Pat's Easy Change (CAT#1 Gray) w/Stabilizer Bar - Best Quick Hitch System On The Market – Flexible, Durable, and Affordable - Comes w/ 4 Pair of Lynch Pin Washers

I have a bad back and changing tractor implements has been a REAL problem. I usually work alone and man-handling implements to align balls and posts usually results in a sore back. This quick change system has really changed things for me for the better. NOTE: all my implements are older and not "quick-hitch compatible". That was one of the reasons I got this system rather than buying a less expensive quick hitch like the one sold by Harbor Freight. Good decision on my part because I don't think the typical quick hitch would have worked with my old implements. I found installation to be a little tricky. Figuring out which way the shims go and "plumbing" the Pat's parts took a little bit of thought and trial and error. Watching some YouTube vids helped a lot. Installation wasn't difficult, I just wasn't real confident that I had done things correctly. In the end, it was fine and the system works great. Using this required a little practice. I strongly recommend getting the kit that includes the stabilizer bar. Honestly, I don't know how you would use this without it. The stabilizer bar holds the lower arms at the correct distance apart so they align with the implement when attaching. When the distance is correct, attachment is simple and easy. You need to back up precisely, but if you go slow, that shouldn't be difficult. Once in place, you raise the hitch and the Pat's system latches onto the posts on the implement. You do have to separately and manually attach the top link, but that hasn't been a problem. One bit of advice, once the lower hitch points are attached, pulling the tractor forward slightly may pull the top down so the upper link arm reaches the hitch point on the implement. At first I thought I was going to have to buy a longer top link, but it turns out I didn't need it. The last time I used this, it took me 5 pain-free minutes to attach a rear blade on my tractor. Unless you enjoy the manly art of implement-wrestling, I strongly recommend this product for anyone with older, non-quick-hitch-ready implements. It has really helped me.

I was researching all the "quick hitch" solutions that are out there and decided to go with what I thought was the most robust and easy to use solution which as a 3-point, one-piece design. This was an expensive mistake. I've added my review of that item below, which is the actual review I posted on the manufacturer's website. I rarely give anything one star, but that's what I gave that item. After I realized that the 3-point quick-hitch was not going to work for me, I ordered Pat's Easy Change solution. After installing it, it quickly became apparent that this is what I should have bought in the first place. Why? 1) Easy to install. 2) Truly adaptable for different implements. 3) No 3rd hook to get in the way. 4) No bushings needed for your implements. Do yourself a favor if you're considering and 3-point quick-hitch, and don't bother. Get this solution and you won't regret it. My review of the 3-point one-piece quick hitch that I purchased before I bought Pat's (Rating: 1 Star): First problem: The spacing for tractor lift arms was not the same on each side. On one side it was 1 3/8", which was fine; the arm slide into place easily. However, on the other side, the spacing was only 1 5/16". Having 1/16" less space to work with made a HUGE difference, in that I could not get the arm completely aligned in the pin hole. I spent literally an hour lubricating and pounding and prying, but simply could not get the holes completely aligned. Now that may not have been a problem except the link pins that are provided do not have tapered tips, so unless you can get the holes PERFECTLY aligned, you cannot get the pin in. I finally got so frustrated that I drove to the local Tractor Supply and bought some pins with tapered tips. Finally, with some additional pounding I was able to get the pin in. This is my biggest complaint because it is simply a matter of poor quality control on a critical part of the hitch. Second complaint: As stated in the instructions, "to assure proper fit and function of the implement" there are some "quick hitch bushings that need to be installed." Well, ok, but I was not expecting to have to make this type of modification to my attachments. I went ahead and tried it without the bushings and, sure enough, they are needed. If that's the case, then at least provide 2 sets of bushings. If a person is buying this implement, they obviously have more than one attachment, but what am I going to do with one set of bushings??? I guess I would have to purchase an additional set for each attachment. Third complaint: The top hook limits the flexibility of this implement. I have two attachments and each has a different configuration for the top pin. I realize the hook is adjustable, but it completely defeats the purpose of having a "quick hitch" if I have to manually move the hook for different attachments. Because of all these issues, this implement is really not even usable for my situation. I can change attachments quicker without it, than I can with it. I really wanted to like this thing, but it's pretty clear I need to either find a better alternative, or just go back to the manual method.

Well package and quick shipping. Robust hardware and super simple installation as long as the receiver pivot ball is in good condition and functioning properly. Experimenting with the adapter alignment and measuring each of your implement attaching widths to find an average span to set the stabilizing bar is the only item that takes some effort...but still very easy to achieve. Hooking up to implements is so simple and effortless that I kick myself for not thinking of these long ago. No more on and off the tractor trying to get everything aligned, just lower the arms back into the implement, if not perfectly aligned just back into it more until it shifts into alignment, raise arms. They click into place and all you have to do is attach the upper lift arm, DONE! Installation tools, 9/16" wrench or deep socket, pliers, hammer. I used a 1/2" x 4' pipe when setting the initial collar alignment, instructions suggest a broom handle or like sized item.

This is an EXCELLENT bit of kit. An easy 30 minute fix . I've been mesmerised by other solutions which look good and appear ok if one is buying new, modern kit, all of the time. I've just down sized from a 27 Yr old zetor, to a spic and span 26 hp Preet Avenger. I don't think this appears on the USA tractor radar where its mainly JDs Kubotas etc etc. This fits well with me in North Wales (yes, in the UK for those across the pond who haven't heard of Wales!) I have old kit and some new kit, and Pat's quick hitch works well with all on Cat 1 no problem. I recommend this, it's not rocket science and does the job very well. Any other guys in the UK who want this product, sign up to Prime, and you can get this from the US of A cheaper than dealers in UK. It's a no brainer, great product, great price. Diolch.

Pat 's Easy Change ist wirklich eine super Lösung um den einfachen Wechseln von verschiedenen Traktor-Anbaugeräten zu ermöglichen. An meinem Massey-Ferguson-Oldtimer waren die Halterungen einfach anzubringen. Nun kann ich Box, Planierschild, Bagger oder Palettengabel sehr einfach austauschen. Bin sehr zufrieden!!!

Wish I had purchased this a long time ago

I have a flail mower that is not compatible with a frame-style quick hitch. I got tired of spending 20-30 mins to connect it every time so after a bit of research, I pulled the trigger on this beauty. Now, I had to return it because the bottom arms on my tractor are category 1 & 2 and so were too wide for the opening on the jaws. I found a cat 1 & 2 compatible Pat's quick hitch on another site that does the job. Pat's quick hitch is a great invention. Takes between 30-60 mins to mount on your tractor but thereafter the swapping of implements takes only a couple of mins. I made a modification to the system. Instead of using a locking pin to attach the washers to the implement pins, I used a nut and bolt. My land is fairly uneven and I would occasionally lose one of the locking pins and have the arm detach from the implement. The nut and bolt is much more secure.

If you're constantly struggling to get your 3 point implements hooked up, especially if you're on ground that isn't perfectly level, I strongly consider getting this. It picks up the implements from the bottom, so that even if you're on uneven ground there's no issue -- one side simply gets picked a bit earlier than the other.