3-point quick hitch

[ghautz]

I figured that a good use for part of the "tax rebate" check that is supposed to be in the mail would be a 3-point quick hitch from HF, as suggested earlier on this forum. The HF website has two. The only difference that I could see is $15 in price:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93691

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=97214

California mentioned the first in another thread. Does anyone have an idea what the differences are between the two?

 

[Doc]

Don't know the differences.
Looks like a good choice on how to spend the extra cash.

It's even cheaper than Pat's easy change system, which only gives you the lower two quick attaches.
How will the top link hook into the quick hitch? Must be a special piece just for that connection.

 

[California]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93691

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=97214

Does anyone have an idea what the differences are between the two?

[FONT=arial, sans-serif]First one, [/FONT]#93691[FONT=arial, sans-serif]: Inside clearance: 26-1/2"
And: [/FONT][FONT=arial, sans-serif]#[/FONT]97214 [FONT=arial, sans-serif]Inside clearance: 27-1/2"

[/FONT]Here is the real specification for QH compatible. And below is the diagram on that site, it shows 26.9" as 'standard' width. ("We love standards, that's why we have so many of them".)

But implement manufacturers make their stuff all different widths. You have to measure the width of your implements then choose a QH accordingly.

You can shim a narrow implement to make it match the rest of your stuff if needed. Use 1/8" thick washers between the pins and the implement chassis to space the pins out.

Don't worry about the QH top link, there are always ways to make that fit.

I like my QH. It saves a lot of work prying stuff to hitch up. A side benefit is 65 lbs of ballast pretty far back, it helps.

[FONT=arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT]

 

[California]

Here's a picture in use. Note the optional top link adapter. You have to order that by phone from HF, about $18 delivered.

The adapter solves a problem where the implement's top pin is so far back, that the hitch chassis strikes the implement's upper mast before the top pin lines up.

This 4ft disc was way too narrow for the QH. I got some pins with long threads, and used three 3/8" thick x 2" diameter fender washers on each side to space the pins out to 26.5".

I should also use the sleeves over the pins, and linch pins at the end of the pins, but this works fine for this little disc without the added complexity.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I figured that a good use for part of the "tax rebate" check that is supposed to be in the mail would be a 3-point quick hitch from HF, as suggested earlier on this forum. The HF website has two. The only difference that I could see is $15 in price:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93691

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=97214

California mentioned the first in another thread. Does anyone have an idea what the differences are between the two?

Its the same item. They are just sorting them to avoid consumer complaints due to the wrong width. Chinese manufacture variability is large. Buy the cheaper one and bend it to fit. Its not hi grade steel.
larry

 

[ghautz]

Thanks for the quick replies. I stared at both pictures and did not see the width difference. My box blade is about 1/4" too wide for the narrower one. Looks like I might have to opt for the cheaper one (it usually works out the other way).

California, thanx for the pic. Couldn't the hook be modified to make it stick out further to eliminate the need for the adapter?

Doc, it looks like there is a pin for the top link forward of the hook at the top of the hitch.

 

[California]

Thanks for the quick replies. I stared at both pictures and did not see the width difference. My box blade is about 1/4" too wide for the narrower one. Looks like I might have to opt for the cheaper one (it usually works out the other way).

California, thanx for the pic. Couldn't the hook be modified to make it stick out further to eliminate the need for the adapter?

Doc, it looks like there is a pin for the top link forward of the hook at the top of the hitch.

If you only need a quarter inch use a hi-lift jack to spread the smaller QH and save $20. They probably adjusted it to 26.5000 (+-.375) with a BFH in the first place.

I've thought about modifying the hook. It would need to be ground out to a larger opening, replaced, or else you would have to weld a 1 inch thick strap along the hook's back edge then drill new holes closer to the back edge.

But the problem I have on some of my implements is there are two pins in the implement's mast. You can't hook the upper pin because the lower pin is in the way. You can't discard the lower pin, or hook to it, because support straps to the rear of the implement attach there. This is evident in my photo of the disc, above.

I'm attaching another photo I posted a while back, (Doc why can't we re-use photos already on the server?) showing forks I made from junk on hand.

You can see I replaced the QH hook bolts with pins, for easier height adjustment. Note the lips where those pins go. The lips stick out beyond the QH's chassis, a design flaw in my opinion. The $250 more expensive John Deere QH has its hook welded flush to the face of the chassis without those lips, and provides better clearance at the cost of no adjustability. I still couldn't use a JD QH with my implements due to that lower-pin conflict I mentioned.

You can see in this second photo that I discarded the mast's lower pin from implements where it didn't seem critical. I can back up and hook this box blade without getting off the tractor.

 

[haffasst]

I have the $69.00 one from HF. It does a good job but I did have to get a shorter top link and I did have to lower the top hook on my finish mower. All my other implements fit.