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 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.

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 highly recommend Pat's Easy Change for any three point tractor hitch. It makes the job of attaching accessories much faster and safer. Note: you may need to buy a longer adjustment tube as Pat's Easy Change adds an inch or two to length of trailing arms. I had to replace my 16" with an 18" to get my attachments to run level. Also, attach Pat's Easy Change but don't tighten until you add your accessory to make sure everything lines up, then tighten all the bolts with accessory attached and you should be ready to go.