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

[dad911]

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

[LEAKYSEALS951]

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.

[latunabernie]

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

[Evans, Marv]

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.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by latunabernie

I would get rid of the nut & bolts and go with hitch pins for the hook.

Bernie

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

[dad911]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

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.

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.

[dad911]

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.

[devodave]

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.

[wdfifteen]

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

[unclebilly]

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.





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

[Crowbob]

Now I have to go to HF again.

I hate when that happens.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

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

They claim 2000 pounds

Originally Posted by Crowbob

Now I have to go to HF again.

I hate when that happens.

Don't forget the coupon. Good until sunday.

[rusnak]

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

[wdfifteen]

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

[dad911]

I bought it yesterday, with the 25% coupon.

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

[wdfifteen]

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.



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.



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



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.



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.

[Evans, Marv]

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.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

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.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

That looks like a lot of give & take for those pins. My old one has the bolt mechanism and it's a lot tighter.

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.

[dad911]

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.