Is Pat's Easy Change the Best Hook Up for 3 Point Implements?

One of the things everyone seems to hate about a tractor is the difficulty in attaching rear implements on the three point hitch. Especially if you're new to tractors, getting everything perfectly lined up so the lower link arms go around the pins can be a frustrating and time consuming job. So anytime someone comes up with an easier way to hook up an implement, I want to know more.
My neighbor, Chuck, bought a new tractor this spring and it didn't come with extendable lower link arms. He was complaining about how hard it was to attach his brush hog and blade and so we decided to try a quick hitch. We ordered it this summer and posted a video. I just couldn't give it my wholehearted endorsement. It worked great on his blade, but his brush hog was a little wider so the quick hitch wouldn't work on it at all without major modification. It's now sitting in my barn.
After I posted that video, several people mentioned that Pat's Easy Change was a better way of hooking up implements. A few weeks ago I contacted the company about doing an evaluation. They're really nice people and they sent me a set a couple of weeks ago and we put them on neighbor Chuck's tractor this past Sunday.
Pat's Easy Change works great for quick hook up. Chuck and I gave it two thumbs up. It's based on the "eagle claw" design that you see on a lot of the bigger farming tractors. It's basically open at the top so you get under the pins of the implement, then raise the three point and your lower link arms are connected. A locking mechanism keeps the pins from jumping out of the cradle during field operation. There's a stabilizer bar included that holds the tractor's lower link arms at the correct width while you're backing up that makes everything work really slick.
We installed the Pat's Easy Change on Chuck's tractor in under 15 minutes with me filming and a very limited amount of tools. I had misgivings about how snugly they'd fit, but with the spacers, which are provided, the jam bolts, and a unique U-bolt design that holds everything in place, they're rock solid. It's a very nice design and I think Chuck will be pleased with it. I'm considering ordering a set for my tractor, even though I have extendable links. This system is much quicker. I have a slightly used quick hitch for sale.
The only complaint I have is, you still have to get off the tractor seat to connect the top link. But, if you're hooking up a PTO driven implement, you'd have to get off to connect that, so it's really not a big deal. Once you have the lower link arms attached, the top link connection is easy.
The folks that make Pat's Easy Change agreed that if I gave the product my approval that I could become a dealer for them and sell the system on my website. I sure think it's a winner! If you'd like to purchase what you see in the video, go to this link: asktractormike.... You will need to know if you're tractor is category I, which has 7/8" lower link ball holes, category II, which has 1 1/16" lower link ball holes, or category III, which has 1 7/8" ball holes, before ordering. Most tractors will be category I.
Why no company has offered tractors from the factory with an easy hookup like this is beyond me. Every tractor need's Pat's Easy Change to make implement changes a breeze.
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[@smhyde]

Great video. Great hitch system. Installation tip: Once you have both sides loosely installed and you're trying to get the angle correct, lock a broomstick into both sides of the quick hitch. A broomstick will line them up very closely for you and then you just have to tighten up all the bolts. One thing I didn't hear mentioned in the video was the fact that you may very well have to buy a new top link that is about 4" longer than stock. It's an added expense but still well worth it to have the Pat's Quick Hitch system on your tractor. Finally, be absolutely sure to take the accessory spreader bar off after you hook up. I didn't do this and bent mine in the first 20 minutes of owning the hitch. The spreader bar is not meant to be left on while the implement is in use.

[@joshuapreusser2265]

Definitely a nice product. However, this is one of several videos I've seen now that makes me grateful I've never had to work with tractors that didn't have telescoping/extendable lower link arms. It just seems really time consuming and effort wasting (or completely futile with heavier pieces of equipment) to not be able to just get "close enough" and extend the link arm to make the connection .....and spending additional money on quick hitches (which may not always work) or other alternate means of working around imperfect alignments during implement hookup just makes me wonder why telescoping link ends aren't a standard feature.

[@born2flyau]

MIke, You mentioned shortning your PTO shaft. In fact you would have to lengthen it 3 inches to compensate for the longer lift arms. otherwise there is a risk of the PTO shaft seperating causing serious damage.

[@TractorMike]

Yeah, I had a brain fart, I gave the complete opposite of what I should have said. Don't know what I was thinking...

[@perrymerlo7525]

born2flyau was t

[@stevemcginnis7993]

A little trick for this quick hitch. My dad uses a small chain instead of the spacer bar for different width attachments as you back up to the attachment pull up on the chain till your lift arms are at the right width.

[@carlosjoelgarcia3200]

It would be nice to post a video on that idea.

[@rahangman]

I've had mine for 3 yrs and found it to be very good. My only concern was the adjustable bolt hardware were not grade 8, but Pats Disconnect sent me replacements which solved the problem (no charge) I use a box blade, angle blade, and 6' bush hog on my Kubota L3400 hst in hilly fields in Arkansas Ozarks with no problems and I did the install myself.

[@eugenedennis2897]

I wrote to you about Pat's Easy Change when I first got mine about how much I liked them. Months later and many uses later I am still liking the product a lot. It has made my tractor life much easier.

[@earlgreer126]

This Pats Quick hitch is the cats meow. It is great! So much easier to hook up implements. I couldn’t use the I-match hitch from John Deere because all of my eight implements are different spacing on the pins widths. I do most of the tractor work at my ranch by myself which means there is no one to help me line-up the implements. It’s hard enough to line up these implements with the three point arms but with the Pats Quick Hitch, it is simple. Great system. Thank you Mike for your video of this.

[@DanielLee89501]

I have been hesitant about ordering this product. After watching this video I ordered one from Mike. It arrived the very next day! I installed it the following day and changed my first implement. Boy what used to take me up to fifteen minutes (of mostly repositioning) before hooking up, now took me less than one minute. I did make one “improvement” on the spreader bar. I painted it bright yellow. This way it will be more visible to me if it finds it’s way into my field. I hope this helps someone.

[@annabelle2361]

Daniel, Brilliant idea - thank you.

[@rc4j]

Great idea!! I just bought a used Pat's set, and was already thinking of painting mine JD green. I'll definitely be painting the spreader bar yellow, as you suggested. 🚜

[@rogercansler3709]

Watched this video, and after about 5 months of debating, I bought a set. Now the old hassle of getting on, off, on, off to align pins etc are a thing of the past. Very pleased and thank you.

[@TractorMike]

Thank you for your business!

[@greenappealpropertycare8808]

Thanks for posting Mike. I've been wondering about these for a year or so now. I really appreciate your videos and the effort you put into them! Mike from Canada.

[@rjvan9220]

Hello Mike, I'm also in the Ozarks and raise cattle. I go from bottom land all the way to rocky hills. I was sceptical about the hitch but after watching the video it seems like a quality well made product. There seems to be so much worthless garbage available that just don't perform, this looks great! It would save me a lot of time building fences as I is both a auger and a shaver post driver while working a new fence line. I could very quickly swap out tools as conditions changed. Looks very well made! Thanks

[@davidmiddleton8481]

I recently installed Pat's Easy Change hitch. It's working fine but the pin on one side took a lot of driving to get in. The lower arms move and clank more than usual which does not seem to be a problem but it does get my attention and make me look back to check it.

[@williamhumphries1869]

Best money I've ever spent! Makes changing implements by yourself very easy. No straining,pushing or pulling. I did have to get a longer top link.

[@thendrickson57]

Mike, I’ve used Pat’s Quick Hitch on my Kubota for 5 years now with zero problems. The brush cutter worked fine with the stock top link, but I did have to buy a longer top link to use with my box blade though. Not a big deal.

[@hyattfamilyfarmtractoradve6066]

I changed out the 4 adjustment bolts out for grade 8. The ones that come with the lit are too soft.

[@larrypatterson3957]

I tried a couple of easy attachments just like Chuck...They wouldn't work for all my implements. I saw a video of Pat's Easy Change System and bought it. Like you said, it took me about thirty minutes to install. I couldn't be happier. Now rather than fighting it, I just back up and lift it up. I have had mine for five years and haven't had a problem. I use with a BrushHog, Cultivator, Box Blade, Single-Board Plow, Debris Rake and a Circular Arena Rake. I am too cheap to pay for the spreader so I got some square tube and round stock, welded a nut on to the square stock and installed a screw handle, bent the round stock and I use it. It looks like theirs but was less than ten dollars.

[@thomasrouse3826]

I have used these for several years because I have some cat 1and some cat 2 width implements. The only issue with this system is that if the jam nuts get loose, the shim will fall out. It’s no big deal, it still works but it’s not level. Also, the spring that holds the lever closed can give way. When that happens, you just use a piece of rope or tie down strap to keep the lever closed. I got 3 years out of my first set & got my second set last fall. I now know to check the nuts & make sure they are tight every time especially the ones on the U.

[@kawkid]

Great product. Took a few times to get used to it. It worked great once I greased the hook area. Without the grease one side always seemed to hang up and I'd have to shake the implement to get it to drop in. Still much easier than trying to line up 2 1" holes.

[@BB4spd]

Get grade 8 bolts to replace the ones that come with it. Mine kept coming loose. I think they kept stretching and would come loose.

[@hansvanmeenen9331]

I bought a 3 point bar on hydraulic cylindre. Top , no hand turning, just manipulate one of the two sticks to adjust. Easy to put 3 point bar on, and in field great for adjusting implement.

[@jbarnes7686]

this have been the best thing i have added so far! I did have to buy a extra long top link from TSC, but other that that it is just bolt a go! What was a complete nightmare for often over 30 min is now less than 3!!! IF i had anything to improve it would be the washers. while they do work, i do get hung up on them sometimes. But it has literally gone from HATING change over to "ok, done in a few min"

[@dafarm9814]

I have had a set of Pat's easy change system for my JD 4410 and one for my Kubota 5740 for about 5 years. They work great and make life much easier

[@freda1078]

I have had these on a case JX70 and a MF1705 for over a year and they do make life easier. I would buy them again if needed.

[@dickwestheimer]

It would be great if you offered a top link extender that mounts tractor side. My hydro top link is not long enough to be fully useful with my easy hitch system.

[@luvbigiron]

I have had this attachment for a long time and I love how much easier it is to hook up an implement. I do not have the width setting option. I believe that was a design change after I bought mine.

[@kentrandall8838]

Put a set of pats on my Kubota B7800 about 4 months ago love them, had a tiller that my lift arms would not open far enough to go around pins each, time I hooked up and unhooked had to remove sway chains to get them wide enough. was a pain and took about 30 min to hook up, with quick hitch can now just back in and lift, Quick tip they work best if perfectly in line with each other. Get a broom handle or large dowel and lay it across both sides of hitch, looking down on hitch you can see which way to adjust jam bolts to get perfect alignment, adjust one time then when you remove broom handle will be very easy to hook and unhook, if they are not lined up right will sometime not drop off of pins when you lower arms, also someone mentioned the keeper will sometimes pop off, they are just held on by a cotter pin and simple to stick in a new pin to repair.

[@OhioHillTopsHobbyFarm]

This looks like a great upgrade, I was sent over by Hamiltonville farms and like how this seems more adaptable to different implements than the quick hitch. Great review, Thanks!

[@ewoid64]

Thanks for this, Mike. Your instructions are MUCH better than the ones that come with the product.

[@NSNorfolk]

Mike, I have a set of those and they stayed on for just under 1 season before they came off and got put away. Those things are a real pain! Better to enjoy my Kubota's extendable drag links to connect the 3 point.

[@davekana8388]

My 1990 Massey is the non-adjustable type you’re speaking of Mike. What a pain to change implements. Pat’s Easy Change👍

[@gregabernathy6249]

I put a Pat's on my L3301 several months ago and love it. Wouldn't go without it now.

[@DIYMyWay]

I currently have Pat's Easy Change system too, which is nice, but I still have to hook up the top link. I'm considering a Quick Hitch. Problem is there is a lot of different definitions of "Quick Hitch Compatible" and the pin spacing and top link height vary quite a bit among "Quick Hitch Compatible" attachment makers. Even the dimensions of the quick hitches themselves vary between brands. I am making a spreadsheet of the dimensions of my attachments as well the dimensions of various Cat 1 quick hitches. I'll buy the one that will fit them all if I find it.

[@Platinum1812]

I think these will help me, I've ordered an off brand but will try them out and see. I actual only have a box blade and a backhoe but I'm trying to speed up changes and not have to shove the heavy box blade or reposition the tractor.

[@MiserableOldFart]

The additional distance added by the hooks, in some instances, like when plowing snow with the rear blade on our gravel road, required adding a longer top link.. These are easily gotten from Tractor Supply, etc. Wouldn't own a tractor without Pat's attachments. Huge difference.

[@donrenfro3750]

Would you have a part number or center body length for the Tractor Supply top link?

[@fxpestoperator5527]

I purchased the Category 2 for my 100hp Kubota and they are wonderful!!!

[@MrKen-longrangegrdhogeliminato]

Pat's Easy Change, easy to put on. and are a great tool to minimizes getting fussed up at hooking up and unhooking equipment!

[@tyler71385]

I bought a set last year and sent them back to Agri-Supply. All my PTO shafts ended up too short. Great concept but the extra length may cause you problems.

[@trigabbey]

A simple PTO extension is what I used... I wouldn't have a tractor without Pat's hitch system..

[@bille6182]

Maybe I'm missing something, but as someone else commented, my Kubota has extendable link arms. The biggest issue with hooking things up is getting the link arms lined up with the implement pins/pin-holes. Extendable mostly solves that. This doesn't doesn't solve the line-it-up problem, does mean no more trying to get pins thru everything, but I haven't found that to be a huge problem. I guess I just need to be able to back up better.

[@GrayManPrepping]

I love my Pat's Easy Change that I have on my 9N. Works great on all of my different sized attachments.

[@MrKen-longrangegrdhogeliminato]

I have Pats Easy Change, they are a great helper in hooking up and unhooking equipment.

[@darrylhatch1636]

Hi, I have had my eye on a 3 point quick hitch to help ease the connecting up of the more awkward (2 people required) implements. Unfortunately they are different widths, so I did not know what to do until I seen this video. Looks like the perfect solution. As you said the top link is usually no big deal as you need to connect the PTO shaft anyways. Thanks from way over here on the West coast of Canada. I'll let you know my experience with them.

[@DeniseSkidmore]

Just got mine hooked up. Nice and easy install, basic machine knowledge needed, and hook-up took not too long and 0 crowbars. The spreader bar intersects with where my PTO shaft needs to be, should have removed the spreader bar before lifting the implement.

[@DeniseSkidmore]

My PTO was long enough, but my top link was a half inch too short...

[@marlinguidegun1657]

I have this and have been using it for a few months now. I like it, it is much faster to hook and unhook implements. When using it on a ballast box, I had to extend the top link of the three point hitch to the point that the link twice managed to unscrew and come loose on me. I got in the habit of tightening the lock nut and that never happened again, but the extra three inches did make that possibility more probable. The other problem that I had is that I noticed that the swing-out catch would occasionally swing out of the way with use, just due to vibration. If I saw it swung away, I'd move it back into place, but once I hit a bump when the catch was out of the way and the resulting shock of the 600# box bouncing up and down caused the catch to come loose on one side. Since the other side was still attached, it twisted the box and caused damage to the top link and the pin support on the box. Getting the whole thing unhooked so that I could repair it was a task, but I managed to repair everything just fine and when I replaced the top link, I used an extra long one which fit better anyways. I'm happy with the product and would buy it again, but now I put a heavy rubber band around the catch keeper to prevent it from disengaging. Its a good product, very well made and well designed, but you might want to get a longer top link (I think that I spent $40 on the link at Tractor Supply), and definitely put something around the keeper to prevent it from disengaging under heavy use.

[@jimerig1343]

Thanks for the video Mike, those certainly seem better for people who have a mix of different brand and age attachments like I do. Just thought I would point out, you mentioned cutting the drive shaft but maybe you were thinking because he had a quick hitch before? Adding three inches to the lower links will not cause you to have to cut or shorten a drive shaft that was previously on the tractor. However, It could end up too short if you were already running a short drive shaft.

[@TractorMike]

Yeah, that's exactly the opposite of what I should have said...it may need to be made longer, not shorter. DUH! Not one of my better days...Chuck's cologne may have damaged my brain!

[@jimnowak3960]

Mike you are the cat's meow. Thanks for all the great tips.

[@johnnycincoguitar]

I purchased something very similar from Tractor Supply. I think I like this system better as it wraps completely around the lift arm. Mine are open on one side and it allows for a bit more wiggle room which makes keeping the jam nuts. It was also nice because my rotary cutter was so close I couldn't lift it up until I put these "extenders" on. Now I can lift it up with no worries. If that one still fits CAT1 pins directly that is good. Most others are CAT2 which require you to use bushings or the nicer fittings. That is an additional cost as they are about $16/pair on amazon or 25 from a dealer if you have to convert cat1 to cat2. without the arms would get rounded over. It made it easier for my setup for sure.

[@curtwhite876]

Looks pretty simple. I have a quick hitch, but this looks like a better all around solution. I'll look forward to the follow-up video.

[@drgnner6028]

I have a quick hitch and Pats easy change. Nobody tells you that when hooking up a finish mower to the quick hitch, you will need an adapter for the top link so the mower will still float. Pats is so simple and I have to get off of the tractor to hook up the PTO anyway, so hooking up the top link is no trouble at all. Save some money and get the Pats Easy Change. Im selling my quick hitch.

[@skotis_aboutit]

Great Video Mike. Just installed the Pat's and I am ready to use my bush hog.

[@ICOWBOYIM]

Hi Mike, Here's a thought, I think I would do away with the jam bolts and use long set screws instead with the jam nuts to lock them to the right depth. By doing this, you could eliminate the excessive bolt lengths and the bolt heads that just are just sticking out the side and a possible hazard. In other words, it would stream line the unit. Good luck, and happy trails 🤠

[@NYTROeast]

Pat is a great product I have even gone and added one to my top link.

[@richardjamison8206]

Mike I have used Pat's hitch since it came out on B29 Kubota I love I now have one my BX

[@Sqeptick]

Hey, Mike. I ended up buying the Pat's Easy Change system after seeing your video. I've got an old Ford 8N, and the kit required a couple significant modifications to make it work. I just posted a video on how to do it specifically with the 8N; I mentioned your video and linked it in my description if that's okay with you.

[@mikedickson2925]

That's a nice looking system. A great alternative to the 'quick hitches' especially for situations like Pat has.

[@denisewildfortune4058]

Mike, I love learning about new stuff even if it doesn't suit my immediate needs. Who knows, it might come in handy later.

[@lonniechartrand]

I bought Pat's Quick attach. It reminds me of the Snap couplers we had on our Allis-Chalmers tractors.

[@gregoryhumphries8956]

I put a set of these on my Kubota 3301. Excellent product.

[@MiserableOldFart]

I've had one for about ten years, and it's not always as easy as pie, but it's much easier than it is without them. You do need the spacer bar, which was optional when I bought mine, but I think it's standard now. You pretty much need it even if all your implents are the same width.

[@brudoug1]

Just got mine, but I agree with you. You have to get off the seat to attach the top link (which was too short and replaced) anyway, but much easier than before Pat’s!

[@kayakwesty]

OMG why doesn't these come from the factory. THANK YOU MIKE!

[@linbob6170]

They do, just not in the USA for some reason

[@dgsports69]

I would recommend this as the first option to purchase for the tractor. This would allow you to make your PTO shaft fit better on the other attachments as you purchase them without handing cut the PTO shafts too short when raising the 3 pt

[@charliepatak499]

You can purchase a PTO extender, it's about a 4" extension.

[@patrickseekins1299]

I have one and used about 3 years. Works well.

[@turdferguson5300]

Guys the best way I've seen to lineup the Easy Hitches for the jam bolts is to set the spread evenly, lay a broom handle in the Easy Hitches to square them up with each other, then set your bolts accordingly. That worked for me anyway.

[@bigal25938]

I like the Pats quick hitch idea. Where can I order one? Not crazy about the extra bolts and ubolt.

[@TractorMike]

Pat's Easy Change is available here: asktractormike.com/product/pats-easy-change-quick-hitch-category-1/. They're in stock and ready to ship.

[@silverrussell1978]

Pat's easy change is awesome. I have it on my tractor and I do everything by myself. very easy

[@gregdietrich3378]

Three of guys who have many years of tractor experience gave up. It did not work on heavy equipment. I threw mine in the scrap pile!!! 🤯

[@timziegler9358]

Thanks Mike; great quick hitch! Thank you

[@humbucker0076]

Hello, I know how much of a pain it is, to hook up implements with a tractor that has no form of quick attach. The hooks you showed in your video are definitely a step up from that. I life in Europe/Germany and I never really saw neither of those two quick attachment systems you showed. The square thing is maybe nice if all your implements fit but if you change between implements and trailers it's bullocks too isn't it? The hooks are good, but the mechanism that holds the "claws" shut is a bit complicated. I only know and love another type of those quick attach/claw hitches. The ones i mean/use has claws similar to yours but you don't grab the pin directly but instead your have little balls on your pins you hook up to (ones you have installed them on all implements - just push them on the bolt). That has the advantage, that this ball kind of guides the hydraulic arms in and makes them easier to attach. And then there is the mechanism that shuts the claws: it's similar to the one in the video but it's spring loaded which means it shuts on its own when one of those attach balls slides in. Furthermore because there is no hook you need to open first like with ones I the video you can have cables on them, to open them from your seat. To keep the right space on the lower arms we have an additional spring spun between them that really helps if your attachment are nearly the same size.

[@humbucker0076]

Here is a link to a picture of one of those lower links with the ball quick attach: goo.gl/images/1B3hJ7

[@ronnieg6358]

With extendable link arms there is no need for this attachment. I would dearly like extendable link arms on my Case 95 but they are not available in the UK.

[@wiedapp]

Hmm, couldn't find a dealer over here in Europe and shipping costs from the US to here are a literal nightmare. Not that I need them right now, but that would be easier than the weld on hooks for the lower linkage arms that are commonly used here (to original arms get cut and you need a licensed welder (safety reasons) to weld on the hooks. Maybe, when I am ready to buy the tractor I need, there will be an option...

[@bigal25938]

Could you use a notched 2x3 to hold the width of the lower arms instead of buying more metal?

[@harryballz6358]

Sadly most our farmers may go under long before a true easy hitch is ever designed. Its just ridiculous nobody has ever designed a tractor hitch one just backs up to an implement & basically it auto connects like big rig has. I think hitch tech is well over 50yrs behind.

[@edlibey8177]

Thanks, that is what I needed to know. Very useful video.

[@FromSteelToWood]

Pat's easy change has similar function as the old Case Eagle Hitch system did in the 50-60's. Plus the advantage of the width adjustment, which Eagle Hitch did not have. Best of two worlds! Say Chuck he did great on camera! Hopefully we will see him again!

[@TractorMike]

Chuck's a good guy but I don't get the feeling he likes being in videos very much. He brings in a little different culture, you may tell from the accent, he ain't from around here :).

[@michaelogden5958]

Pretty slick!

[@ERICMB24MF37U24F39]

I only know the quick hooks from Waterscheid you have to weld on the link arms..... this is mutch better thanks Mike

[@jeffreyhollink985]

Eric Jansen no waterscheid is.way beter than this and whe stronger

[@TheGezzat]

Will this accept the quick hitch adapter collared bushing that is on my implements?(cat1) with outside diameter of 2inches

[@TheMadOneofSB]

I love my Pats, makes one man hookups much quicker. I'd recommend some rigid stabilizers for Chuck, looks like he got a base L with turnbuckles. 200ish bucks is a low price to pay for the difference. Kubota part number L8430 if memory serves.

[@jamescole3152]

Nice. Looks really easy.

[@CliffsideStables]

Add Chuck as a regual guest!!! He comes across as quite comfortable in front of the camera.

[@TractorMike]

He'll get a good laugh out of that. I don''t think he enjoyed the experience much!

[@frankwilson2490]

John Deere X738 with cat 1 limited 3 point hitch. I can't seem to get these to work with the cat 1 limited 3 point hitch. I can't get them level.

[@Raul28153]

IT looks nice. Are they forged or cast? Cast might break. I'm thinking that if one has a cab, it would be difficult to line up as compared to a quick hitch which only wants you to keep an eye on the top hook up.

[@TractorMike]

They're hot rolled cast steel. They won't break, the Category I Pat's Easy Change was tested and the hook failed at 24,000 lbs. I've never heard of a set breaking.

[@johndeno562]

I've got a set laying in the tool shed. Didn't care for them. Still do it the old-fashioned way.

[@jimbuford4147]

What cat and are they for sale since you don't like them. Thanks

[@5thid738]

John, are they for sale?

[@RParkinson100]

Same here. I sold mine for a 100 bucks, I used them about a week. After my grader blade popping out of one side or the other about 10 times I seriously almost wound them in the woods. Not impressed. There is 200 whatever gone forever.

[@bigal25938]

I cut off my pto to shaft on my tiller, would it now be too short to reach?

[@johnmervin4968]

Mike, If you had the choice to choose between a quick hitch and the Pat’s EasyChange system which would you go with. Let’s assume all your implements are already quick hitch compatible. Both add about 4” of extension to the three point set up.

[@whisperpandy]

You don't need to prop open those locks on the lower arms . Just pick up your implement and the pins on the implement will push those locks open. When you hear the click of the locks snapping into position, you'll know the implement is locked into the hooks.

[@mikehornsby599]

Looking good Tractor Mike great idea!!

[@timhagemann9236]

Hi Mike. That's an interesting System to change the "regular" pull arm to an quick-hitch one. One thing I don't like about this design is, that it moves the implement a bit back, creating more leverage. I'm from Europe, Germany to be exact, over here we have the same style pull arms on the compact tractors. On agricultural equipment (50+ HP) we already have those quick-hitch pull arms (without adapter). I hear a lot of americans saying they can't lift or pull as much because of the design, but they are used on tractors up to 500 HP. If you'd like to look it up, they are called "Schnellfanghaken", you'll find a lot of Information about them.

[@tenncutt]

Looks like a major pain to install compared to a Quick Hitch! Can install or remove my QH in 30 seconds and it works great with all my QH ready implements. For implements that aren't QH ready you can easily take it off in seconds. Also you failed to address the top link that still needs attaching which means you have to get off the tractor still. I back up to my bush hog and hook all three hooks in seconds! Pat's is $150. Got my QH at HF for $79 with 20 percent coupon. I vote Quick Hitch!

[@GetRealBaby]

Good comment. I have a couple questions about Quick Hitch that Mike may never answer: 1) What's the thickness of the top claw on your Quick Hitch? 2) My brush-hog lower points are 30" from outside pin to outside pin, and the points are 24" from inside pin to inside pin. Will the Quick Hitch pick up my brush-hog with these measurements? Thanks for any help!

[@tenncutt]

@@GetRealBaby I will go out in the rain and measure! Standby...

[@tenncutt]

@@GetRealBaby the top hook is 1-1/4", center to center on the bottom hooks is 28-1/2". My pins are 30" also. You will need quick hitch bushinds for the 2 lower pins on each implement. Do not by at Tractor Supply as the want $30 for a pair and everywhere else is $16. They price matched for me though when I showed them Rural King's ad. I love the quick hitch. Harbor Freight with coupon for $79. You can always return it. HF doesn't carry the bushings though. Top hook is adjustable in height

[@johnreiman297]

Are you aware of any method for easy connecting PTO shafts? I have 6 3 point implements and always find the PTO shaft harder to get aligned than the 3 point connections. I do plan on checking out the Pat's easy change too after seeing it here it seems very useful for my usage as well. Thanks.

[@mH8675309]

Neat gadget but not heavy enough for a decent sized disc mower - My Krone disc mower manual said not to use these when running a disc mower

[@martybertrand5119]

Hooked this up to my 5’ tiller. Bottom pin hook up fast and easy. However PTO shaft not long enough due to 4” length difference at bottom links. So do I get longer PTO shaft?? Also think I need a longer top link

[@Deere-uh4go]

Got a set. They are nice sometimes but always hitting the pto shaft on the batwing when turning. Disc mower is nearly impossible to get hooked up. Ended up taking them off. But for certain things they are really nice.

[@eosjoe565]

I wish you would have shown the implements that Chuck has that are all different widths. Are they all Cat-1 implements or is he also using some Cat-2 implements? I fully understand the frustration that can sometimes arise when first getting a quick hitch. But most of the incompatibilities come from the way the top-link attaches to the implement, specifically insufficient room for the top hook on the quick hitch to grab the implement coming up from below it. Incompatible spacing of the lower pins is rarely an issue. The Cat-1 spec calls for 27" between the lower pins. Most quick hitches have a bit of margin especially when bushings are used.

[@TractorMike]

I'm pretty sure they're all cat I. One of his three implements, and I think it was the brush hog was about an inch too wide for the quick attach to fit. It's a good heavy cutter but it came from and farm and ranch type store, a little of an "off" brand. And Chuck, if you read this, forgive me for saying that :). I've seen the top link grab problem many times as well.

[@glennboles2869]

I've been using the Pat's quick hitch for 2 years and it is great!

[@timkd5vmv583]

I have several "cat-1" implements that have non standard pin spacing. I tried the Harbor Freight quick hitch and found that it would only fit 2 out of my 10 implements. I swapped over to the Pat's Easy Change and have been pleased with the performance. I do suggest that you keep a few spare pin washers.

[@keithlucas6260]

I fixed that issue by replacing the top bolts for the hook with pins. This allows me to flip the hook forward towards the tractor, and when I backup to the brushhog it's out of the way. Having to get off anyway to hook up the PTO, the hook is flipped back into place and then the top pin is put back in the implement. I've bought the Tractor Supply one over fifteen years ago and never had any issues with it. Most complaints I've heard are with rotary cutters because of the top strap design not allowing the hook to pass thru.

[@jeffreyhollink985]

here in.holland whe have the waltershalt quik hooks those are welden to de pul arms evry.implement has cat 2 bal on it an the hooks wil vit over it

[@ghulabkhan762]

I am love your work is great

[@The_Squirrel_Samurai]

Supervisor inspection at 7:14. Looks like they approve.

[@ryanmcdonald5351]

I ordered a PEC in CAT-1: I realized I have 3 implements with a 28" span between the pins on center. I now believe my CAT-1 will not fit these widths. Questions: 1. What is the maximum implement span between pins for CAT-1? 2. Will a CAT-2 PEC fit onto my CAT-1 tractor (B7100 Kubota)? 3. Will the CAT-2 PEC fit onto my 2 other implements?

[@scania1982]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-point_hitch

[@johngoodwin8889]

I've been using them for years only way you can use old non quick hitch attachments

[@mikecioka1180]

Nice video I wish i saw this before getting my quick hitch :(

[@Dan-oz4qb]

With the quick hitch you don't have to get off unless it's a PTO driven implement. I personally don't see Pat's as enough benefit over getting all quick hitch compatible attachments.