#72 How to make a King Kutter XB Tiller Quick Hitch / I-Match Compatible

[@andykross7242]

Thanks Tim! I finally bought a King Kutter XB tiller last week and converted it over to mate up with the Harbor Freight quick hitch tonight. I needed two of the thin bushings, one for the top link and one for the bolt.

[@dzlkawboy33]

This is a fantastic video! I just purchased a king litter xb Xtra tiller for my BX and this was exactly what I was looking for to convert it to a quick hitch compatible setup! Thanks Tim! Your videos are pure KZbin gold 👌👌

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ArizVern]

Great videos. Your tractor seat time and helping others fits many of us KZbinrs, fun to watch. Mine is a 33 hp 2004 New Holland 4x4, HS, FL. I bought a 5' Land Pride tiller and Land Pride QH. Yes it's a job fitting all implements to quick hitch. Have a 12" plow I modified for quick hitch, not tried to do any plowing yet. I added Tip and Tilt Hyd for 3 point, a really great Option. I did the third function with add on bucket grapple, you can't believe how much brush can be picked up.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+ArizVern thanks for checking in, Vern! Top and tilt would be very useful! Which land pride quick hitch do you have? I like the looks of the QH05 because it doesn't require any bushings. I'd love to have a grapple. I have it picked out, but haven't been able to pull the trigger yet!

[@jan-michaelwyckoff3072]

Tim, Thanks for all the great "How To" videos! I've had the same problem with the Harnor Freight Tools quick hitch, JD1025R and my King Kutter BX tiller. You and your video gave me the solution I was looking for. No need to cut or hack anything up. Just a nice off the shelf solution. I owe you big time! Best Regards, Jan

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Glad to help

[@brettwynne8676]

Tim I bought a I match quick hitch and bought a new king Kutter Xb tiller. Had to widen the lower left pins but top link went right on. Thank you for all your insight you’ve created a subcompact tractor monster here and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Now that I have a 1025r of my own it’s funny how I view you videos entirely different.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Congratulations! I hope the ‘different view’ is a positive one!

[@brettwynne8676]

Tractor Time with Tim oh I would say so. At least I learned from your mistakes. (Clips on the pto shaft cover.) 👍🏼

[@patcasiliojr.4930]

Tim, Thank you, thank you. Great video. I purchased my King Kutter per your recomendation late last year waiting until my "New York State Home Confinement" to hook it up to my 1025.I forgot it wasn't compatible to my John Deere Imatch Quick Hitch until viewing your video again 6 months later. I want to use the quick hitch due to the tiller's size and awkwardness hooking up the lift arms. I think you used a Central Tractor draw bar bushing which is shorter than the upper link bushing I used. The upper link was an exact thinner replacement. I haven't installed the PTO yet. I hope with the Quick Hitch I don't have to shorten the shaft.

[@terrygulliford5308]

Picked up a quick hitch from Rural King (cat 1) to use with my King Kutter XB. Hitch was 5” too wide. Gave up on extending the lift pins and went with removing 2 1/2” from each side of it and welding it back together. Replaced the bushing on the top of the XB as the wall thickness interfered and now it works like it should.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmaZpqifmLpmgZo

[@chris05774]

I had the same problem with my Taylor Way 48 inch tiller. your solution worked for my tiller as well. I also had the harbor freight quick hitch and switched to the Imatch hitch instead. the Imatch quick hitch is so much better. you should get one.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Christopher Pauquette I believe Taylor Way and King Kutter are the same company. At least they are in the same booth at the National Farm Machinery Show.

[@chris05774]

good to know

[@patrenwick205]

Great informative video, I bought a Country Line 48" and really lucked out. was able to mate it to my iMATCH with no alterations.

[@dougwilson1495]

Hey Tim. First off, I just wanted to say that your videos are awesome! They are very informative! Please keep them coming. Secondly, I just purchased a King Kutter XB 48" Tiller for my John Deere 1025R tractor. I have the I-Match Quick Hitch connected to my 3 point. I was watching your video of you using the long lift pins on the bottom 2 points. Can you post a close-up photo of what those long lift pins look like? I couldn't really see them good on your video. Thank you Tim!Best Regards,Doug

[@fredkaminski6138]

Greeting from La Porte! I have the King Kutter II, 60 inch wide on my 2520, with the Harbor Freight Quick Hitch. I ran into the same problem with the top "hook". I just ground the heck out of it! Now it easy to hook up! Don't seem to have any trouble lifting it up high enough. I don't like how it leaves a pile of dirt where you start, and a hole at the end of the row where you stop. Keep up the great videos!u

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Fred Kaminski yea, your 2520 is a lot taller than the 1025R. That is probably the biggest advantage of the 2 series in my opinion. Higher 3 pt lift, and more ground clearance.

[@crxess]

My advice would have been to move the Bolt and Spacer forward, making them the Hook mount point and upright support. Then secure the 2 Braces with nuts and bolts. Hopefully you also ditched the Hook for a wider aftermarket for better clearance..

[@daveknowshow]

I never use a quick hitch on my tiller. most tillers are offset and adjustable which puts the top link off center from the lower lift arms. the quick hitch also moves the tiller back about 4 to 6 inches which moves all that weight back as well making the front end liter even with the loader on it. thats not bad when operating it but when loading and unloading off the trailer the further back weight changes the balance of the whole unit during loading/unloading. I really notice it with the brush hog which is another implement I dont use the quick hitch on when I need to trailer it to a work site. I do think you made a great work around changing that spacer out. nice job!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+daveknowshow thanks Dave! Haven't heard from you in awhile. Doin ok?

[@daveknowshow]

been fighting this cancer since January 2017 as you know. but I'm hanging in there brother.

[@vikingwhitetails7457]

Hi Tim, Could you tell me how thick your top hook is on your quick hitch Please. I am thinking about getting this tiller want to to try this project if mine is the same thickness as yours as I am assuming it is. Thanks!

[@jackhembree2503]

Tim, nice shelving. for your top link hitch problem I used a 1/2 inch all thread rod and nuts and washers.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Jack Hembree jack, any 'slack' in that top link mechanism allows the tiller to shake back and forth while tilling. Doesn't feel smooth at all.

[@TallTexasGMan]

Tim, put another top link bushing on the top link pin. This will give you the spacing between the upright bars and retighten your bolts. In fact you could use two bolts since the quick top link pin would not be needed.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yep. I just didn't have another top link bushing. You are right about the bolt. Could do that. Are you doing ok?

[@TallTexasGMan]

+Tractor Time with Tim Yup. Doing good. You got me thinking about modding my box blade and other items to QuickHitch. I managed to find a JD one laying in a field and picked it up real cheap. Only thing that QH compatible though is my 647 Tiller.

[@davidlpittman]

You should try a Pat's quick hitch, if you haven't already. I think that is the one I'm going to try.

[@CashJohnston]

Another interesting and entertaining video! I had to adapt my KC landscape rake for the quick hitch. My solution was a little primitive and involved a cutting torch.

[@Foxxygrandpa241]

Had a similar issue with my Mahindra box blade expect the bolt was just below the pin. Took the bolt out and welded those support straps in place then ran my top link pin through a bushing to keep the spacing

[@Boscovius]

I would be concerned that the added length of the longer sway arm lift pins might bend the frame they bolt to. Let us know how it works out.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

The pins themselves bend over time…broke one.

[@bobcat12m]

I have a Jd 4710 and it has a quick hitch and we convert all are stuff to fit. Use 2 bolts for the bars and then put a bushing in place where the pin is and replace that with a bolt or pin so you don't have to take it out. Just back up and raise up

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Matthew Teal yes, of course. I was removing the pin for demonstration purposes. I leave it in place for normal usage. I thought it was easier to see what I needed to change to make it fit this way. Also, I didn't want to keep lifting that hitch by hand :-). Once was enough!

[@mcxmike10]

Tim, I have the same JD 1025 and KK XB Tiller. Are the longer (6.25") draw pins the adjustable type? If not, can you please tell me where to get them and bushings. Thank you. Mike

[@Drew6709]

You should check the length of the PTO shaft with the quick hitch. With the qh on, the PTO shaft may over extend. Keep an eye on things.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Drew6709 yes. Kept the shaft as long as possible when I first cut it (without the QH). It works well now with the QH. Your point is very important! These shafts are short. There isn't much room for error. Adding the QH makes a big difference.

[@michaelnelson3369]

I added a pto shaft extension that added the 4" back lost from the quick hitch.

[@semco72057]

The quick hitch is suppose to be attached to the tractor and then the implements connected to the hitch. When you bought the implement the bushings should have come with that part, and once the top hitch on the quick hitch is set for most of them, you should not have a problem with hooking up those attachments.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Sidney Mathious hi Sidney. This particular attachment was not designed to fit a quick hitch.

[@kennethharris80]

I have the same problem with making my tiller qh compatible was wondering if u had any advice on and how to do that

[@doransignal]

do you have any links to the parts to extend the lower 2 connections?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I do not. Sorry

[@cjdaniels4550]

What length draw pin did you use? I don’t see it in the description anymore. How have the draw pins held up with being longer and the bushing on them?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I think 6.25”. A bit hard to find. I have broken one. They bend backwards almost immediately, as the tiller pushes forward against them. If you haven’t purchases the tiller yet, I would avoid the KK XB for this reason. Love the tiller...but no use hassling with this.

[@cjdaniels4550]

I just got the tiller. I think I will just hook it up without the quick hitch. I will have to cut the pto shaft though if I do that. I was trying to avoid that if possible. I’d rather cut it though vs bending the pins and keep having to replace pins or damage the tiller

[@TractorTimewithTim]

You could also destroy the tractor if the shaft is too long. Easy to cut. Easy. Cut it.

[@michaelfinney2160]

So far I think the LandPride QH05 for subcompact tractors is a pretty good choice, not cheap but sometimes you get what you pay for comes into play.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

QH05 is not really so expensive given that you would not need bushings. at $15-$30 per attachment, these bushings add up. I really like the looks of the QH05. Having said those positive things, the QH05 doesn't have an adjustable top hook. Also, its shape does not allow a full rack of weights on the Heavy Hitch bracket. (at least I don't think it does). Everything is a compromise!!!

[@bobcat12m]

We've done this with are box blade and are little chisel plow we made and cultivator and don't have bending issues.

[@brandonbecker8385]

What size do I. Need for tiller for bx1880 quick hitch

[@russconklin3414]

Tim, I can't find much on the King Kutter Professional, is it quick hitch compatible?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes, but offset.

[@Mr42960]

Had to do the same thing Tim. But I took the original spacer you replaced and milled a flat across the whole thing very nearly into the bolt hole. Orient it to the hook as you tighten. Still plenty of strength and maybe a touch more clearance than the thin bushing you found. Also on the lower pins, had to buy the longest pins made in that diameter and they worked perfect. I think you got the same ones.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yea, really wasn't that difficult. I posted this so that people can see that lack of quick hitch compatibility is not necessarily a reason to avoid the KK XB.

[@Mr42960]

They are great tillers.

[@BruceLewisFamily]

Why did you not get a 60 inch King Kutter? It is said to work with a 25Hp Tractor

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Johnny has 18 pto hp.

[@erichess5566]

Love all of your videos, Tim...has helped me make some educated purchases for my 2320. I would add that prior to seeing this video, I contacted King Kutter to see if their tillers were quick hitch compatible...they said that while all of their tillers are quick hitch compatible, they would not recommend using one with any tiller due to "safety considerations". They did not elaborate further but I speculate that maybe with the tiller jumping around when hitting rocks, roots, etc. maybe it's possible that the bottom links could come unhitched...any thoughts?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I think their answer is bunk. Period. Oh, not ALL of their tillers are quick hitch compatible...this XB is NOT. So, told ONE fib in a conversation, I would suggest that you doubt the rest of the conversation. Just my opinion.

[@troyault465]

Hi Tim, I recently purchased the Deere 1025r and am in need of a tiller for the garden. I've been looking at the KK XB models as a cheaper substitute to the Frontier or Deere models. My local Farm and Fleet store stocks two versions of the KK XB, a 48" and 54" model. I believe both would cover my tire tracks. Can you tell me which one you have? I can't tell from the videos. Thanks and keep doing the videos, they are great for a beginner like me.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Troy Ault I have the 48" XB. Love it. It gets out the tracks. For most soils 4' is all you want. Why spend more? Do you have a huge garden?

[@troyault3131]

Tim, thanks for the reply. My garden sure seems big tilling it with a 16" walk behind. It's about 33yds by 13yds. We grow just about everything including lots of corn, beans, peas, and various types of tomatoes. My wife makes amazing salsa all grown in our organic garden. The price difference for the two models is about $10 so I'm thinking of just going with the additional width. They both have the same number of flanges (6) and tines (6 per) 36 total so the power required should be the same. I'm in Wisconsin in an area of mostly clay soil. I'm going to take your advice on the Quick Attach modification, so thank you for figuring that out!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Troy Ault you'll be fine with the 54". Sounds good!

[@ilovepinktacos]

Tim, you videos are excellent please keep up the great work.. Can you list the parts or part number on when I can purchase the bolts and pins. Is there a TTWT code for purchasing the King Kutter/.

[@andrewbrenneman9592]

Actually an Internet company in North Carolina makes a cat 1 quick hitch that DOES NOT REQUIRE the bushings. Check out Everything Attachments online and KZbin. They build many attachments for nearly any & every tractor.

[@cheah7519]

Great company

[@joetterolison1286]

TSC has steel bushing adapters for Category 1 too 2 & 3 for about $3 each

[@tomoaktree4951]

Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much consistency with CAT-1 implements. However once you move into CAT-2 and larger most of these issues seem to be a non-issue.

[@CadillacCowboy620]

Awesome video. I’m actually on my way to Rural King right now to buy a tiller How long are the pins?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I would not choose the King Kutter XB at this point due to this issue. The longer pins tend to bend or break.

[@CadillacCowboy620]

Good info I will reconsider

[@jeffclemons9798]

Hey Tim Jeff from Sheridan. I also got the harbor freight quick hitch love it. A lot of people complain of the loose fit with the bottom pins but fail to use the bushings. I was going to order mine but did find them at Rural King same price I believe. I do have an adapter for the top link on my pulverizer I can send you a picture if you want but let's me use it on older attachments which are not quick hitch comparable. I am looking for a rear tiller but my kubota dealer is giving me a deal on a land pride but they are quite pricy. I have looked at the king cutter is yours reverse tine or standard? Used my post hole digger at my sons this weekend and he was amazed how fast we could dig the holes. Keep up the great videos. Jeff

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Jeff Clemons I may be able to help with the tiller search. Please email me at the address listed in my 'about' section under business inquiries. Or via private message on you tube.

[@jonnyb13456]

How have your pins worked since? I just bought the imatch, now I'm nervous.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Works fine. The tiller does "push forward" some while operating, and therefore the pins have sort of bent backwards a bit, but not much. It works fine.

[@jonnyb13456]

Thanks. I've been watching you for awhile with your uses. I just hope I don't hit any rebar, lol.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Jonathan Ballard ah, I'm more confident now with the tiller. That thing can handle anything. Wow!

[@hoosierhillbilly2295]

This video was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@TheCritterWindow]

I bought one of them it is still sitting in the corner. All my attachments are different and haven't took the time to make them all work.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+TheCritterWindow it really does help with hookup. It is worth the effort...

[@haroldlanglois6170]

Great information, appreciate your solid information

[@jameshale5684]

how are the lengthened lower pins holding up? any bending?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

They bent backwards...like the tiller is pushing forward against the tractor. Broke one of them last weekend.

[@jameshale5684]

I did my pins similar except i used lower link bushing to space it out, for more support. However, i think i see some bending as well. Curious, is the king kutter steel frame twisting or was the damage only to the pin?? If the frame holds up at least I know i can always beef it up without too much trouble...not having to straighten a twisted factory frame.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

The frame seems to be fine. My replacement long pins have already bent. So they will eventually break from fatigue as well.

[@darrengarlough5121]

is this the the imatch you still have or did you get the Deere?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I have both styles of quick hitch. Check out my website tractortimewithtim.com for an article about quick hitch options.

[@1970dcs]

Use one long three-quarter inch all thread bolt and 3 nuts or use two short three-quarter inch bolts one for each side and nuts.

[@Drew6709]

Everything Attachments has a quick hitch that does NOT require bushings. I do believe it is $140 there abouts.

[@marksleeper3752]

I went to Pats easy change hitch, so I didn't have to butcher any more attachments

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Some folks love, some folks hate. I see both points. Glad it is working for you!

[@marksleeper3752]

thanks

[@marksleeper3752]

great vid tim

[@dankelly2471]

how much does johnly have

[@billjanetsky3792]

tim do you have links to these parts?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

In the description

[@jimjohnson2881]

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank

[@Jeg_er_tyk_og_grim]

my QH05 only cost me $175 thru my kubota dealer. well worth it over the cheap quality over harbor freigh

[@Jeg_er_tyk_og_grim]

I did buy the HF QH. it quickly went in the dumpster

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Tyler Kruckman Tyler, do you use the regular ring snap keys on the lift pins, or is there another solution? I realize you don't use the bushings. Just wondering how you keep the hitch from slipping off the lift pins.

[@Jeg_er_tyk_og_grim]

It's a perfect fit so there is no need for the pins however I did have an implement that I converted to be QH compatible and welded a washer on the pin to center when attaching it to the QH. The only downside to the LP is the top hook is not adjustable. So I did order the HF top link adapter and use it on the LP. I am beyond satisfied with the quality of all land pride implements. Aside from the powder coating. I hate powder coating

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+Tyler Kruckman yea, not quite sure why they didn't make the top hook adjustable. If you have many implements, avoiding the bushings will save significant $$. Obviously, my mention of it in this video shows that I was considering it. I decided HF purely because of $$. It has been fine for me. What specifically failed on the HF version? You mentioned quality issues.

[@Jeg_er_tyk_og_grim]

+Tractor Time with Tim it was way to clumsy/bulky. the top hook was far to thick for some of my implements and the levers just felt cheap. here is a link for the top link adapter I previously mentioned www.agrisupply.com/product.aspx?p=61369&sid=asf10&eid=Easf10&GoogleShopping&CSE&MerchAdv&zmam=77232640&zmas=1&zmac=1&zmap=61369&NB_PLA_TopSellers_MW_GOOG&GGK7VvmA|pcrid|102507089471|pmt||pkw||pdv|m|&&gclid=CjwKEAjwtqe8BRCs-9DdpMOilBoSJAAyqWz_cPyCE8_7EovIzBx8BiIyb-oVpNYYtu3rcS9E3k8M7RoCdzjw_wcB

[@tom-mo-]

Check out Pat's easy change system. It's what I ended up with and I have the exact same tiller and tractor.

[@tom-mo-]

Works for equipment that is not quick hitch compatible.

[@jfortune06]

I did the same thing. The Pats system is not quite as clean and easy as the frame-type quick hitch, but it is compatible with way more stuff as it's not limited to a certain size and the top link attaches separately. You can even use it with a post hole digger which is impossible with any other quick hitch.

[@gulabkeerio4392]

Good morning

[@justinleppanen3864]

good video tim

[@kevinh1858]

Speeco doesn’t need the bushings.

[@mi2tn]

I need to win the lotto so I can convert all my equipment to QH, and get a QH. :)

[@TractorTimewithTim]

+mi2tn you don't have a QH? Only $80 with coupon @ HF!

[@mi2tn]

QH isn't the problem. None of my equip is QH compatible.

[@chris05774]

The Imatch quick hitch is so superior to the harbor freight hitch. It's well worth the money. I paid $353.00 for the Imatch and $79.00 for the HF. I gave the HF to my neighbor because he is adding more attachments.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Christopher Pauquette More details please. Why is it 'better'? What is worth paying 4.5 times as much. Honest question, not trying to pick a fight.

[@chris05774]

I used the HF Quick hitch for 1 summer. The mechanism is sloppy and mostly non-serviceable. Parts would break or need to be repaired often. The IMatch hitch has gone 2 full years without any repairs. I change implements often. The less problems the better is the better option for me.

[@markchambers9131]

Or you can just get a Kubota and be happy

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Won’t fit a Kubota quick hitch either.