no problem.
Works really well on level ground to hook up.
Some times you have to adjust the hook.
I would get rid of the nut & bolts and go with hitch pins for the hook.
Would work better if you painted it Green.

Bernie

I've had one for years and it works very well on my L frame Kubots. If I'll be using an implement over a long time, I just hook up that implement. If I'll be changing implements to do different things, that comes in handy. I think it cost around $60 back when I bought it.

Damnit. That's a good idea. Now I want one.

Thanks, I have L3710. It's $85ish with coupon, I'm going to go get one.


Sorry Bernie, Orange not Green. Good point about the hitch pins. SmileWavy

I think I can weld a cross bar to the bottom and add a hitch ball w/o it getting the way. Would be nice for moving trailers.

By the way, and it's a longshot, I have a Woods backhoe attachment that I want to sell cheap. No need since I picked up the mini-excavator.

I've had one on my JD 4310 for 17 years. Makes hooking up really easy. You may have to adjust the top link for some attachments, but its no big deal.

Looks like a real time/back saver. What is the load capacity?

I’ve never used one of those but can see how they would be handy if I was switching my 3pt stuff around all the time. My Kubota M5-111 has a modern 3pt and it’s not terrible to put on the rake or rototiller or whatever.

I did add a 3pt to my Case 2670 this fall for some environmental work at reclaimed well sites.

The Kubota was running a 10’ wide Rotospik and the Case was pulling a Paratill.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609550201.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609550260.jpg

Unfortunately I don’t have any photos with the implements but the home built 3pt worked well.

Now I have to go to HF again.

I hate when that happens.

They claim 2000 pounds ;)

Don't forget the coupon. Good until sunday.

UB, I think your rig would tear that HF hitch into a bunch of little pieces.

The Harbor Freight store near me has some in stock. I’m going to go look at it tomorrow.

I bought it yesterday, with the 25% coupon.

Just started snowing, so it may be a while until the install.

I picked one up yesterday. The local HF didn't have any, even though their inventory control said they had 2. Nearest store was 30 miles away, but they did have some. Made in China, but seems to of decent quality. Chinese steel and labor must be really cheap if they save enough to pay to ship these things clear over here. They weigh 57 pounds.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609697709.jpg

I installed easily, and it weighs 55 pounds. It should work with my blade, weight bracket, and roto tiller, but it's too wide to use with my 3 foot disc.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609697709.jpg

The only thing I'm using the 3 point for right now is the weight bracket.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609697709.jpg

It moves the hitch back about 6" and adds 57 pounds to the back of the tractor, both welcome when I'm using the loader.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609697709.jpg

The pins fit really loose in the hooks. I'm afraid that's going to be a problem with the roto tiller because it jumps and bangs around a lot.

That looks like a lot of give & take for those pins. My old one has the bolt mechanism and it's a lot tighter. Takes a little more time to install something by a couple of minutes. Maybe you could make a couple of slide-on bushings to fit around to make a tighter fit.

Yeah, I was thinking some kind of steel bushing. I don't think a regular 3-point ball would fit, but that would be sweet. I'm going to get one and try it, maybe have to grind flats on two sides. It's OK with the weight bracket, but for the tiller and snow blade I might even slide a piece of rubber hose over it.

That is not good. That is waayyy too much play.

How about an outer sleeve over the pin?

I looked at other, similar set ups, they all seem the same.

Let me know how it works. I have a PTO powered RT as well.

I think the difference is cat1 to cat2?

One video recommended Quick hitch bushings, I've seen them on eBay, tractor supply, or Amazon.

Tractor Supply also has a pin with a bigger diameter, which is cheaper. I may just tack weld some scrap tubing over the existing pins.

Your missing a metal sleeve that goes over the lower pins.
I put them on all my implements.
Tractor Supply or any tractor dealer will have them.
They are cheap.
The center ID. & OD.. are standard.
They do come in different lengths.
In a pinch 1" gal plumbing couplers have worked.

Bernie

Hitch pin diameters
 

Lower hitch pin diameters and spreads:
CAT I 7/8" ; 15-3/4"
CAT II 1-1/8" ; 32-1/2"
CAT III 1-7/16" ; 38"

Bushings from one category to next readily available in hardened material from most tractor/implement suppliers.

Maybe. A ct2 pin would certainly fit in the hook. Maybe they were looking for a universal size.

Am I the only one who does not see a need for such a thing? It's not that difficult to switch tractor implements and frankly, something banging around back there would bother me too much.

They don't bang if they're hooked up properly and the lift arms are tight.

I opted out, too. The attachments I use are all on dollies which makes hooking them up pretty easy. Plus, my HF was sold out.

It could be a Godsend to me if it works. The rototiller weights 400 lbs. and doesn't slide easily even on concrete. The Kubota doesn't have extendable lower links. Hooking it up is a literal pain in my back, and my back has enough trouble as it is.

Went to TSC this morning. None of the cheap bushings were the right size, but they did have a bushing kit. It's held onto the pin by roll pins that go through the lynchpin holes. It's a great solution except for the price - $34. Someone on eBay is selling the same lift arm kit plus a top link bushing for $4x.xx. I think I'm going to order one for the roto tiller. It's a bear when you hit a rock.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609790258.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609790258.jpg

A simple bushing would have created its own problems. The quick hitch obscures part of the lynchpin hole.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609790258.jpg

The bushing fits in the quick hitch receiver nice and snug.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1609790258.jpg

I'm going to need the top link bushing for the roto tiller. I can put a piece of hose over the pin for the weight bracket and the snow blade.

Did you say you have concrete? OK, then a suggestion. Can you somehow find a blue CHPP pallet, screw some flooring on one side, and lag bolt some heavy duty castors on the flooring, to make a moving platform for the rototiller? I think that would make it a cinch. 400 lbs is still on the small side for me. I think my box scraper probably weighs around that much.

That's a good idea, and it might work. The place I store it is just inside a sliding door that is about 6" wider than the tiller. Getting to it is a royal pain. If I put it on a rolling pallet I could wheel it out to a more accessible place.

^ What you need is a farm forklift.

You can use a pallet and pallet jack too.

Sorry WD, looks like my thread sent you down a slippery slope....... SmileWavy

I have pallet forks for the FEL. I can put it on a pallet and move it in and out of the barn. Hooking up would be a lot easier if I didn't have to work in such a constricted space.

Yeah, but I have a feeling my back will thank you. That cortisone shot won't last forever.

How is that hitch for moving trailers around?

the QD seems like it'd add a lot more slop.

Piece of cake. I don't have to get off the tractor.