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.

Like many folks here, I spent quite a bit of time reviewing the best options for a "quick attach" option. I'm also guessing that like many of the folks on this thread, I am running a category 1 compact tractor. The first tractor I had this on was a Bobcat CT235 and I just put is on a NH Boomer 45. I have a number of different attachments I have collected over the time. One of my barriers for going to a traditional 3pt quick attach is that not all of my implements are compatible with the top link. That kind of limited my options and this had GREAT reviews. Pro's 1. Well built with one exception (see below) 2. Relatively easy to install. I am handy but I am NOT a mechanic by any degree. There were lots of bits and pieces, but I figured it out quickly 3. Works VERY well. I'm guessing like many on here I am more of a weekend warrior with projects and will use most of my attachments on like three days a year and I have no time. The rest of the time my box blade lives on the back. Swapping out attachments for 15 minutes 5 times really eats into those days. As the day gets longer and my patience shorter it is even more valuable Cons: 1. As others have mentioned. The stabilizer bar is a must. However, you MUST remove it before using a PTO driven implement. I nearly wrecked the bar and and the PTO on the first time I hooked up my brushhog. Please PAY attention!!!! Not a deal breaker. Just a quirk 2. The device works like a glove that fits over the hitch. The pins go in and are locked up. However, you have to stabilize and shim the device to the hitch. This involves stabilizer bolts on the top and bottom. They use locking nuts and the design is sound. However, if you use this for dirt work at all, you will put stress on those bolts and they will need tightened. If you are like me and put it on a new machine, you need to be careful you don't torque them off. My suggestion will be to replace them with grade 8 hardware (oftentimes the yellow bolts (but not always) at the local hardware store). I broke two bolts re-installing it on my new machine. All in all, its a great easy to use device. IF all my implements were quick-hitch compatible I would have probably gone with a monolithic device.

Use case: quickly change between tractor implements such as brush cutter, box blade, and frame mounted backhoe (quickly remove implement). Installation: pretty straight forward and bolt on. You’ll have to fit the “shins” and install a press for pin to hold them in place. I used a medium bench vise and it was no issue. The rest of the install is simply turning a few nuts/bolts. Actual use: it normally takes several minutes of maneuvering, levering, and some chosen language to attach to my cutter or box. Neither sit on a perfectly level stand so conditions for hookup are not ideal. I’ve tried a normal quick hitch and it didn’t work at all since the top link hook gets in the way. Using this pats easy change hitch I back up and snag the two lower links and manually attach the top link. Maybe not quite as fast if your quick hitch works but it took 2 minutes to attach instead of 30. And there was a total lack of colorful language involved. Issue: if you have a pto shaft implement (cutter, etc) make certain the stabilizer bar is removed after connecting. Or at least make sure the bar is not in the way of the pto shaft when raising/lowering. I debated lowering a star for this issue but it was completely my lack of checking clearances that caused the bind. Further, the bar is held in place by two quick release pins and while the directions don’t indicate I should have recognized the need to remove it.

I use these on a John Deere 1025R to quickly change between several implements. The larger of the two metal shims worked best for my setup. Many of the quick hitches are actually category 2 and therefore require additional bushings. The category 1 Pat's Easy Change are true category 1. Pros: True category 1, easy to install, more flexible than a quick hitch, will work w/ older implements that Quick hitches will not work with. Cons: Not as convenient as a quick hitch, follows angles of the 3-pt link arms which means some difficulty in hooking up, takes some practice to be proficient. The stabilizer bar is a good addition, though can get jammed in the hitch. Marking the stabilizer bar for different implements.

I struggled between a quick hitch and the Pats, but I ended up on the Pats and I’m very glad I did. In my view, the Pats is just more versatile which is super important in a tractor. With a quick hitch, if you implement isn’t exactly compatible, you will end up removing the quick hitch and installing the implement the old way. The Pats works with anything. You do need to manually attach the top link, but that’s the easy part. Once the Pats is hooked up just raise or lower the 3point to align the top link. It’s a very minor thing to add tremendous versatility. Installation is pretty straight forward. It took about 30 minutes to get it all setup, but once setup you never have to mess with it again. Get this, you won’t regret it.

Overall this is a pretty good setup. I used a similar one years ago on a much heavier Cat III hitch and was pleased to find one to fit a CUT Cat I hitch. I really like the latch mechanism on the levers to hold them in both the open and closed positions. It feels like the installation is a bit over-engineered. I mean a Cat I is not all that heavy duty but I suppose it's better than having one fail. I do think the spacer bar could be improved on a bit. The idea is great - hold the lower arms in the correct spacing for the implement, but I've already bent the rod when I didn't hit the implement just right. I'm thinking that some kind of adjustable spring system would be ideal. Anyway, all-in-all this was a great investment and I much prefer it to the rigid quick-hitch.

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

When you pick up the box you know this is a serious piece of kit! Install was a breeze and it does exactly what it's supposed to make hitching and un hitching easy. I have 6 different vintage of implements and I no longer fight and wrestle with them. THANKS pats easy hitch! But mostly my back thanks you. 😊

Takes lil bit to install... correctly. Just a super easy way to work with various attachments. Seems like lots $, but gr8 investment.Much easier than fighting+ juggling on/ off equipment. I did need buy a PTO extension as Pat's makes 3point lil longer.PTO was to short.easy purchase + install. Gr8 piece of equipment,.well built,.Be nice to paint them match tractor.Come Grey from factory. Gr8 product.