Pat's Easy Change - What Went Wrong?

[@rockycreek6665]

I’ve used mine for several years with many different attachments. Absolutely no issues! Follow the instructions and stop being a gorilla. It’s a great system.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

👍

[@marksob11]

Have had the Pat's system on my Kubota B2920 for fifteen years. Absolutely no issues except when I forgot to remove the spacer bar and it got bent by an implement's driveshaft. I managed to straighten it acceptably using a vise but eventually decided to opt for a new one that was easier to adjust. That's on me, quickly purchased another, no further problems. My first implement, a JD ballast box, is only 24" wide and is therefore not compatible with a quick hitch. I use a 3PH post hole digger somewhat regularly, not compatible with a quick hitch due to top link hookup. I have a Land Pride tiller and Bush Hog SQ148 rotary mower, both would be much more difficult to hook up due to working around a quick hitch frame to connect the driveshaft to the PTO. I also have a box blade, rear blade, skid winch, backhoe, and landscape rake, some of which are quick hitch compatible but most are not. So the Pat's system has been a no-brainer for me and I highly recommend it. Yes, you might have to replace your top link with a longer-than-stock model due to the Pat's setup extending your lower arm hooks back a few inches. I solved that with $35 and a visit to Tractor Supply where I purchased a heavier duty, easy to adjust from the tractor seat top link. I applied some nonskid tape to its larger diameter barrel section and can easily grip it, with or without gloves, to make adjustments. Of course, a larger tractor would probably require leaving the seat.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

Thank you for watching and I appreciate your input. Happy new year

[@peteduncan921]

Yours is the first video that I've seen that is critical of this product, but the video reflects many of the same problems that I have had with my Pat's Easy Change system. I have the Category 2 version, installed a couple of years ago, on a John Deere 5065 tractor, and use it only with a 7-foot Deere MX7 rotary cutter. I carefully installed and leveled the hook assemblies according to the instructions, but they both tilted quite a bit when the rotary cutter was attached and lifted. The four adjustment bolts on each hook housing worked loose fairly quickly, and will still not maintain position. I have not damaged the spreader bar, but I have experienced the problems that you had with a broken u-bolt and with the "special" washers and the retaining pins popping off one side and then the other. It's never good to look back and see the cutter deck dragging the ground on one side, like a bird with a broken wing. My MX7 rotary cutter is pretty heavy, and our pastures are a little rough, so it may be that there is just too much stress on these components. Maybe the Pat's system is better suited to lighter duty, and may work much better on tractors and implements that are smaller and lighter in weight. I just know that, for me, it has not worked nearly as well as I had hoped.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I too had bought a CAT II version for a JD 5045D and had problems with that as well. I hated to be critical initially thinking maybe I just had a one-off sort of deal, but foolishly, I bought 3 sets of them and not one worked right. I think they’d be fine for an average joe homeowner who puts minimal hours on their machines and doesn’t really do any serious farming with them, but they just don’t hold up to heavy ag use. I have yet to read a comment from a full-time farmer who swears by this. I sheared off the u-clamps bush hogging one pasture and was always losing hardware no matter what-even locktite wouldn’t work. I don’t abuse my machinery and maintain it to the best of my abilities, but I really dislike PATS and opt for an iMatch instead. I’m sorry that yours didn’t hold up either and thank you for watching

[@Discipled7]

Thanks for the info Tom. I just put the Pat's Easy Change on my Kubota L3901 and am going to be changing between a box blade with scarifiers, land leveler, 60" Bush Hog, 3 point tiller and a few other implements. I'm using Nylon Hex Jam Lock nuts with number eight hardness set screws , no thread lock needed. I see the lock arms on yours are bent down so that didn't happen using them correctly I'm guessing they were bent using them to lock the hold arm in the open position and you lifted up into your implement pin and bent it, jus not taking your time and using caution, just my guess. In the install instructions it clearly states to not leave the adjustable spacer arm on when using a pto drive, so that's on you for not reading the instructions. If the proper spacers were used when installing and all the bolts snugged so there was no movement I just do not understand how you broke the U clamp. Operator error seems to be the cause of the issues you stated and yes these could be design shortcomings. I have watched many videos on these and some giving reviews after periods of time one being after 4 years of use and other then the spring snapping nothing, but good to say. I guess I will find out for myself, but thank you for sharing.

[@forreal1569]

Totally agree, operator error

[@rldixon1002]

there is some people in this world that everything they touch breaks all to hell

[@davidmatzenbacher8187]

Not sure what all went on here ..the spread bar is supposed to be taken off for use,, I've used 2 sets of these alot no issues. I did use nylock nuts to prevent them from getting loose

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

That’s my 3rd cat Iset and every one of them broke at the u-clamp Or somewhere else. I had a cat II set that worked ok

[@jameshummel964]

What's interesting about the Pats system is that it resembles and works the same way the Eagle hitch did on the old case tractors and they're still being used today. Good design, but probably needs to be a complete lower arm welded as one piece to hold up under heavy use, like the Eagle hitch.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I’ve got a video coming out next week on the Eagle Hitch. You’re right on about the one-piece. John Deere sells the draft arms as a “ball and claw” hitch, but they’re very pricey. Thank you for watching

[@pweimer47]

That’s funny, I have a brand New set of those still in the box sitting on the shelf. I just never got around to using them. Thanks again for sharing.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I’d love to know how they work for you. They’ve been a burr under my saddle since I bought them

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Thanks for sharing your frustration and opinion of the Pat’s system. I’m going to add your experience to the disadvantages column. All of the videos I’ve watched about the Quick Hitch & the Pat’s system praise each system. My gut & experience lead me to believe that nothing’s without disadvantages. Looks like I need to dig a bit deeper into each system, as well as reviewing the comments section. Seems like either system will likely require some modification - to the system, or the implement, maybe both. Your video has helped a lot as I prepare to fork over $200+ for one system or the other.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

Thank you for watching. John Deere has a ball and claw system that’s essentially the factory version of Pats without being bolted on. Unfortunately, they’ll only fit a Deere without modifying and they’re about $900. I have an iMatch that’s pretty good, but the top hook doesn’t necessarily work on every attachment. My biggest problem with pats is that it tends to work loose or just plain break. I even tried a cat 2 pats on my 50 HP farm tractor and that also failed. You’re right, there’s no magic bullet.

[@stanleyconrad4234]

Hello again Tom. I’m sorry to hear of your negative experience with the Pat’s Easy Change. Like an earlier comment, I too have a new set awaiting installation. I am not farming, just messing around so to speak. I will pay particular attention to the tightness of the various fasteners and heed your advice. The movable ends are the way to go, sadly none of my small stuff has them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I do hope you have better luck than I did. 😊This was my 3rd or 4th set on as many tractors and I finally cried “uncle” and bought a quick hitch. Thank You for watching

[@BuhlzI]

Thank you for your honesty

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

Thank you for watching and best of luck with whatever you decide upon. Happy new year

[@elaine5953]

The design and idea of the system is great. And it does solve the access issue to the PTO when using the traditional quick hitch. But when thinking about the problems you had with it, I can imagine those ARE weak links -- the washer, the latch, etc. That equipment is under enormous strain and all I could think was duh! Of course you had those problems! With some re-engineering it could maybe be solved. Thanks for your review.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I think it COULD be great idea with some tweaking. thank you for watching

[@petermackie2726]

Good to see this video, I was looking to get some of these for ploughing and flail mowing 50 ac with 70 hp tractor. Now I'm wondering!! I'm from Australia so they are $500 here so I want to make sure I'm not wasting $$$$$$$$

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

yikes! that's a lot! I had a CAT 2 set on my 50 HP JD, but I didn't use the 3-point very much as it mostly pulled a hay baler

[@eugenematthews5859]

well dud one person option is not everyone's. I have used mine for 10 years and it works as it should. When this one break i will go and get another. You have to know how to use it. sorry you had so much trouble remember some time it is the operator.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

Too much side-to-side slop. They’re not designed for heavy-duty bush-hogging. Like the old adage says, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Thank You for watching

[@keithrayeski6417]

Thanks for the honest experienced review of the Pats link. Times are tough enough, money getting tighter and no one wants to waste it. This is just one of the reasons I am so pleased with your channel…it’s how it should be. Stay cool my friend…weather gurus are saying the end of the weeks is gonna be another toasty one!! Maybe we’ll take advantage of that and take a ride up into your neck of the woods!! Not sure what the wife has on the agenda or, if my tractor will be delivered so I’m kinda playing it by ear! Have a cool drink and relax a bit!! Looking forward to the next one!!

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I’m anxious to know how your new tractor shapes up. Cutting more hay next week. Thank You for watching. That pats is real quirky piece of scrap. They’ll set you back about $200+

[@keithrayeski6417]

@@LedgemereHeritageFarm I’m anxious too! We were at Concord Tractor on June 14th and they said a week maybe but definitely two weeks which would be today, but we’ve still not heard from them. So I’ll give them a call tomorrow when I wake up and see where we are at!! Really like to get it done this week! My three point has just one adjustable sway arm so I’m gonna heed your warning and invest in another adjustable. Got to have a quick disconnect three point and everything I’ve seen, tractor supply has a good one. You’re doing great with the channel…I share several episodes…wanna get your numbers up! It’s good content.

[@davidpennington9125]

Yeah that's exactly how I was planning on using it actually was going to be I was thinking cuz I use a tiller and box blade and very heavy ground engaging implements so

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I think some people who aren't using implements that bounce or vibrate like them, but I despise them

[@georgehart6320]

A really useful review. My rough terrain bush hog work looks like it could have real problems with the failure points you identified. Ditto my long gravel driveway with the blade grader.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

If you’re not using your 3-point for heavy duty work like a finish mower, you’d probably be ok, but tilling, bush hogging, etc, it will break every time. I have owned 3 of them and the best one was a cat II on a 50 hp John Deere. I’d throw money down betting that the guys who swear by them aren’t really working their tractors very hard. I think you’d be better off with a high quality quick hitch. Thank you for watching.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing to our KZbin channel. Thank You for watching. kzbin.info/door/CsF-DQqd1PmTiuMXItgRkg

[@DougsHomestead]

I have had them a long time. Broke a spring, that's it. Yes, they get loose. So do all kinds of fasteners. Maintenance! Check your equipment before it breaks. When you grease your tractor, check them. You will not have issues. And they are not for big tractors.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

Mine were tightened whenever they got loose. I will never buy another set. Three sets and they were all garbage

[@davidpennington9125]

Okay thank you for your feedback I was actually thinking about getting one but I'm curious what was your application for this being a complete utter failure

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

bush hogging rough fields that hadn't been mowed in years. the bouncing broke them pretty quickly

[@timmorton2307]

Same problems i had with mine today plowying snow with a back blade. The U Bolt broke on one side, and the centering bolts bent on the opposite side, plus as stated the locking lever is a total PIA to work with. I am new to tractors, only 150 hours on my first one ever. There must be a way to upgrade the parts on these things to improved them. I don't want to just toss $200 in the garbage.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I’m sorry this happened to you. I sold two sets on tractors that cycled through here and one set on eBay. I’ve had 4 sets in total and they wouldn’t hack it. My best solutions so far are telescoping draft links followed by a John Deere iMatch . Heavy ground engaging implements and bush hogging rough ground killed them in short order. I don’t believe the guys who swear by them are working them very hard. I hope you find something that works for you and thank you for watching.

[@Redhackle]

Ok thank you, was just about to order them they were in my Amazon basket.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

some people swear by them, bug in my experiences, they won't hack an implement that's bouncing or vibrating a lot. several others have agreed and also had broken bolts on them. thank you for watching.

[@Davealiveinunrealtimes]

Thanks for review informative

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

Thank You for watching

[@mnguyen135]

I wish i have watched ur video before i bought it. now dealing with the same problems

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

Ugh. So sorry to hear this. I think the people who rave about it aren’t using it for heavy agricultural purposes or any other heavy duty applications. No matter what I did, the rotary mower always shook it loose and I’ve owned 3 sets of Pats

[@davidhood5269]

I wish I had heard this your video before I bought my pat’s easy hitch system. Your words were kind but everything you said is exactly what I experienced and they are a piece of junk as far as I’m concerned and my are relegated to the scrap heap and an expensive equipment experience.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

Mine too. I’m sorry this happened to you. A lot of people swear by them, but they’re flimsy and won’t hack heavy PTO work. Thank You for watching

[@bassthis]

Bought mine last year having the same problem with the design.

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I got a new John Deere iMatch this Summer and I’m so much happier with it. Thank You for watching

[@johndon7384]

I have a lawn business and switch implements often. Before I put the Pats on it was a total pain in the ass. I've been using the Pats system for about 4 years and would never go back. Not sure why this dude is so pissy. Lol

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

You’re obviously not working your tractor with any type of equipment that vibrates heavily or is prone to bouncing. You’re never going to have an issues pulling your little finish mower or occasional York rake. Pretty sure it was mentioned in the video that it really depends upon what you’re doing with it snd you’ll find that all the complaints revolve around those actually using their tractors for medium-heavy duty work. lol

[@johndon7384]

@@LedgemereHeritageFarm Actually we do run a 7 ft tiller cat 2 quite often and that thing gets a lot of abuse from rocks, roots and whatever lies beneith the surface. We put about 300 hrs a year on the tractor we use and probably change implements 10 times per day. Yes they may not be made for every day farming on scale but for small acreage or hobby farmers especially older dudes these things are awsome.. They have their place in the market just not every market..