The best way to fix a category 1 3 point Quick hitch! Harbor Freight and others.

I bought a harbor freight quick hitch for $70 and rather then hack it up or weld to it, I made it work with all my implements without bushings or modifying every one of the attachments. This simple fix will tighten up the connection points so there is very little slop. These modifications pop on and off so it can be returned to original.
here is the sketchup of the hook drive.google.com/file/d/10a26...

[@saltysteel3996]

I just put CAT1 to CAT2 adapter sleeves over my implement's pins. Worked fine. They're cheap at Tractor Supply.

[@2009rummell]

That's how's you are supposed to do it

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

Yep. That's exactly what you're supposed to do. They're cheap, and much more secure that making spacers, etc. Especially if you're going to be using the hitch among a variety of implements that may have Cat 1, 2, 3, etc...

[@w0lf1969]

Dang that's a lot of work for not just buying adapters

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

Looks like you got it going your way. I like the caps easy to change out.

[@mauricehickson8412]

Another thought - I use 1" galvanized pipe to slip over the cat 1 pins and drill holes in the pipe for bolts through the existing pin holes. These stay on the implement. For the top link, I install one very large swivel on the implement top link pin. The swivel fits over the top link hook .

[@chrisradla]

Excellent. I appreciate this idea

[@daveknowshow]

nice job, looks like it will work well. mine is a harbor freight also. I leave the top pin out on some implements until the hook seats then simply install the top pin. the little slop up top dont bother me enough to worry over it. i doubt you would need to remove the spacer like the way mine is done. your may rub on the sides on some implements either inside or outside at the lower lift connection since it fits over the bottom hooks making the bottom hooks wider. its a shame they did not drill those top hooks a little more accurate. I appreciate you letting me know about your mod. its a great idea for sure! subscribed!

[@jimerig1343]

Thanks Dave, I really do owe the idea to you... before I watched your video I as going to go buy spacers or weld up some bigger pins for each of my attachments. The cap over the hook being 1/8 wider is a slight issue because most attachments are 27" wide before the pins, and the HF quick hitch is 27.5" wide inside, there is only a 1/4" wiggle room... but most pins have a tapered collar that is 1/8 or so, it has to be lined up pretty close to perfect. I might end up welding the little J's in to the lower hooks. I'm still not sure why they used category 2 hooks and thicknesses on a category 1 attachment. Thanks for watching!

[@daveknowshow]

exactly my point why would they have cat 2 on a cat 1 device? no logic to it at all. I have a couple Lienbach attachments that are so close if I used the cap over design like yours it would not go on as I can barely get it to fit as it is. welding it in like I did seem to tighten it up enough but not over tighten the fit making it a struggle to get seated. I also removed the bolts from my top hook and use pins and clips as it needs to be adjustable depending on what I'm hooking up. my road blade, york rake and box blade all use the same setting weight ballast is a little different as is the brush hog. enjoyed the video keep up the good work.

[@peterjbirch]

Nice job. Very neat.

[@jimerig1343]

Thanks! I'll get a new video up soon of the rest of the mods i have made.

[@joewilliams1307]

I welded 3 center slipper equalizer hangers (for hanging axles) to the front face of my non quick attach comparable implements. They are very heavy u shaped & a large grade 8 bolt can be ran through their holes. It took 10 minutes & less than $30, my quick hitch hooks up perfectly & it is tough,

[@KiotiCS]

Very nice looks great i dont know why they just dont make one for cat 1so you dont need spacers ! have a great week !! :-)

[@jimerig1343]

speeco makes one www.speeco.com/products.aspx?id=209&prod=287. I have so many different attachments, the biggest issue i have is the top link.

[@tomohia1428]

Giving me a idea thank you

[@johnnybolen5701]

Great job, looks like you got it going your way. Thanks for the video.

[@oby-1607]

Paint those adapter caps orange so they don't get lost. It's a great idea what you have come up with. Your quick hitch is singing "Don't Let Me Down".

[@thomasmcevoy8858]

Way more work than it needs to be. The Cat2 bushings are at Tractor Supply and under 20 bucks

[@kylerayk]

Here are some helpful tips for your HFQH. Keep in mind that it's made in China and also keep in mind that the CAT 1, 2, 3 etc. "standards" allow for a wide variation in implement pin width and centerline height of the third pin. So here is my story with the HFQH. First, the top hook is too close the the QH frame and needs to be extended by 1" to 1-1/4" which is accomplished by welding a block to the back of the hook and redrilling the holes. There are aftermarket ones available for purchase for around $30 if you aren't handy in the fabrication department. Second, the supplied pins that hook the QH to the draft arms are grossly undersized...by 0.100" to be exact. This will cause excessive wear on the swivelly balls of the draft arms and provide a lot of unnecessary slop to the assembly. I bought a set of CAT 1 lower link pins at Farm & Fleet and re-made the lower pins using the purchased ones as a starting point. A little lathe work and fabrication/welding will do the trick. You will also have to drill out the holes in the QH to 57/64" to accommodate the new pins. Third, you need to use bushings on the lower pins of your implement to bring the O.D. of the pins from 7/8" to around 1-7/16" so they fit snugly in the lower hooks of the QH. You have to do this with ANY QH you use, Land Pride, iMatch, SpeeCo, Lee Agra, etc.. I made such modifications to my HFQH and it has served me well for over 3 years with no other issues. Also, in order to keep the "quick" in the QH, you need to adjust your implements to match one setting on the QH...this is only a concern if you use (usually) older implements from a variety of manufacturers as I stated before, the "standards" for 3PH's are very loose at best and allowed manufacturers MUCH leeway in their designs.

[@crxess]

You do realize many Quick Hitch Brands are direct knock-offs of the Harbor freight Quick Hitch and a few are of lesser quality. Not saying Chinese is anything special, but in Harbor Freight case the little irritations like the Same poor fitting Hook still in use after Decades - Is the FAULT of the U.S. Company that has them Manufactured. Funny thing - Titan Cost more and is of Lesser Quality........

[@Gruuvin1]

For everyone saying all he had to do is add bushings to all his implements.... That top hook is still to long to hook into a lot of implements. It's too much hassle to have to change the top hook and convert all your implements to cat3 size just to adapt to a hitch that wasn't designed right.

[@houndsmanone4563]

JimeRig: I came over from Dave Knows How channel to see your fab work. I really like this fab work. It definitely takes out a tremendous amount of slop out of the QH and implement. Nicely done. When I get a QH, I will combine your idea...and...Dave's idea as examples to resolve the slop in QH and implement. Did you ever do a video on how you fab'ed the top hook? It looks like the caps on the lower hooks are removable or are they tacked? Thanks much and thumbs up. I going over to your rototiller video next. New subscriber.

[@jimerig1343]

Thanks! Ive been busy busy busy and the camera just seems to get in the way these days, so I've had to put it aside while I work on getting this house ready to sell. I NEED to finish up the QH videos as promised! but when I do, ill include measurements. The caps are just resting on the ends which works but they can get knocked off with enough force. Was thinking about welding them up like Dave did!

[@jimerig1343]

sorry for the delay.. here is the hook drive.google.com/file/d/10a26zLbuWXGVT5kAhNY8Gr69UWTS_VpL/view?usp=sharing

[@gtison2942]

These are points to consider if you have different brand implements

[@Skyhawk945]

Keep in mind the Harbor Freight Quick Hitch is only Category 0 compliant due to the undersized lift pins. It is suitable for tractors up to 20 horsepower. It's unfortunate that HF hasn't updated the design to Category 1 compliance.

[@markgerdes6440]

Build 2 plates that bolt in top link hole and the hole below it that will mobe top link hole forward and above lower hitch pins. Now factory upper hook on tractor hitch will have clearenbe and work the way it was intended.

[@msgt1942]

Where did you get that implement stand that rotates that's very nice

[@mcdls5]

Damned ingenuous.

[@19safe53]

Helpful if you have access to a torch and steel plate.

[@markgerdes6440]

You can buy quick hitch lower adapter bushings at tsc or similar to take up slop.

[@bluegrallis]

AND if you have 6 different tools you use on the tractor, you need to buy 12 bushings just for the lift arms. Either that, or take the ones off your tool every time you remove it from the tractor to put on a different tool. That totally defeats the "Quick" part of the process.

[@jimputnam2044]

You buy sleeves/ adaptor for you pin size. You don't have to go through all that trouble. Work smarter not harder.

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

thanks for the info. My harbor freight useless POS might be used after four years of sitting in my shed.

[@jimerig1343]

I use it every day now but dealing with the top hook gets annoying so im working on a new solution. If i can find time ill get it completed and upload a video before I move.

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

@@jimerig1343 you definitely have the best designed and useful modifications. Most people on KZbin don't seem to be familiar on how the quick hitch is actually supposed to work. My friends that have John Deers just laugh at my hf quick hitch.

[@jimerig1343]

here is the sketch up drawing of the hook if you are still interested drive.google.com/file/d/10a26zLbuWXGVT5kAhNY8Gr69UWTS_VpL/view?usp=sharing

[@peaslead]

Great thanks

[@brian_2040]

The bottom bolt with the bushing on it is the one your supposed to use anyway. And you need bushings for the bottom.

[@bobjoatmon1993]

Yes he needs to use the bottom bolt to hook with BUT the bushings on the bottom pins is an aweful kludge being forced on everyone and it's expensive. Better to just modify the quick hitch ONCE to fit all the std implement pins. I used a piece of 1/4" strap bent to nest inside the bottom hooks and tack welded it in. EVERY implement now fits without having to buy bushings.

[@bertsnyder8492]

Nice

[@jc-botaman1077]

I believe your implement is made so HF hook in the correct position would hook the sleeve on the bolt below where your hooked now.

[@bluegrallis]

That it would. The problem is, there are HUNDREDS of other 3 point tools out there, that won't hook up like that. That means you would have to change the position of the hook, every time you change tools, and MANY don't have the width or clearance for that hook to even fit in between the top link brackets.

[@gateway8833]

So, you needed to make Quicker adapters for your Quick Hitch, you’d think these folks making this stuff would get that there are well known standards. Good ideas.

[@jimerig1343]

Speeco makes one that has the proper sized lower hooks but the top hook is still the cat 2

[@rogerprice3195]

Where did U get that nice swing down leg stand for easy pick up of an implement. that's sweet. like the fold up feature.

[@jimerig1343]

It came with the blade when I bought from the farm supply. Not sure if you can purchase separately.

[@tcmits3699]

I thought the whole idea was to make it simpler, OMG😂

[@skippyi6969]

Im guessing you could sell those as fast as you could make them. i know id damn sure buy a set from you.

[@DougAlesUSA]

Bevis Butthead Ken already makes them. Ken a.k.a. Ken’s bolt on hooks. He’s pretty active on the various sub-compact tractor forums. Hope this helps.

[@headholio]

Yoyu should market the modified hook. It seems like everyone has the same problem!

[@jimerig1343]

I've made a few updates, Ill upload a update video soon. Not sure if people would buy the mods but sure beats changing every attachment to work with the quick hitch.

[@user-bx3zz9cx3y]

I’d buy a set. I don’t have the ability to make it myself.

[@jimerig1343]

here is the sketch up drawing of the hook if you are still interested drive.google.com/file/d/10a26zLbuWXGVT5kAhNY8Gr69UWTS_VpL/view?usp=sharing

[@fredseibel8281]

Are you selling the top hook and the bottom spacers? Thanks

[@charliesmith9528]

Just bought hf quick attach but the the two slots at bottom arent wide enough for lift arms to fit in to put pins in...ANY IDEAS

[@mland4298]

Not ever used one of these but am looking in to getting one. One question I have is, what keeps the top/center link connection from disengaging from the quick attach. Nothing there to hold it in place. For instance, pushing dirt or rocks with a blade turned backwards. Looks to me like that top/center connection would jump out?

[@garsonprice3441]

It is held down by the two bottom pins that are well secured.

[@crxess]

Assuming the average Compact tractor owner has metal working equipment and the necessary skill level, which more and more Small tractor owners do not.

[@bobcole9274]

Good mods..

[@glenncapron2982]

Would you be willing to make a set of spacers for me and if so what would you charge?

[@johnwaddell4107]

I added sleeves over the bottom pins and took of all things a Harbor Freight grinder and ground the top hook so it would hook up.. you are right that the hook holes are not drilled in the right place.

[@JamesKlafehn]

I bought one but I realize this after the fact. I tried but ended up returning it. I shouldn’t have to modify the part to make it work. I spend more and buy a used imatch next time I see one

[@tsafa]

It's definitely worth it. The $120 quick hitch from Harbor Freight does the job good. I have 1000 lbs of counterweight on it. Don't use the $30 bushings, use the $3 sleeves. Remove the bolts from the top hook and put in quick easy to move pins instead. Now when I buy implements I just make sure that they will match up to it. Get an adapter plate with spaced-out pinholes for the top for some of the implements .

[@peaslead]

Which sleeves do you recommend?

[@tsafa]

@@peaslead the ones from Tractor Supply work good. They're pretty cheap at three dollars each

[@jackrothaus2816]

I bought the extended top hook and Cat 1 to Cat 2 and Cat 2 to Cat 3 bushings from AgCrazy and Harbor Freight reimbursed me $20 for the top hook. I found the top hook still needed to be ground down 1/4" in the bottom of the hook so my QH compatible Land Pride rotary cutter would completely seat into the bottom hooks. Worked great after that.

[@howardworleyiii5764]

Jim, anyway to get a tracing of that bracket you made for making one myself please?

[@howardworleyiii5764]

[e-mail] is my email, any chance I could pay you to make one for me?

[@jimerig1343]

I dont have the time or the proper tools to produce these but I will do my best to get you an outline and measurements.

[@jimerig1343]

here is the sketch up drawing of the hook if you are still interested drive.google.com/file/d/10a26zLbuWXGVT5kAhNY8Gr69UWTS_VpL/view?usp=sharing

[@tommyhorne1039]

They make and sell pin adapters for a lot less hassle and they are inexpensive.

[@rickgeiger8331]

Jay Bud, why not weld a 1 or 2" extension on the original hook, to bring it back.

[@t26803]

That is all that I did and It works on my Tiller, brush hog, box blade, planter, blade, rake, reciever hitch and a couple more I can't remember now. Add two inches and put the sleeves on pins and done.

[@phatrides222000]

I keep seeing people do all these mods like you cant change pins or just use adapter sleeves.

[@Ohmypeehole]

Brrrrrrruuuuce!

[@pierrejaradin8333]

bjr sir and is it possible to send to belgium please answer

[@CPVet55]

Can't you just buy a thinner hook from Tractor Supply?

[@gac107]

Why make things so difficult... All you had to do is get the sleeves that go over the bottom pins than make a Cat1 into a 2 (and/or a Cat2 into a 3) so it fits tight, and for the top get an extender bracket that allows you to raise the hitch and come up from underneath to hook the top pin instead of inserting the hook through the bracket on your attachment and then raising the hitch. Can get all that at Tractor Supply. Any new attachments you buy, make sure the top has the 90 degree elbow that extends out so you don't have to buy anything. This is what I did for my landscape rake from ABI. Scoop it right up to attach and drop it just as easy...

[@jimerig1343]

Thanks for the recommendation, the sleeves are a great option but I'm a cheap bastard and didn't want to buy 5-8 sets of sleeves just to use my quick hitch with every attachment. Also my back blade is the only one with the top link bushing at 17.5 inches for the category 2 top hook, all the rest of my implements dont have one or instead is welded right there. Making these simple mods made it so i can simple hook up to all 8 of my attachments with out any issues or having to buy anything else to make it work. Thanks for watching!

[@hamdoginc1]

$40-$50 for 8 sleeves time to install about 30min. Ware on tools, drills, cutting disc, materials, and (most importantly) time, far exceeds that $40-$50. If you are a cheap-o, be a real cheap-o. If you are doing this modification as a hobby (I am this guy) then by all means spend the time and money.

[@jimerig1343]

You are right. Part of it is the fun of building something with your own hands that solves a problem

[@arthenry6574]

Some folks make the simple hard.

[@CurtisDrew1]

Just be aware that Tractor Supply Country Line Quick Hitch Bushing Kit, Cat 1 are $30 each pair. So not a cheap alternative if you have very many attachment. (I have 5) But, You can get the quick hitch bushing kits at Amazon for about $17 a pair. (And other online place) I like the drop on cap adapter idea better because of it;s simplicity and cheap price. Which is nice if you have a barn full of tools to make them in.

[@jt4055]

Agi supply has all you need $15 bucks a pair.

[@tacomafan7488]

Hfqh is a pain butt !

[@randyberetta6277]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍

[@RVJimD]

Is it NOT really a cat 1 hitch?

[@jimfacteau4553]

if this is a cat1 hitch like the title says everything is made around 7/8" pins, you have a Cat2 quick hitch

[@bluegrallis]

It IS a CAT 1 hitch. It's just made to accept Cat 2 equipment. If you put bushings on your Cat 1 equipment it works OK IF you have all new equipment made for a quick hitch. This is a $70 hitch, the John Deere quick hitch made only for Cat 1 equipment costs anywhere from $250 to $400

[@MarkThomas123]

The HF is a Cat III.. I had to mod mine too... I made it fit good and tight, but welded it that way.. I cut the hook down.. My Kodiak HD Box blade has the same problem.. The bolt just below where the top pin is, won't let you have something long and goudy like the HF hook... I show it at the very start of the video.. Also did a quick vid on the mods I did to the Kodiak Box blade.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXSQmXuhr7-Znq8 Cheers.. Like your mods,.

[@lyerger8232]

Here is the quick fix to your quick hitch. . agcrazy.com/873-hf141137-top-hook-cat-1-quick-hitch-2

[@daveroberts9921]

It's not just the HF hitch, it's all quick hitches. I have the HF hitch but all my implements are quick hitch compatible. Some 3 dollar bushings from TSC and it works fine. Had an expensive quick hitch 20 years ago and it was exactly the same. They didn't go to all the trouble to manufacture bushings just to make HF hitch owners happy.

[@cashxx]

Where are you finding $3 dollar bushings? Anything I find at Tractor Supply or else where are $16+. The ones I find at Tractor Supply are $30. www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/countyline-quick-hitch-bushing-kit-cat-1?cm_vc=-10005

[@daveroberts9921]

All my implements are clevis style tsc has bushings that slide over the pins.

[@dougfreed6742]

Why not just put category 2 pins and everything you got

[@Gruuvin1]

I fixed my category 1 Harbor Freight quick hitch by measuring the hooks, while it was still in the box, realizing the hooks were sized larger than category 3, and the taking it back to Harbor Freight for a full refund. Problem solved. Maybe I'll get a SpeeCo.

[@scottfoster2487]

All you have to do is replace the pins.

[@CurtisDrew1]

That would be easiest way, if you have the drill and bit handy. But buying that big of a drill bit and big drill would not be cheap. My big hand drill is an arm breaker if my bits hang up. And getting my attachments lined up on a drill press is not possible. But, I agree, bigger pins are no brainers, if one doesn't have a welder.

[@scottfoster2487]

They make all sort of pin opions for tractors that require just a wrench ,no need to drill.

[@72chargerse72]

just cut the top hook and put in a filler

[@brian_2040]

I promise you the money and time you have tied up in these j brackets I could have given you the bushings for the same money.

[@jerrymerritt3277]

The best way is to not buy one. Get a pats quick hitch. It fits every single implement I have without modification. Installs in about 15 minutes.

[@Dan-oz4qb]

If you want to change attachments without getting off the tractor you have to have a quick hitch and you have to set each attachment up to work. Pat's isn't much better than just going without.

[@williamblakeley3744]

looked.like.it worked.good to me. but fcourse you abuse.it it's.not a.professional one ..but use.it with common sense .

[@surinderjitsingh8954]

No offence, but I wish to point out "der Hitler moustache"

[@jhscheppele2448]

Your doing a lot of mumbling, and talking all over the place, nobody can keep up with it.