The first tractor to use the Ferguson 3 point system was David Brown. They produced the Ferguson-Brown Model A in 1936. The first widely available tractor with the 3 point linkage was indeed the Ford 9N using the Ferguson 3 point linkage beginning in 1938. Ferguson produced his own tractors following the split from Ford with the venerable "Grey Fergy" (TE/TO 20). As a point of national pride, Massey (at the time) was a Canadian company in good old Brantford, Ontario.
Good morning - thanks Grant! Very helpful - appreciate the additional history and correction to the story. I find this stuff really interesting. Cheers and all the best!
Also, great history at the end of the video! Makes perfect sense :-) although it sure would be nice if they could all just get along with quick attachment implements :-)
GP, good rundown on Quick Hitches! I have had a BX2380 for last 2+ years and my shed only had rough gravel. It was extremely difficult to attach my implements. I tried flattening out the gravel, but eventually made a custom wooden "pad" for each implement - to help level them. Then I got a Quick Hitch - I went for the Kubota unit. What a difference - it helped a lot! I have 3 Kubota implements and I built (welded) 3 more. Sometimes it was still finicky to mount the bigger pieces. Then, this summer, I went for it and put a concrete pad in the shed. Everything is so much easier now. Keep that in mind as you get older - we are all not as young as we used to be! Thanks again.
I wouldn't be without my JD quick hitch. With the addition of a hydraulic top link, I find it very easy to hook everything up. I do sometimes need to move the hook on my top link but that's about a one minute job with a 15/16 wrench. I've labeled each of the implements so I know which holes to use for the hook. All that being said, I do wish I had a non-standard quick hitch so I didn't need to use any bushing.
Good day Mickey. Thanks for the great suggestion! I think I may take your idea and use it - it makes good sense to mark each piece so I know immediately what to adjust when hooking up. For Compatible equipment, I agree with you - super helpful and easy - way better. Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend!
Hi Gord. Great video on the 3 pt hitch. I have good information for when I go to buy an implement. Neat history lesson as well on how the 3pt came about. Have a good week. Alain.
I use Pat's Easy Change system for my eclectic assortment of attachments. You have to get down to hook up the PTO anyway and with Pat's you just need to hook up the top link while you are back there. Works without bushings and on standard and non-standard 3pt. There is a set of washers for each implement but they don't interfere when using the Implements on tractors without the Pat's system. Pat's system is also much cheaper and much lighter. Thanks for the video and for the snow!
Greetings from Wisconsin! You are SOOOO correct! Thank God for Dave Knows How, Botatrac, and Tractor Mike. Their knowledge on this subject led me to Pat's quick hitch. I didn't know because I'm a newbie when it comes to tractors compared to those guys, but I just had so much respect for their opinion on the matter. Best $200 I've ever spent. I can't believe I have 5 attachments now, and 3 rear. I had to juggle them the other day and I couldn't believe how easily and efficiently I moved. Yes, I get off the tractor, but the top link is easily connected. I personally thanked them all for their advice, as ya never know whet you might find at an auction. Mine will fit anything made. For just $200. I think tractor Mike actually said it's an old design from the 40s? Anyways, got 9" of heavy wet wind driven snow yesterday. My CANADIAN MK Martin Meteor 68" worked amazingly! AND my homemade tire chains (from semi truck chains) helped my 72" pusher move that heavy stuff with ease. AND a 3" wheel spacers install. Whew! Been a busy 3 days! God bless, and safe travels.
What works for me was to install Pat,s quick hitch on the lift arms and use an hydraulic centre link. No more problems easy peesy. I enjoy your video,s. You do such an outstanding job in explaining . Keep up the great work
Mostly agree. LP quick hitch (not those Chinese ones) make it very easy to change the top hook. Worst case it takes me 1 min to hook up any implement. We have a 40+ year rear blade, 20 year old landscape rake, Chinese tiller, LP grading scraper and Chinese one, old ass cultivator, 15 year old frontier rotary cutter. Absolutely zero complaints here. The old rotary cutter is the best, as I had to use some of the standard adapters that come with the quick hitch. The top link mainly floats when the cutter is dropped, however the top link still grabs it and lifts it up. A “floating” top link is amazing for a rotary cutter as it follows the terrain much better.
Thank you. I have owned my 2601 for 4 years and haven't purchased a quick hitch yet. I have several implements and tomorrow I am going to check all my implements and see where I stand. Thank you for the information.
GP, I really enjoy watching your videos, I know it’s got to be a ton of work setting up shots, getting neighbors on board etc,etc,etc...thank you,thank you thank you.cheers.
Thanks for all the valuable QH info, Gord! This will be a big help to tractor newbies considering a QH. The drawbacks to the QH are why I went with the Pat’s Easy Change system instead. I can quickly hook up to any implement without having to worry about whether it’s QH compatible or not. Also, thanks for the interesting history of the 3 point hitch! Cheers!
Thanks GP, another informative video. Well done. I've been a Quick Hitch user for 10+ years. I had to convert (fabricate/weld) several older attachments to be compatible. I also added the aftermarket Top Hook that keeps the top portion of attachments from binding/interfering with the Quick Hitch top flanges. There are numerous videos addressing this specific issue. One more suggestion for folks thinking about a Quick Hitch: HOW OFTEN DO YOU CHANGE ATTACHMENTS? The more 3 point attachments you have and the more you change between them might help your decision. I change-over several attachments in a single day. If I were only switching between a mower deck and a seldom used scraper or box blade, for instance, the "quickness" of a Quick Hitch is diminished. So, the potential purchase of a new Quick Hitch might be dictated by usage and frequency of usage. Lastly, converting an older non-compliant attachment can be complicated and requires reasonable fabrication, welding skills, and time. Can you afford an entire Saturday, and possibly Saturday and Sunday, to convert a single 3 point attachment to the Quick Hitch standard? Consider that aspect if you own numerous non-compliant 3 point attachments and are thinking about a Quick Hitch.
Alot of good information here. I had the same problem with some of my implements when I purchased my 1st quick hitch but nothing that 1 day with my welder couldn't solve. The first hitch I purchased from John Deere for $350 the 2nd I purchased from Harbor Freight for $75 they both do the same job. A $5 can of spray paint turned my black Harbor Freight hitch to look John Deere. As far as hooking up the top link on an implement I purchased hydraulic top links for both my tractors and can adjust the link without geting off the tractors. I would not be without the quick hitch. I too set most of my implements on pallets and can move them around with pallet forks as needed to ease in the hookups. I am getting to old to fight the hookups. This is my opinion and anyone can do what suits them best in their situations. Have a good day,
Great in-depth explanation on the quick hitch system. Since our Kubota is almost 40 years old, these systems won't work on our little compact tractor. However the pats easy change will work. It's almost like having a quick attach. It's also a system that doesn't require bushings to be added on your equipment.
Nice lesson on quick hitches and the three point hitch, I learned a lot. I also have a love-hate relationship with my quick hitch; I don't use one with my 95 hp Kabota (I have my reasons and I've gotten used to NOT using one), but I do with my B2650. Even though I like using a quick hitch, I still find that it limits the range of motion of the implements.... I'm always watching to make sure I don't bend metal or pinch hydraulic hoses.... especially, when I start using a new implement.
Thank you for the 3PT history- I learned something new (or old!) The quick hitch FYI was great! Before I bought my $85 HF QH the only 3PT implements I had were the Kubota Ballast Box and a Carry-All I made after watching one of your early videos. Both didn't work with the QH! The Carry-All was "adaptable" with a new hook and position, the Ballast box wouldn't work at all! Ended up going with a Heavy Hitch/Suitcase weights and wheel weights for ballast... Everything going forward was QH compatible before purchase
I have a Pat’s quick hitch for my BX. I love it. Almost as convenient as a regular quick hitch without the limitations. I also got a 4” pto extension so I do not have to get new pto shafts. I just move it from one Pto shaft to the next.
I have owned tractors for over 50 yrs,all my equiptment is old , but my tractors I use the pats system ,as it works for all my old style equipt , love them
Hey Gord... another great informational video. Another channel, GoodWorks Tractors, is selling Speeco quick hitches - no bushings required. From your video I take it this is a non-standard quick hitch. Prior to seeing this video, I figured this type of quick hitch would "box you in a corner" with certain implements but it looks like that is not the case. Appreciate the research !
Morning SW. Yes, Courtney is a pretty nice guy and puts out some great and informative videos. So far, I cannot see any drawback to using one. Nothing but benefits from what I have found. Just need to make sure your upper control arm brackets are standard height and if some are not, then you may wish to get one that allows you to adjust the position of it ( like the one I show in the video). Cheers1
Having a quick hitch was a real game changer for my landscaping business. No fighting a rear implement, just drop it and grab the other. Well worth the extra money. Another great video, clear and concise.
I believe Massey ferguson developed the draft control which automatically controlled the weight transfer. Fords early 3 point version was only a lifting device. Best wishes to you this Christmas and keep on with the great videos.
Thanks for the informative video on the 3 point hitch I did buy the Kubota Q 015 hitch for my B 2601 and I’m happy.I think it’s a ideal investment.thanks again Gordy.
Thank you for the great info. You are a great teacher and you must have taken a lot of time to go to the different dealers and reading to find all this out. Saves us a lot of time to just sit back and watch a video. Tractor on from west central Illinois
Good report. One thing not mentioned was the 3 point hitch itself. There are basically 2. A standard hitch which has solid lift arms. The second is a premium hitch which has arms that are adjustable by by 3 or 4 inches. I think I could see where your hitch is the premium. That would make your tractor relatively easier to hook to implements than a tractor with solid lift arms. Solid lift arms are always more difficult to attach unless you can back up perfectly or place implements so they can be adjusted back or forth easily. Bottom line quick hitch more import for solid arm tractor hitches than for hitches with adjustable arms. Thanks for another good video.
Great video Gord. Lots of great information to get people to look before they keep for sure. Makes it rough when you have to purchase an adapter kit for the adapter to use a different brand of implements. Thanks for sharing with us, you always put out interesting and entertaining videos and we appreciate your channel. Be safe and have fun. Fred. 👍👍👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Great vid GP...I was always had reservations about getting a quick hitch and now that I'm thinking of adding a few pieces of equipment this really helped....thanks! 👍😃🍻
Well done video GP! You covered everything one needs to know about getting a QH. Like you I love tractor history. Tractors have come a long ways from the days of steam tractors. lol Have a very good week my friend! See ya in the next one!
I thank you for sharing your growing wisdom & knowledge!! The delivery of our first LX2610 set for Jan 13 2023. Have the snow blower, Bucket & loader, rototiller with quick connect as our first attachments. Already looking into building the wooden box for the back, for hauling stuff. Seems to be no end to tractor mods!!!!! I have a steep learning curve ahead of me!!!! only experienced in belt driven lawn & garden tractors thus far.
How's she goin'? Great video Gord!!! The Quick Hitch is a great addition but all you related in this video certainly has to be taken into account. I like what you said about the 'Quick' may not be so quick!!! LOL Thanks for sharing. Lots of great info here!!! Take care!!
Good evening GP, Very Well Made Informative video Sir 👍😊 Very Well Thinking about ALL the Pro's and Con's 🧐👍 We All on the learning Path Sir 👍Great tractor history Sir 👍😊 Keep up the great Job Sir and Yes do keep warm next week it going to be a cold one !!! Cheers !!!
Hey GP, Great video. You have summed it up nicely. I went with Pat's QH mainly because of it's relatively low price, ($169 at Agri-Supply) and the fact that there are no expensive bushings needed. People say they don't like it as much because you have to get off the tractor to hook up the top link, but you have to get off anyway to hook up the PTO. I am sold on Pats!! Have a great holiday Gord. Cheers to you, Carol, and Guy!
Morning michael. Yes, alot of folks have mentioned the Pat's and say they like it alot. And very true - almost every time I use it, I still have to go back there for something. Cheers and all the best!
Great advice as always GP. I purchased a middle of the road third party quick hitch for mine as in an ideal situation, it makes things much easier. I understand that all implements won't work with the quick hitch but I will be sure to look for quick hitch compatable implements to prevent future headaches. I did purchase the clevis pins for the top hook though to hopefully limit some of the concerns that you mentioned. So others are aware, the non-standard QH05's and QH10's do not have adjustable top hooks. SpeeCo does offer a non-standard quick hitch with an adjustable top link though for those who are interested.
I bought my tractor with the quick hitch. I have 4 compatible pieces of equipment and it's very easy to change from one piece to another. I found out after the 4 pieces of equipment that I could have gotten the non standard that used the 7/8 pines. I have paid from $32 to $19 US for bushing kits. Good explanation
Gordon before I get too much older do you have anything on the Fountain of Youth for us. You have a knack of researching things and explaining it to the Layman. I need the back the clock up 30 years or so your help would be deeply appreciated
Great review of the pros and cons of a quick hitch, GP. I agree 100% about the finish mower. I have the same one and it’s a breeze to hook up without the quick hitch. Stay warm! -Ed
This is probably one of your best “instructional “ videos yet, GP! Very well done!!! Thanks! I recently went the Pat’s route because I have non-adaptable implements. SO nice to be able to swap them out without a hammer and a lot of kicking, pushing and swearing!
I love my Pats easy hitch as I have some older implements that cant be adapted to a quick hitch without be cutting things up and welding new parts. And to be honest, the Pats easy hitch is not that much slower.
I bought a quick hitch from harbor freight for 79 dollars and had to do very little,I had to buy a top hook and 4 sets of collars for my implrments an I might have 200 dollars in everything and they all work good on my implements with no adjusting on them..
Thanks for the history of the 3 point hitch GP. Very interesting, my very first tractor was a 9 N Ford ha I never knew they were the first brand after the Ford Ferguson to have their own design. Also I liked your terminology "fiddle around " thats my kinda language LoL. Thanks GP.
Great video and you're right to point out that Quick-Hitches are not the Panacea that some make them out to be. I think you covered all the reasons why this is in a very well stated fashion. Great job as always. P.S. I wish you'd get a good foot or 2 of snow so we can see how the new machine blows snow!
Well explained GP and exactly why I decided not to buy a quick hitch! After a lot of going back and forth (buy or not buy), I finally decided to go with what I considered a compromise: Pat's easy change. Excellent video as always. Thanks.
Hi GP. Very good video.. I have been thinking about getting one.. A whole lot to think about.. But I have time. So I will just keep fighting hooking up for now. Have a great rest of your weekend. Stay safe and always be kind. Cheers..🍵🍵
Great video GP Lots of info to contemplate Only one comment First tractor I ever drove was My great Uncles Ford 8N and I am pretty sure it had a 3 point hitch Remember the lever to lift it and the handle to adjust the right arm longer or shorter for the various attachments Have a great week Enjoy all the rain alot better than snow lmao
Morning Larry. Yes indeed. The 9N preceded the 8N as I understand it, so the 8N would have had a 3 point hitch for sure. Fingers crossed for some decent snowfall - I really want to test out that blower. LOL. Cheers and all the best!
Your prices up there are nuts! 😳 I bought a quick hitch brand new for $90 (I'm near Pittsburgh, PA). Instead of using bushings, I installed the larger pins. You're right though. I'm constantly taking my QH on and off to use the backhoe. But my thinking is, it's easier to attach a fairly light QH than try to wrestle a heavy attachment into place.
LOL! Yup, you folks get some great pricing on stuff for sure. And I agree, for some implements, it is easier than wrestling them in the dirt. Have a great weekend Matt!
Fantastic video! I've been meaning to do this for years, but never got around to it, so I am very glad you posted it! Yes, the quick hitch saga is literally like a five gallon sack of monkeys of different species lol. We have probably 8 to 12 implements and have learned so many lessons over the years about how 'non' quick hitches can be with so many different implement makers. Thanks, great content, as usual keep up the great work, and hope you don't get too much snow! Kapper
LOL! Kap, I am begging for a huge snowfall!! I am dying to try out the new blower on the tractor, and of course, want to fire up the sled and take it for a spin. :)) Cheers and all the best!
Beauty GP. I have the quick hitch for my B2601 from Big tool rack and it works well. Usually have heavy hitch with weights on it. But I recently purchased an old B6100 Kubota with only 160 hours on it. I love the thing, really fun to drive. I’m thinking of putting a quick hitch for that too. The bushings are a pain (but only once). I’ve found it difficult to find even at my Kubota dealer. Good point about the pto shafts GP. Cheers
This is a terrific video. I own a quick hitch because, when I bought the tractor, I didn’t own implements. I was thus able to buy implements that I knew were compatible. I did inherit some old (and inoperative) implements that, should I decide to use them, will almost certainly require adaptation. Luckily, I can weld...
Very informative GP. Thanks. I have a quick hitch from John Deere, and have come to many of the same conclusions you mention. Pat’s Easy hitch is also an interesting option I am going try out.
Great video and info! I have owned a quick hitch for several years and experienced alot of the fitment and bushing issues you explained. I eventually got everything sorted out, but wished I had access to info like this at time of purchase.
HI GP, Great Video as always. For the most part the non-compatibility issue is limited to CAT-1 implement. Typically CAT-2 and larger implements do follow the standard. My largest tractor can be configured for CAT-2, CAT-3N, as well as a full CAT-3 implement. I have a John Deere 7 bottom moldboard play that is CAT-3 and can only be used with a quick hitch, as the pins are permanent to the plow.
My old buddy bought a quick hitch that wouldn't fit his bush hog. I had to make the changes to his much older bush hog to make it work. Not fun and not worth it to me. Lots of very useful information in this one GP, you did some real good research on the very consuming subject. Ol' Harry Ferguson was an amazing engineer. Another tidbit of his history...for the discerning reader....(lol)...after his dispute and lawsuit with Henry Ford, (the largest settement in American history to date btw) Harry Ferguson moved to Europe and manufactured his tractors over there. That's why there are identical Ferguson's with two designations...TE for sale in Eurpoe and TO for sale Overseas. By the mid '50's with Harry gaining a bit in age, the Massey Harris Corporation bought out Harry Fergusons company and combined them into Massey Harris Ferguson, then on to Massey Ferguson. That's only a cliff notes version. Volumes have been written on the whole series of transactions. Thanks for the video my friend.
Good video you have done a lot of research thanks for sharing with us never had a quick hitch but that is very good information take care have a great day
For anyone who that equipment that is not quick hitch compatible they can look into Pat's easy change system. My cousin has it on his JD on his lower links. He likes it you just have to hook up the top link.
This has helped my greatly, thanks. I have purchased a number of my implements from kijiji and some are extremely old. Princess Auto had quick hitches on sale a couple of months ago but I was stuck trying to figure out which implements I could use it on. This has certainly helped.
I would suggest that on very heavy implements or those that might exert a lot of side load that the CAT 2 adapter pins are thicker and less likely to bend, and that the larger "knob" on the end of the bushing also helps keep the implement in place on side loads. I have a new tractor (Mahindra 1635) but some ancient probably 35 year old implements, and I have an old Harbor Freight Quick hitch that I bought about 15 years ago. I had not used the quick hitch for the reasons you mentioned. The old stuff just did not quite fit. Well I did some updates and repairs on my old backblade and extremely heavy 6ft actual bushhog brand mower, and also did some mods to make them fit the quickhitch. The backblade works ok, but I actually damaged the cheap quickhitch with the mower. First the mower was probably too haeavy for the quick hitch, and second the back caster wheel on the mower was initially frozen only straight ahead so it put too much side load on the 3pt and quickhitch when turning. The pins bent slightly, and it also actually bent out the two lower arms of the quickhitch. The cheap quickhitch had quite a bit of strength vertically but the sidelood just bent them out. The knobs on the ends of the bushings would have prevented that. If i do get things bent back into place, I bought some big washers and will put them on the ends of my cat1 pins even on the quickhitch. Of course it is not so quick getting everything lined up as you say. and I definitely agree to make sure if buying new that everything is quick hitch compatible. By the way if did finally fix that caster but I had to cut the caster axle apart to clean it up and then re-weld it back together. It works fine now, but I like doing some fabrication or time wize I would have been ahead buying new instead of welding patches and repainting my ancient one. I still need to replace the cat 1 pins that bent though fortunately they are cheap. Speaking of which, it is interesting that the replacement Cat 2 pins are under $10 each but the bushing adapters for Cat1 to Cat2 pins are double that.
Thanks Gord. Definitely a good video for someone like myself who is starting off with their first tractor. It didn’t seem like an easy video to shoot. Bit of a mouthful haha!
Very informative video GP. This is such good detailed information for tractor owners. There are so many variables its nice you covered all the pertinent information. Cool history on 3 points also, had never heard that. I'd say one of your best videos! Much appreciated!
The first tractor to use the Ferguson 3 point system was David Brown. They produced the Ferguson-Brown Model A in 1936. The first widely available tractor with the 3 point linkage was indeed the Ford 9N using the Ferguson 3 point linkage beginning in 1938. Ferguson produced his own tractors following the split from Ford with the venerable "Grey Fergy" (TE/TO 20). As a point of national pride, Massey (at the time) was a Canadian company in good old Brantford, Ontario.
Good morning - thanks Grant! Very helpful - appreciate the additional history and correction to the story. I find this stuff really interesting. Cheers and all the best!
Also, great history at the end of the video! Makes perfect sense :-) although it sure would be nice if they could all just get along with quick attachment implements :-)
GP, good rundown on Quick Hitches! I have had a BX2380 for last 2+ years and my shed only had rough gravel. It was extremely difficult to attach my implements. I tried flattening out the gravel, but eventually made a custom wooden "pad" for each implement - to help level them. Then I got a Quick Hitch - I went for the Kubota unit. What a difference - it helped a lot! I have 3 Kubota implements and I built (welded) 3 more. Sometimes it was still finicky to mount the bigger pieces. Then, this summer, I went for it and put a concrete pad in the shed. Everything is so much easier now. Keep that in mind as you get older - we are all not as young as we used to be! Thanks again.
I wouldn't be without my JD quick hitch. With the addition of a hydraulic top link, I find it very easy to hook everything up. I do sometimes need to move the hook on my top link but that's about a one minute job with a 15/16 wrench. I've labeled each of the implements so I know which holes to use for the hook. All that being said, I do wish I had a non-standard quick hitch so I didn't need to use any bushing.
Good day Mickey. Thanks for the great suggestion! I think I may take your idea and use it - it makes good sense to mark each piece so I know immediately what to adjust when hooking up. For Compatible equipment, I agree with you - super helpful and easy - way better. Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend!
Also enjoy your logic!!
Thanks so much Kap!
Hi Gord. Great video on the 3 pt hitch. I have good information for when I go to buy an implement.
Neat history lesson as well on how the 3pt came about.
Have a good week.
Alain.
I use Pat's Easy Change system for my eclectic assortment of attachments. You have to get down to hook up the PTO anyway and with Pat's you just need to hook up the top link while you are back there. Works without bushings and on standard and non-standard 3pt. There is a set of washers for each implement but they don't interfere when using the Implements on tractors without the Pat's system. Pat's system is also much cheaper and much lighter. Thanks for the video and for the snow!
Greetings from Wisconsin! You are SOOOO correct! Thank God for Dave Knows How, Botatrac, and Tractor Mike. Their knowledge on this subject led me to Pat's quick hitch. I didn't know because I'm a newbie when it comes to tractors compared to those guys, but I just had so much respect for their opinion on the matter. Best $200 I've ever spent. I can't believe I have 5 attachments now, and 3 rear. I had to juggle them the other day and I couldn't believe how easily and efficiently I moved. Yes, I get off the tractor, but the top link is easily connected. I personally thanked them all for their advice, as ya never know whet you might find at an auction. Mine will fit anything made. For just $200. I think tractor Mike actually said it's an old design from the 40s? Anyways, got 9" of heavy wet wind driven snow yesterday. My CANADIAN MK Martin Meteor 68" worked amazingly! AND my homemade tire chains (from semi truck chains) helped my 72" pusher move that heavy stuff with ease. AND a 3" wheel spacers install. Whew! Been a busy 3 days! God bless, and safe travels.
What works for me was to install Pat,s quick hitch on the lift arms and use an hydraulic centre link. No more problems easy peesy. I enjoy your video,s. You do such an outstanding job in explaining . Keep up the great work
Mostly agree. LP quick hitch (not those Chinese ones) make it very easy to change the top hook. Worst case it takes me 1 min to hook up any implement. We have a 40+ year rear blade, 20 year old landscape rake, Chinese tiller, LP grading scraper and Chinese one, old ass cultivator, 15 year old frontier rotary cutter. Absolutely zero complaints here.
The old rotary cutter is the best, as I had to use some of the standard adapters that come with the quick hitch. The top link mainly floats when the cutter is dropped, however the top link still grabs it and lifts it up. A “floating” top link is amazing for a rotary cutter as it follows the terrain much better.
Thank you. I have owned my 2601 for 4 years and haven't purchased a quick hitch yet. I have several implements and tomorrow I am going to check all my implements and see where I stand. Thank you for the information.
Very informative and well done! Thanks for all the info! Never realized all of this! 👌
GP, I really enjoy watching your videos, I know it’s got to be a ton of work setting up shots, getting neighbors on board etc,etc,etc...thank you,thank you thank you.cheers.
Thanks kindly - I am happy you enjoy them. Have a great week out there!
Thanks GP, you just saved me a bunch of money. Another great, informative video.
Thanks for all the valuable QH info, Gord! This will be a big help to tractor newbies considering a QH. The drawbacks to the QH are why I went with the Pat’s Easy Change system instead. I can quickly hook up to any implement without having to worry about whether it’s QH compatible or not. Also, thanks for the interesting history of the 3 point hitch! Cheers!
Thanks GP, another informative video. Well done. I've been a Quick Hitch user for 10+ years.
I had to convert (fabricate/weld) several older attachments to be compatible. I also added the aftermarket Top Hook that keeps the top portion of attachments from binding/interfering with the Quick Hitch top flanges. There are numerous videos addressing this specific issue.
One more suggestion for folks thinking about a Quick Hitch: HOW OFTEN DO YOU CHANGE ATTACHMENTS? The more 3 point attachments you have and the more you change between them might help your decision. I change-over several attachments in a single day. If I were only switching between a mower deck and a seldom used scraper or box blade, for instance, the "quickness" of a Quick Hitch is diminished. So, the potential purchase of a new Quick Hitch might be dictated by usage and frequency of usage.
Lastly, converting an older non-compliant attachment can be complicated and requires reasonable fabrication, welding skills, and time. Can you afford an entire Saturday, and possibly Saturday and Sunday, to convert a single 3 point attachment to the Quick Hitch standard? Consider that aspect if you own numerous non-compliant 3 point attachments and are thinking about a Quick Hitch.
Alot of good information here. I had the same problem with some of my implements when I purchased my 1st quick hitch but nothing that 1 day with my welder couldn't solve. The first hitch I purchased from John Deere for $350 the 2nd I purchased from Harbor Freight for $75 they both do the same job. A $5 can of spray paint turned my black Harbor Freight hitch to look John Deere. As far as hooking up the top link on an implement I purchased hydraulic top links for both my tractors and can adjust the link without geting off the tractors. I would not be without the quick hitch. I too set most of my implements on pallets and can move them around with pallet forks as needed to ease in the hookups. I am getting to old to fight the hookups. This is my opinion and anyone can do what suits them best in their situations. Have a good day,
Great in-depth explanation on the quick hitch system. Since our Kubota is almost 40 years old, these systems won't work on our little compact tractor. However the pats easy change will work. It's almost like having a quick attach. It's also a system that doesn't require bushings to be added on your equipment.
Thanks GP. Just got a QH15 and this is good information.
Good point about the PTO shaft, that was one of the reasons I decided not to go with a quick hitch.
Hi G.P. didn't realize a quick hitch was so complicated or involved. Great information thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend
It’s not complicated. It’s very simple.
Nice lesson on quick hitches and the three point hitch, I learned a lot. I also have a love-hate relationship with my quick hitch; I don't use one with my 95 hp Kabota (I have my reasons and I've gotten used to NOT using one), but I do with my B2650. Even though I like using a quick hitch, I still find that it limits the range of motion of the implements.... I'm always watching to make sure I don't bend metal or pinch hydraulic hoses.... especially, when I start using a new implement.
Thank you for the 3PT history- I learned something new (or old!) The quick hitch FYI was great! Before I bought my $85 HF QH the only 3PT implements I had were the Kubota Ballast Box and a Carry-All I made after watching one of your early videos. Both didn't work with the QH! The Carry-All was "adaptable" with a new hook and position, the Ballast box wouldn't work at all! Ended up going with a Heavy Hitch/Suitcase weights and wheel weights for ballast... Everything going forward was QH compatible before purchase
Thanks for all the info. Learned some stuff today!
Telescoping lift arms are the way to go.
I have a Pat’s quick hitch for my BX. I love it. Almost as convenient as a regular quick hitch without the limitations. I also got a 4” pto extension so I do not have to get new pto shafts. I just move it from one Pto shaft to the next.
I have owned tractors for over 50 yrs,all my equiptment is old , but my tractors
I use the pats system ,as it works for all my old style equipt , love them
Excellent information as usual! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the video. Found this information very useful.
Hey Gord... another great informational video. Another channel, GoodWorks Tractors, is selling Speeco quick hitches - no bushings required. From your video I take it this is a non-standard quick hitch. Prior to seeing this video, I figured this type of quick hitch would "box you in a corner" with certain implements but it looks like that is not the case. Appreciate the research !
Morning SW. Yes, Courtney is a pretty nice guy and puts out some great and informative videos. So far, I cannot see any drawback to using one. Nothing but benefits from what I have found. Just need to make sure your upper control arm brackets are standard height and if some are not, then you may wish to get one that allows you to adjust the position of it ( like the one I show in the video). Cheers1
Having a quick hitch was a real game changer for my landscaping business. No fighting a rear implement, just drop it and grab the other. Well worth the extra money. Another great video, clear and concise.
I believe Massey ferguson developed the draft control which automatically controlled the weight transfer. Fords early 3 point version was only a lifting device. Best wishes to you this Christmas and keep on with the great videos.
Thanks for the informative video on the 3 point hitch I did buy the Kubota Q 015 hitch for my B 2601 and I’m happy.I think it’s a ideal investment.thanks again Gordy.
Thank you for the great info. You are a great teacher and you must have taken a lot of time to go to the different dealers and reading to find all this out. Saves us a lot of time to just sit back and watch a video. Tractor on from west central Illinois
Thanks kindly Curt! All the best!
Good report. One thing not mentioned was the 3 point hitch itself.
There are basically 2. A standard hitch which has solid lift arms. The second is a premium hitch which has arms that are adjustable by by 3 or 4 inches. I think I could see where your hitch is the premium. That would make your tractor relatively easier to hook to implements than a tractor with solid lift arms. Solid lift arms are always more difficult to attach unless you can back up perfectly or place implements so they can be adjusted back or forth easily.
Bottom line quick hitch more import for solid arm tractor hitches than for hitches with adjustable arms. Thanks for another good video.
Great points Phil - thanks for sharing them!
Good information. Thanks, GP.
Great video Gord. Lots of great information to get people to look before they keep for sure. Makes it rough when you have to purchase an adapter kit for the adapter to use a different brand of implements. Thanks for sharing with us, you always put out interesting and entertaining videos and we appreciate your channel. Be safe and have fun. Fred. 👍👍👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Good morning Fred. Well said - you buy an adapter for the adapter you buy to adapt the attachment. :)) Thanks - hope you are keeping well. Cheers!
Good stuff, and a history lesson to boot! Cheers.
Great vid GP...I was always had reservations about getting a quick hitch and now that I'm thinking of adding a few pieces of equipment this really helped....thanks! 👍😃🍻
Well done video GP! You covered everything one needs to know about getting a QH. Like you I love tractor history. Tractors have come a long ways from the days of steam tractors. lol Have a very good week my friend! See ya in the next one!
P.S I love watching the channel grow. You have set the bar really high for your videos. Enjoy them all.
Thanks LA! All the best to you and the family my friend!
I thank you for sharing your growing wisdom & knowledge!!
The delivery of our first LX2610 set for Jan 13 2023.
Have the snow blower, Bucket & loader, rototiller with quick connect as our first attachments.
Already looking into building the wooden box for the back, for hauling stuff.
Seems to be no end to tractor mods!!!!!
I have a steep learning curve ahead of me!!!!
only experienced in belt driven lawn & garden tractors thus far.
How's she goin'? Great video Gord!!! The Quick Hitch is a great addition but all you related in this video certainly has to be taken into account. I like what you said about the 'Quick' may not be so quick!!! LOL Thanks for sharing. Lots of great info here!!! Take care!!
Cheers Grampie! Hey, are you guys getting any snow out there? We keep getting more rain than snow here.
@@GPOutdoors We had about 2 inches a few days ago, but it's all gone bow. Getting heavy rains today. It's coming though!!! LOL
Thanks! Definitely learned something today.
Good evening GP, Very Well Made Informative video Sir 👍😊 Very Well Thinking about ALL the Pro's and Con's 🧐👍 We All on the learning Path Sir 👍Great tractor history Sir 👍😊 Keep up the great Job Sir and Yes do keep warm next week it going to be a cold one !!! Cheers !!!
I'm just hoping for some snow Dave! LOL! All the best!
@@GPOutdoors YES ME TOO GP IT IS CURRENTRLY A CRAZZY + 6 C !!!! and was pouring rains all nights !!! LOL CHeers !!!
Hey GP, Great video. You have summed it up nicely. I went with Pat's QH mainly because of it's relatively low price, ($169 at Agri-Supply) and the fact that there are no expensive bushings needed. People say they don't like it as much because you have to get off the tractor to hook up the top link, but you have to get off anyway to hook up the PTO. I am sold on Pats!! Have a great holiday Gord. Cheers to you, Carol, and Guy!
Morning michael. Yes, alot of folks have mentioned the Pat's and say they like it alot. And very true - almost every time I use it, I still have to go back there for something. Cheers and all the best!
Great advice as always GP. I purchased a middle of the road third party quick hitch for mine as in an ideal situation, it makes things much easier. I understand that all implements won't work with the quick hitch but I will be sure to look for quick hitch compatable implements to prevent future headaches. I did purchase the clevis pins for the top hook though to hopefully limit some of the concerns that you mentioned. So others are aware, the non-standard QH05's and QH10's do not have adjustable top hooks. SpeeCo does offer a non-standard quick hitch with an adjustable top link though for those who are interested.
I bought my tractor with the quick hitch. I have 4 compatible pieces of equipment and it's very easy to change from one piece to another. I found out after the 4 pieces of equipment that I could have gotten the non standard that used the 7/8 pines. I have paid from $32 to $19 US for bushing kits.
Good explanation
Great viewpoints and considerations GP!!... As soon as I get at the right opportunity I'm definitely going with "Pat's Quick Hitch" system.
Very interesting Gord, and I learned something again. The history of the three point hitch . Good stuff
Gordon before I get too much older do you have anything on the Fountain of Youth for us. You have a knack of researching things and explaining it to the Layman. I need the back the clock up 30 years or so your help would be deeply appreciated
LOL! You're too kind Bob. I'll see what I can dig up. :)) All the best to you good sir!
Great review of the pros and cons of a quick hitch, GP. I agree 100% about the finish mower. I have the same one and it’s a breeze to hook up without the quick hitch. Stay warm! -Ed
This is probably one of your best “instructional “ videos yet, GP! Very well done!!! Thanks! I recently went the Pat’s route because I have non-adaptable implements. SO nice to be able to swap them out without a hammer and a lot of kicking, pushing and swearing!
LOL! Thanks Larry. Yup, nothing like trying to swing a 400 lb implement around to get the lower lift arms connected. :)) Cheers and all the best!
Very educational great video
I love my Pats easy hitch as I have some older implements that cant be adapted to a quick hitch without be cutting things up and welding new parts. And to be honest, the Pats easy hitch is not that much slower.
i love my quick hitch but you are right it is not always easy with many attachments but it is great anyways nice to see Canadian content
Very cool piece of information. Thanks for sharing GP!
I bought a quick hitch from harbor freight for 79 dollars and had to do very little,I had to buy a top hook and 4 sets of collars for my implrments an I might have 200 dollars in everything and they all work good on my implements with no adjusting on them..
Great info for new tractor owner .Merry Christmas GP.
Merry Christmas Teddy!
I have a love/hate relationship with my quick hitch, but I would recommend having one vs not having one. Thanks for the video
Thanks for the history of the 3 point hitch GP. Very interesting, my very first tractor was a 9 N Ford ha I never knew they were the first brand after the Ford Ferguson to have their own design. Also I liked your terminology "fiddle around " thats my kinda language LoL. Thanks GP.
Morning Dean. So much to learn and I find that stuff pretty interesting. Have a great weekend!
Great video and you're right to point out that Quick-Hitches are not the Panacea that some make them out to be. I think you covered all the reasons why this is in a very well stated fashion. Great job as always.
P.S. I wish you'd get a good foot or 2 of snow so we can see how the new machine blows snow!
Proud to own the first year of Ford 9N !939, the 3 point still works fine.
That's awesome Don! 81 years later - remarkable. Do you still use the tractor regularly?
@@GPOutdoors For now just soft work, preparing her to be re-painted the original colour.
Well explained GP and exactly why I decided not to buy a quick hitch! After a lot of going back and forth (buy or not buy), I finally decided to go with what I considered a compromise: Pat's easy change. Excellent video as always. Thanks.
Good video Gord. Harry Ferguson's story and the development of the three point hitch make some interesting reading.
Hi GP.
Very good video..
I have been thinking about getting one.. A whole lot to think about..
But I have time.
So I will just keep fighting hooking up for now.
Have a great rest of your weekend.
Stay safe and always be kind.
Cheers..🍵🍵
Cheers Gus!
Good guide GP.
Great video GP Lots of info to contemplate Only one comment First tractor I ever drove was My great Uncles Ford 8N and I am pretty sure it had a 3 point hitch Remember the lever to lift it and the handle to adjust the right arm longer or shorter for the various attachments Have a great week Enjoy all the rain alot better than snow lmao
Morning Larry. Yes indeed. The 9N preceded the 8N as I understand it, so the 8N would have had a 3 point hitch for sure. Fingers crossed for some decent snowfall - I really want to test out that blower. LOL. Cheers and all the best!
Nice job explaining the quickhitch ins and outs. You do a nice job researching and presenting your information for your videos.
Thanks Tim!
Your prices up there are nuts! 😳 I bought a quick hitch brand new for $90 (I'm near Pittsburgh, PA). Instead of using bushings, I installed the larger pins. You're right though. I'm constantly taking my QH on and off to use the backhoe. But my thinking is, it's easier to attach a fairly light QH than try to wrestle a heavy attachment into place.
LOL! Yup, you folks get some great pricing on stuff for sure. And I agree, for some implements, it is easier than wrestling them in the dirt. Have a great weekend Matt!
Fantastic video! I've been meaning to do this for years, but never got around to it, so I am very glad you posted it! Yes, the quick hitch saga is literally like a five gallon sack of monkeys of different species lol. We have probably 8 to 12 implements and have learned so many lessons over the years about how 'non' quick hitches can be with so many different implement makers. Thanks, great content, as usual keep up the great work, and hope you don't get too much snow! Kapper
LOL! Kap, I am begging for a huge snowfall!! I am dying to try out the new blower on the tractor, and of course, want to fire up the sled and take it for a spin. :)) Cheers and all the best!
Great video. Thank you for the advice and historical background on the three point hitch and quick hitch.
Great summary, and logic.
Great job Gord.
Good info...thanks
Thx for the video, informative, many people don't understand the details of 3 point hitches.
Beauty GP. I have the quick hitch for my B2601 from Big tool rack and it works well. Usually have heavy hitch with weights on it. But I recently purchased an old B6100 Kubota with only 160 hours on it. I love the thing, really fun to drive. I’m thinking of putting a quick hitch for that too. The bushings are a pain (but only once). I’ve found it difficult to find even at my Kubota dealer.
Good point about the pto shafts GP. Cheers
Very informative . I was planning on buying a QH next but now I see I have to do more research. Great video , very informative.
This is a terrific video. I own a quick hitch because, when I bought the tractor, I didn’t own implements. I was thus able to buy implements that I knew were compatible. I did inherit some old (and inoperative) implements that, should I decide to use them, will almost certainly require adaptation. Luckily, I can weld...
Thanks Mark. That's great. It makes a big difference for sure. Have a great weekend!
@@GPOutdoors: You never fail to post useful and interesting content!
Thank you for the great advice and detailed explanation of quick hitches.
Very informative GP. Thanks. I have a quick hitch from John Deere, and have come to many of the same conclusions you mention. Pat’s Easy hitch is also an interesting option I am going try out.
I have one an I love it
GP - thank for the QUICK lesson on the hitches. Cheers
Great video and info! I have owned a quick hitch for several years and experienced alot of the fitment and bushing issues you explained. I eventually got everything sorted out, but wished I had access to info like this at time of purchase.
HI GP,
Great Video as always.
For the most part the non-compatibility issue is limited to CAT-1 implement. Typically CAT-2 and larger implements do follow the standard. My largest tractor can be configured for CAT-2, CAT-3N, as well as a full CAT-3 implement. I have a John Deere 7 bottom moldboard play that is CAT-3 and can only be used with a quick hitch, as the pins are permanent to the plow.
Thanks!
My old buddy bought a quick hitch that wouldn't fit his bush hog. I had to make the changes to his much older bush hog to make it work. Not fun and not worth it to me. Lots of very useful information in this one GP, you did some real good research on the very consuming subject.
Ol' Harry Ferguson was an amazing engineer. Another tidbit of his history...for the discerning reader....(lol)...after his dispute and lawsuit with Henry Ford, (the largest settement in American history to date btw) Harry Ferguson moved to Europe and manufactured his tractors over there. That's why there are identical Ferguson's with two designations...TE for sale in Eurpoe and TO for sale Overseas. By the mid '50's with Harry gaining a bit in age, the Massey Harris Corporation bought out Harry Fergusons company and combined them into Massey Harris Ferguson, then on to Massey Ferguson. That's only a cliff notes version. Volumes have been written on the whole series of transactions. Thanks for the video my friend.
Good video you have done a lot of research thanks for sharing with us never had a quick hitch but that is very good information take care have a great day
For anyone who that equipment that is not quick hitch compatible they can look into Pat's easy change system. My cousin has it on his JD on his lower links. He likes it you just have to hook up the top link.
This has helped my greatly, thanks. I have purchased a number of my implements from kijiji and some are extremely old. Princess Auto had quick hitches on sale a couple of months ago but I was stuck trying to figure out which implements I could use it on. This has certainly helped.
Now that is an informative review! Thanks GP!!
Great video GP
That’s why I opted for the Pats easy change system for the back of my Case Farmall 45
I've been debating a quick hitch for a few years now. You did a great job. Best content I've seen on the topic. Thanks for sharing
Happy it was helpful Dave! Thanks for tuning in!
Very well done GP. Informative and enlightening!
I would suggest that on very heavy implements or those that might exert a lot of side load that the CAT 2 adapter pins are thicker and less likely to bend, and that the larger "knob" on the end of the bushing also helps keep the implement in place on side loads.
I have a new tractor (Mahindra 1635) but some ancient probably 35 year old implements, and I have an old Harbor Freight Quick hitch that I bought about 15 years ago. I had not used the quick hitch for the reasons you mentioned. The old stuff just did not quite fit. Well I did some updates and repairs on my old backblade and extremely heavy 6ft actual bushhog brand mower, and also did some mods to make them fit the quickhitch. The backblade works ok, but I actually damaged the cheap quickhitch with the mower. First the mower was probably too haeavy for the quick hitch, and second the back caster wheel on the mower was initially frozen only straight ahead so it put too much side load on the 3pt and quickhitch when turning. The pins bent slightly, and it also actually bent out the two lower arms of the quickhitch. The cheap quickhitch had quite a bit of strength vertically but the sidelood just bent them out. The knobs on the ends of the bushings would have prevented that. If i do get things bent back into place, I bought some big washers and will put them on the ends of my cat1 pins even on the quickhitch. Of course it is not so quick getting everything lined up as you say. and I definitely agree to make sure if buying new that everything is quick hitch compatible.
By the way if did finally fix that caster but I had to cut the caster axle apart to clean it up and then re-weld it back together. It works fine now, but I like doing some fabrication or time wize I would have been ahead buying new instead of welding patches and repainting my ancient one. I still need to replace the cat 1 pins that bent though fortunately they are cheap. Speaking of which, it is interesting that the replacement Cat 2 pins are under $10 each but the bushing adapters for Cat1 to Cat2 pins are double that.
As always great video GP
Thanks Gord. Definitely a good video for someone like myself who is starting off with their first tractor. It didn’t seem like an easy video to shoot. Bit of a mouthful haha!
LOL! It sure was - and a lot of re-takes. :)) Cheers Steve!
Great info GP. You are always a source of interesting information. Have a great weekend, Cheers
Cheers Roy!
Thank you, I just learned some very valuable information
I wonder how a quick hitch will work with Top & Tilt system? great job Gord
Thanks for the info my friend. You always do your homework and have good information.
Cheers Gary!
Very informative video GP. This is such good detailed information for tractor owners. There are so many variables its nice you covered all the pertinent information. Cool history on 3 points also, had never heard that. I'd say one of your best videos! Much appreciated!
Cheers and thanks Doug!
Great information and thank you for the history lesson.
I find it really interesting Dan. Cheers!