Review of the Harbor Freight $99 Quick Hitch
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- This is a review of the Harbor Freight tools Haul Master quick hitch for 3pt hitch tractors. www.harborfreight.com/3-point...
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From another "well rounded and experienced" farmer...I have watched dozens of quick hitch videos, all of them opting to either not use the hitch or having complicated solutions often involving welding. Your solution is simple, economical and easy to implement. Kudos! Great job! and thank you. I will definitely use mine now.
This video help me I just got my quick hitch put back on after I had a loader put on mine tractor
I have a Harbor Freight hitch but found it to be a pain like you said but watching how you made the top pin correction, I think that you solved my problem! Thank You, Bill, I am now a subscriber!
That was my entire purpose for making the video. Thank you Bill, Joel
Just came across this. I will definitlely be getting one. Thanks for the instructional
Was having trouble trying to get my top link attached to my new tractor and new to me brush hog, another trip to get a shackle or swivel like that and I’ll be set, thanks for the video!
Thanks for the info, just now learning my implements👍
Thank you sir! I have been looking in to the Harbor Freight quick connect and you help me make my mind up and I'm ordering one today! I'm so tired of fighting attaching my implements in the summer heat.
Make sure it fits your implements. It’s dangerous to use like this and you’ll need bushing adapter kits for the side pins on all implements you wish to use.
Good, straightforward review. Thanks. Didn't know HF had those.
My wife bought me one from harbor freight in 2004 on sale for around $70 i put it on a L3400 kubota then switched it to a mx 5100 in 2010 still using it, love it. You do have to modify some equipment, but its sure worth it.
I need to buy one of them. Thanks for the great video.
Would love to see an updated video with a properly adjusted top link
If I read correctly, you stated that you had this for 4 years and no problems. I’ve been thinking about getting one, now I think I will. Thanks for the information.
I wouldn’t rig mine this way it’s dangerous. You’ll also need an adapter bushing kit for the pins on the implements.
I’ve had a quick hitch for over 10 years and it fits properly. No loose connections and no jerry rigging on the top hook pin.
I can honestly say it's quicker just kicking them old 3 point pins in as I've been doing the last 34 years.
I can see this idea working if it's perfected though. Thanks for your video.
That was a nice review
Thank you for sharing it
Great review. We have bought a few Harbor Freight tools.
I have the same harbor freight quick hitch and I cut out 1-1/4 piece on each side of the top link and welded it back together. It works great
I love mine.
Nicely done and straight to the point. Thank you 👌
Thanks for video....I am considering a quick attatch......one thing that may help is I set our brushhog up on 6x6 scrap blocks....if on decent level ground, then this helps in always lining up the pins.... it just helps keep it neat. Also....try to keep the brush and grass off the top after using....will extend life of the top from rusting out as quick. I like your idea for the top link area if the link will not extend that far
Well made video! Thank you for sharing!!
I'm old and fat and lazy too. Thanks for showing this to me. I think it'd be a big help. Thanks.
It was one of my best purchases.
Have one for 5 years. Too narrow to start but used a little heat and a hammer now fits.
How's she goin'? I just found your channel!!! I just bought a quick hitch and was searching for videos about them and I found you!!! I subbed too because as I watched your channel I see you are a lot like my channel. You show what you like to do around your place, the same sort of things I like to do around mine here in central Nova Scotia!!! Take care!!
Got to get me one of those. Maybe hubby will stop hollering for me every time he needs to hook up an implement to the tractor lol. It gets exhausting having to help him hook up an implement.
Your center link is all the way in run it out so the quick hitch is pointed more forward
I noticed that too.
This is amazing. I'm definitely getting one now. I didn't know about that truck with the top link.
It really makes a difference. Otherwise you have to do all kinds of mod to your implements.
Excellent!!! Thank you!!! I am also about to leave the rat race and I need to learn all of these things. And, by the way, And, by the way, I like the way you adjust your belt line. You'd do a great Chris Farley imitation, "Living in a van, down by the river!" Just kidding you dude.. You're terrific. Great video!!!
Thank you for explaining the set up of quick hitch. I was also having problems attaching the top hook . I am going to try your solution.
Glad it was helpful!
Can you please take a picture of the adapter you are for the top hook. What is it called and best please to buy one.
Good Information. Thank You for sharing.
Love the swivel for the top link, that has been my problem connection.
It’s dangerous
That was a good idea you had to make the top connection for the bush hog on the quick connect
THANK U!! I’m picking one up tomorrow👍👍
It makes life so much easier
That helped on making my decision very much thanks for your video
Glad I could help
That was a great video all these years I've seen them a piece of equipment attached to what they really do now that I've seen your video I know exactly where I'm going to Harbor Freight thank you very much and you have a wonderful great life on the farm from Paul
3 point hitches are a process. There is no easy way to work with them, especially if you do not have level ground. But for pulling a plow, or a back blade, there is nothing better! I swear at mine regularly and have strained more than a few muscles connecting my 5' brush hog up to my 1965 IH 424 tractor, as well as my 1953 Ford NAA tractor.
This solution worked for us. Thank you!
Glad it helped!
Awsum ,,, thank u for the knowledge
I see what i was having a problem with i am going to get that top attachment point ring thank you
Glad I could help
You’re not old and fat, you’re well rounded and experienced! 😂👍🏼
Thanks for the encouragement! :)
Ty's Projects and
The H-F reviews that have low ratings is because the quick hitch isn't wide enough or the implement pins are not long enough. If not wide enough for the implement, the simple fix is usually EZ. Just take the pins off and have them point inwards. Had to do this on a hole auger. And if the implement's pins just can't reach, pick up longer pins from TSC, ASC, Rual King and the others that have them. Even H-F has them. I've done this with my box blade. Works so much nicer now. Hope this helps.
From one "big guy" to another, thanks, that is exactly what I needed to know. Now what is the easier way to attach the pto drive. Yep, with hay rake. Same problems. moved the triangle up using a bicycle basket behind the seat. I have the Max28 and love it. CU
I would like to see a pic of that. I have been thinking of mounting something to carry some small stuff. I haven't come up with a better way to put the PTO shaft on except for the fat man squnch.
I share all of your experiences with the problems of hooking up various implements. I have a compact cab tractor and trying to hook up an implement in 95 degree weather is a nightmare. In and out of the tractor 6 times is nuts. I will make a trip to Harbor Freight this week and get this quick hitch. Thanks for the well done and very informative video. By the way, you are not old and fat, you are well nourished with time treasured wisdom.
Alaska Mike if you haven't already done so Google a 20% HF coupon, there is ALWAYS valid ones and that makes it $75. Can't go wrong!
I have one of these quick attach from HF but it doesn't work on all implement's in the instructions that come with it there is a Y shaped adapter that is available thru HF just not in the store u have to call them. Now it works on all implement's!
Es un buen implemento, se ve que funciona bien. It has a nice performance and I like it. Greetings from Tiquicia. Costa Rica.. I like your twang..
Great video!
Fantastic! Thank you
I have the same hitch on my B2601 Kubota. Best thing I'v ever used. It was a royal pain going from mower to brushhog. If not exactly level could take an hour, had to resort to jack etc. I grew up on a farm and hooking up was sometimes difficult but never as hard as with the compact tractors. Now I just back in and lift. My implements mowers quick hitch ready so I didn't have the top link problem but I will be looking for that top adapter. I also use the bushings on the bottom pins, I have all my implements modified including my snowblower.
Great Video
Seems like a great solution to the tractor config issue. I guess the tractor orig three pt config was intended either for diff implement hardware, or more permanent attachments (not swapping implements all the time). Your vid was informative and actually it's something to think about if you're buying a tractor. How will my implements attach. Most sales people will prob tell you no problem, it's easy. But you showed us the difficulty and the solution. Thanks for the vid.
Thanks for the tips. I have a harbor freight quick attach setting in my garage. Been there for a few years. Your tip about the 1/2" swivel may solve a few problem for me and make the QA useful for what I do.
Yeah, when I bought the thing I thought I would need to weld up and modify my equipment. I did a lot of thinking over the winter when I bought it 3 yrs ago. I just didn't want to modify my stuff by welding so if I wanted to trade or sell them later on. Glad I came up with a work around that was so simple.
Lengthen the top link so you can get under it. If you use your fix for a ground engaging implement you’re gonna have issues. The top hook on the quick attach looks like it can be adjusted up or down. Thanks for the video. Gonna go try one.
I know it looks that way in the video but with my implements you couldn't take the hook off the quick hitch and hand fit it. My work around has worked well for 3 years with my tiller, hush hog, hillers and cultivators. If I had a double bottom plow then maybe not. But I don't use it with my middle buster or hay rake.
I used a 3/4" shackle from tractor supply instead of the swivels to drop down on the qh hook and I can easily move it to other implements as needed. Kinda of the Same concept
Thank you
FYI If you replace your 3rd link with a 32 x 2 cylinder and plug it into your HYDRAULICS Then you dont have to keep adjusting it for different implements you just do it from the cab
From what I've seen I think that you're quick attach should be much straighter than it is and the top link then should fit in better so try and extend your top link
Your top link is not adjusted properly. Your quick hitch should be plumb vertical. not leaning.
I am old, fat and lazy and appreciate you sharing this video. I will be buying one very soon.
Make sure the one you buy fits correctly. Attaching it like this is dangerous. You’ll also need bushing adapters for the side pins on each implement.
Yep. Need to run that top link out some so it hits level.
The hook is too short. Lots of people make welded up adapters for it. Everyone has this problem. Using the swivel was the easiest and cheapest solution.
Hello, the hook should be dropped into a lower position. You should then push the top link out so that the quick hitch is 90 degrees to the ground. On your mower the quick hitch is designed to grab the lower “A” frame bolt, not the top link pin. Also get some lift arm bushings and top link bushings and that quick hitch will fit nice and easy onto your mower. I just purchased a quick hitch and it’s wonderful. Great Video.
It still will not fit into my implement if it was off and I hand fitted it. Thousands of people have that problem. With the stump jumper attachment there isn't enough room for the hook to fit.
When you have something heavy on like a molboard and that to piece slides off ur gonna end up wearing the impliment on your head. Learned that from experience
Don't have a moldboard plow. With a tiller I don't need one.
See the holes to adjust the height of the top hook of the quick hitch?
And then a little adjustment of the length of the top connect (and/or the side arms) for the 3 point to angle the top of the quick hitch back. It will go right in that bush hog.
still won't work. Thousands of people have this problem. It is why the video is so popular.
I ‘m building a fence using an auger during bush hogging season, which wasn’t planned that way, it kinda just turned out that way. I don’t know if you’ve ever hooked up an auger to a 3 pt but it is a bitch and I hate unhooking it, then hooking up the bush hog then same thing over again . I’d just about rather take a beating. That looks like something that would help me out tremendously. Thanks so much for letting me know about it. I have 20 acres in the foothills of the Ozark in Arkansas . With the heat & humidity, every little shortcut that makes life easier is a blessing. From your accent, you sound like your from the south also , so I bet you know what I’m talking about. If your like me , you wouldn’t trade this country life for nothing......I’m going to Harbor Freight this week and pick me one up. Thanks again.
Southeast Kentucky. I like living rural no matter the challenges.
You didn't need that extra piece from TSC. All you have to do is adjust your top link out some so that your Quick Hitch is level vertically (up and down). Then when you lift up on it, it will hook all 3 points. I have the Harbor Freight Quick Hitch and it works great when you have it adjusted right. So try adjusting it right first.
Lots of people have that problem. You couldn't hand fit that hook into my top. It is too big.
looks like it would be in the way hooking up the pto shaft
I got one, and the top hook did not stick out far enough. I welded a piece of square tube on the back of it to fix it. Better than spending $3-400 for the others. You can get some bushings for the lower pins on Amazon for about $30
Please fix your center link and run it correct. Not being ugly just be safe.
Excellent
Thanks for doing this review!
“Old, fat and a little bit lazy”. Hearing that personal assessment, I knew I could relate! Great review!
Love the video would left to see some pictures of your farm house I live in a farmhouse that's a 100 years old in Alabama
What part of Bama?
the top of your hog brush connection bar shows a 2nd bolt hole undo where its at an move back to 2nd hole,,that should angle it closer to the q/hook at the top...
Tried all that doesn't work.
Great video College Hill Farms I was thinking about getting one from Harbor freight but didn’t know if it would hold up but I’m convinced
I’m going to get mine tomorrow
Question: what is the part called for the top connection you had to get from tractor supply
Thank you very much for sharing
Been using mine 7 years now with no issues.
Thanks for the reply. What length is it connected to your brush hog?
Thanks
John
Bought mine from Tractor Supply some 13 years ago for the ability to easily switch out implements....my brush hog I leave out the top pin and as it is lowered the top "hook" is slipped in.
I keep a large flat head screwdriver handy to guide it in.
I want one of these for my 33 hp Kubota. I was hoping you would do an update on how well it holds up over time, like maybe a year.
This is my fifth year. Aside from a little rust it has preformed awesome. Even the swivels have held up that long. I use it on my tiller, bush hog and cultivators. One of the best investments I ever made.
Guess I'm too late on my previous comment, the quick acting attachments are already available on the end of the arms without the frame. The arms can be easily held apart, in position with a bar.
I have seen those. They are so much more expensive than this little attachment.
You could lower the two bolts on the top of the quick hitch so it would go under top pin on bushhog
Tried it. The problem is the hook does not protrude sufficiently on the quick hitch. Nothing has worked but the connection I came up with. Lots of folks have welded up adapters. Just didn't want to spend that much.
The top link on the brush hog is not installed correctly move the bolt to the rear hole and it will fit right in there, you can also change the pitch to the higher setting by putting the top link of the brush hog under the rear bolt it works for me. just changing these two bolt locations will fix this.
But only on the rotary cutter. The other implements don't have that option. I needed a solution for all my implements.
Looks like you need to lengthen the top 3pt link to get the upper attach point to work on the implement.
It wouldn't fit any of my implements without modification. The $7 fix was way easier for us. Actually the hook on the quick hitch would not fit into the area for the implement at all, possibly just a Mahindra thing but I don't know. There just was not enough room for the hook to fit(hook was bigger than the hole it would have to go into). Thanks for the comment.
I had to grind my top hook on the quick attach to get the pin to fit in the slot. Like a previous poster said extend the top link so it will engage first then as you raise it the implement will drop into the bottom attach points.
@@CollegeHillFarm what is the name of that part? so I can pick one up for my husband. Thanks for any info you can share.
@@Virgilsvortex It is called a galvanized 1/2" swivel. Got it at Tractor Supply. It is only stout enough for category one.
@@CollegeHillFarm thanks may your day be blessed.
I gave up on mine. To use more than one implement meant having to readjust the top hook over and over and for some implements it didn't work at all. I ended up getting a pair of quick hitch ends that fit on the ends of the outriggers. I can back up and engage my implements and then I get off the tractor and use the factory top link on the tractor. Much faster than the quick hitch.
Having a hard time finding anything based on the verbiage in ur comment. Any exact product references or links?
@@blaxbently the ends he is referring to are called "Pat's quick hitch". Google knows where they're sold.
@@blaxbently www.agrisupply.com/pats-quick-hitch-category-1/p/70078/
The stabilizer bar is a great help but not essential
Al Derway NICE! Much appreciated! Thx for ur time.
Great content, thank you
harbor freight has something to help with the top attachment point. I gave up because i don't have time to play with the hitch. I recommend checking another CZcamsr named "JIMeRIG" that made a add on modifications to your hitch. you'll eliminate that tractor supply part and actually set the quick hitch to drive up and hitch up in one try then flip the two lower levers to lock up the bottom.
I found on online to modify it and with pins instead of bolts from Ken's Bolt on Hooks.
thanks for the video, i could probably use that, $100 well spent. I should do a video of my Golf cart top that i installed on my tractor roll over bar, $20 and some scrap lumber to keep the sun and rain off you
Yes, please make that video!
You should try the Pat's attach system. It's much better in my humble opinion.
This one is working perfect for us. I don't see me changing anytime soon. Thanks for the input!
Great information, very well presented. I'm buying a quick hitch and need some input before purchasing product.,
Thanks
I’ve watched so many tractor videos and I’ve noticed that not many folks have a hydraulic top link… when I bought my tractor (Kabota L3830), My dealer told me the best Additional investment I could make was to have them install a three point hydraulic system for the rear blade… Thankfully I listened to his advice…. I know it adds a few dollars to the investment but I’m surprised more folks don’t have the Hydraulic set up for the rear?????
I have used tractors since I was a kid and we never had a hydraulic top link. I knew they existed but I wouldn't have even thought about it because we never had one before.
@@CollegeHillFarm if you use a box scraper much, they are invaluable..
Great video...I just spent an hour or more attaching my box blade to me Kubota b2601. You made it looks simple. I'm getting one of those quick hitches from Harbor Freight. $99... I'm willing to take the gamble.
It is my 4th yr with it. Has been well worth the cost.
take and move your bracket bars from the top mount and move them to the outside
wont work
alternatively you could take a picture of the factory set up copy dimensions find a buddy with a metal fab shop and call in favors. more than 99$ however...
What was the part that you bought from Tractor Supply to fix the top link problem? I will go tomorrow after Church and buy one. I was getting so frustrated until I saw your video.
They gave gone up a little. www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/national-hardware-3252bc-1-2-forged-swivel-galvanized?cm_vc=-10005
I think ur top pin is not adjusted right, mine hooks at bolt under where top pin attaches to cutter. Didn't need swivel or anything. Lots more solid connection too. Box blade, rock rake and disc all connect this way.
A lot of people think that. But I couldn't make it fit no matter what I did. I think it has to do with the size of the hook. Lots of people with different tractors have the same issue. There are all kinds of folks welding adapter and stuff because of it. I just wanted a simpler route.
Nice video I subscribed. Iam also looking to get thus for my kubota l3301 to show on my channel
It looks like you are missing the little sleeves that go over the Cat 1 pins on the implement itself. It’s almost like a bushing sleeve.
never bought any. I have just simple sleeves over the pins so they don't wear. But I sill use hitch pins.
True works good
This is not based on my experience, just from watching several videos on quick hitches. Your top hook on the. quick hitch, should be all the way down, and hook the lower bar on the top of the mowers hitch. Also adjust the top link out farther for more reach.
The bottom locking levers are spring loaded, so you can connect without rotating the top latch levers to open them. Then you lock them open, as you demonstrated, when unhooking the mower. Hope this helps.
Thousands of people have this problem with their implement. It's not just me. It is all in the way you implements are made. That's why the video has over 300k views.
Not all attachments have the same standardized spacing. Also creates a longer distance from pto shaft that could cause problems. Great idea but not a cure all .
no the three-point han-shan smaller tractors is narrower than the 3 point hitch on larger tractor also some of the off brand names are all so different that you are correct in the extra distance from your Implement in a longer PTO however if it is well-balanced it usually doesn't present a problem I'm running hay baler and the PTO shaft is 6ft long with a center bearing and 2 U joints also depends on the RPM you're running on your PTO but all three point inches are not the same only on American-made tractors they are the same on the compact tractors but not on the full-size tractors there are adapters for all
You should be useing the bushings on the lower pins cause thay are for class 2
This is a class one hitch. While they make bushings I have never in 8 yrs had a problem with just using hitch pins.
Thanks for the reply about the swivel link. I am concerned that my pto shaft on my Betstco 37" flail mower might be too short (31.5") fully extended when I add the extra 4" needed for the quick hitch. I have a John Deere 1023e and I had to extend the pto quite a bit to attach it to my tractor.
How long is your pto when using the quick hitch to your brush hog?
Thanks
John
It adds about 4" to 5" to the pto shaft. All of my shafts had the extra length with no problem. Every tractor would be different for the length of the pto shaft. If you have an extra 4 or 5 inches on your pto shaft it should be good that is when the flail mower is all the way down. As far as how long mine is I don't think that would help you. If you just mark with a sharpie where the shaft is when it is fully down then take it off and see how much you have left before it comes off. If you have a foot left you are probably ok. Anything under a foot and I would also be concerned and want a longer shaft. The only one that came close to this was my till. It had such a short shaft to begin with. But when attached it is in 8" or so. That has been enough so far.
On the Bush Hog-- Where your top hook up is (Where you attached the part from Tractor supply) . Did you try moving that existing bolt just under there to the back hole to move the bar a little more forward?
Yes I tried all that stuff. Longer top link, everything. The hook is way bigger than the place where it is supposed to connect. If you took it off you couldn't make it connect up. There are tons of people with this problem. This was my work around. They sell a part that is welded up to make this better, but it costs half of what the quick hitch costs. I thought about welding my own but this worked out so much better for less cost and way less effort. I put a swivel on each one of my implements for what one of the welded up adapter cost.
@@CollegeHillFarm Just thought I would ask. I saw that extra bolt hole and my mind said Well wonder that would do. Nice video, take care and stay safe up there.
@@MsDave64 yeah - even if the hook was out and you tried to hand fit it - it does not fit in my implement unless you lay it completely flat with the hook pointing down. This video got so many views because everyone has this problem with this design. It works with some brands but not many. Thanks for the input, we are all in this together.
I have the same problem with the top hook of my quick attached. Top hook will not hook up with the implements. Thanks for the tip.
For both of you lengthen the top link so the quick attach is plumb vertical. Then when setting down implements make sure to block them so they sit pretty straight up and down. Bush hugs are a bit weird because the top point can hinge back but if you keep a pry bar by your seat you can snag it and pull it forwards to help hook it.
I wouldn't even use the quick-attach with a bush hog. And don't use a "stiff" top link, either. If you'll notice, the bracing on the mower, going from the top attach point back to the back near the wheel, is articulated. That is to prevent bending the bracing when crossing a ditch or low place -- the tractor will go low while the mower is still high thus bending the bracing if stiff. The only problem is, they don't put enough "give" in them with the articulated joint and they will bend anyway.
The best thing is to make a flexible top link from a section of chain. Weld two attach balls on either end for pinning. Take up any slack (adjust to desired length for however high you want to lift when transporting) with a bolt through two of the chain links. This allows the bush hog to "float" and follow the contour of the ground better, regardless of the terrain the tractor is encountering.
As the top link is only necessary for lifting the back end of the bush hog, like when transporting over distances, it is even possible to use without any top link, if all you're going to be doing is mowing around the house and pasture. It is definitely better than using a stiff top link, or depending on the slight articulation to protect your equipment. Just lift the front and let the wheel carry the back.
That said, I'd love to have a quick-attach for all my other 3-point hitch equipment. I hated "hooking up" even when I wasn't old and fat.
@@tablature6121 While you can do that - it is far easier to drill 2 holes through the lift bar, put a section of chain through that and still use the quick attach with the normal "stiff" top link on the tractor to the quick attach.
@@bryceg5709 By "lift bar" do you mean the bracing that runs from the top attach point to the deck back near the wheel? I have seen them come from the factory that way instead of the articulated joint as seen here. In fact, I repaired one that was that way for a friend -- not enough chain to fully compensate for extreme terrain changes and it still bent both braces. I had to cut them loose and press them straight again on my arbor press, then weld back on. I then made up a chain top link, like what I use, for him. All said and done, it is much better to make allowances for the occurrence at the top link bar, not on the bush hog.
If you're talking about the top link bar itself, that would ruin it for any future use where total stiffness (and adjustments) are needed, which is most all other equipment.
I made mine about 30 years ago and bolted it, one end, to the bush hog top link, where it's been ever since. It's all I ever use it on -- a "dedicated" top link.
If he never leaves the farm with his and still wants to use the quick attach, I wouldn't even worry about attaching the top link. Just hook up as he does here leaving off the top link attach, then shorten the stiff link bar as much as possible, pulling the top of the quick attach out of the way of the bush hog's top link point, so that there is less chance of contact should you encounter uneven terrain. This would be similar to not using a top link in normal hook up sans quick attach. IF doing it that way though, whether with quick attach or without, you have to be ever mindful when raising it to not raise it so high as to contact the PTO shaft with the front edge of the bush hog, the front of the bush hog being all that is being lifted without the top link hook up.
Unless you're transporting over long distances, where you would have to lift the whole shebang -- front and back, you only need to lift the front high enough to clear the ground an inch or so anyway, same as when mowing.
This is dangerous. If you’re going to use a quick hitch use it properly.
Where did you get the top link swivel connector? I looked on Tractor Supply's website but could not find it.
Tractor supply stopped carrying it. But you can get it from Amazon www.amazon.com/Galvanized-Eye-Swivel/dp/B00WAJM3QI
Here are some 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.
When hooking up your implements, lengthen the top link sufficiently so that it is mostly vertical with the centerline of the lower pins, back up to the implement aiming the top hook into the upper pin of the implement, engage the top hook, and raise the 3PH and if you have everything adjusted properly, the attachment will hook up perfectly, flop your levers down and go.
My method is quicker and simpler and cheaper than all that. But Thanks for the suggestion. My method was intended to help those people who can't weld. I have welded plenty of things before for implements. But most people that would buy this would never have a welder in their hand before in their life.
@@CollegeHillFarm No problem...I'm a purist and have equipment and know-how to make such modifications so I opted for that route. I have also found that the more you spend on a QH, the less messing around you have to do to make it work as designed. i bought a Farm Hand by Lee Agra for $700 that required "zero" input on my behalf to work. It is made entirely in the USA with USA materials, so it's one of those pay me now or pay me later situations. If you don't want to pony up the $$$ then prepare to spend some time and money to get stuff to work.
No worries. It was just a matter of money for me. I would have a 40HP John Deere or Massey Furguson instead of a 22hp Mahindra too. But the truth is there isn't an American made tractor any more. They might be assembled in the US but most of their parts and engines come from outside the country. But I am satisfied with what I have. It does what I need to do every morning when I go out and start it up.
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?
yes it would. To use a blade that you might use in reverse you have to connect straight to the 3 pt hitch. I have to do that with my hay rake as well and my potato plow.