Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ about 3PL & Category Sizes
Q What is a 3 point linkage?
A 3 point linkage [as it is called in the USA] is the 3 arm hydraulic system that attaches implements to a tractor. The arms form a triangle shape with its base closest to the ground.
The 2 bottom arms are known as lift arms, lift bars or draw arms and these carry the weight of the implement.
The top arm is called the top link and controls the implement angle. The original 3 Point Linkage was developed by Massey Ferguson in the 1920s.
Q is there anything else like the the Easy Change Quick Hitch?
A No, the the Easy Change Quick Hitch is unique. There is nothing else like it in the world that we know of.
Q What do you mean by Category 1, 2 or 3? What is category 1?
A The best way to explain the Categories of tractors is to place the information in a table - see below
Tractor Sizes are called Categories: Know your Cat
About the Easy Change Quick Hitch System
Q Does the Easy Change Quick Hitch really have a patent?
A Yes Indeed. The Easy Change system is patented in the USA. Patent number 7,059,419
Q Is the Easy Change Quick Hitch available anywhere else or from anyone else in Australia or New Zealand?
A The Easy Change System Quick Hitch is available only from the FarmBitz website, or directly from us [FarmBitz] at Agricultural shows. We are proud to be the sole agent and distributor for Easy Change Quick Hitch in both Australia and New Zealand.
Q How does it work?
A The Easy Change Quick Hitch fits over the bottom 2 arms of a 3 point linkage. It takes under 10 minutes to fit the system to the arms of the tractor. Everything is included in the kit to fit your Easy Change System.
Q What is included in the kit?
A Farmbitz provides a full kit and is the only supplier of the Easy Change System to provide the full kit. The kit includes two hitches, all bolts and screws to install, the shims and best of all the Stabiliser Bar, which other suppliers sell at $30 or more is included as part of the kit.
Q Do I need to remove the system?
A The Easy Change Quick Hitch Easy Change System remains on the tractor and is used with all your implements on farm. You should never need to remove it but you can if you want to.
You can also move it to another tractor of the same Category.
Q What are the sizes of the hitches?
A The Hitch system comes in 3 sizes, and a total of 6 models
Model 102 for a Category 1 Tractor and Category 1 implements
Model 202 for a Category 2 Tractor and Category 2 implements
Model 303 for a Category 3 Tractor and Category 3 implements
PLUS
Model 112 for a Category 1 Tractor and Category 2 implements
Model 221 for a Category 2 tractor and Category 1 implements
Model 223 for a Category 2 Tractor and Category 3 implements
FarmBitz carries all the Easy Change Hitches, but from time to time we do run out! If so we are happy to take an order and ensure that your preferred size is available as soon as possible.
Q How wide are the hooks?
A Category 1 hooks are 32mm (1 1/4") wide and category 2 hooks are 38mm (1 1/2") wide.
These will fit easily on almost every implement with double arch supports.
Q How much clearance do I need to hook the Hitches on to my implements?
A All Hitches need a small amount of clearance under the lift pins.
The Category 1 Hitches need 100 mm under the Lift Pin plus 40 mm between the pin and the implement itself.
The Category 2 Hitches need 105 mm under the Lift Pin plus 45 mm between the pin and the implement.
Q What do I do if I do not have the clearance described above between the Lift Pin and the deck of the implement?
A We do have a Low Profile Hook that does not require the same clearance - Please call Farmbitz on 02 4997 7223 and we will discuss whether this Low Profile Hitch is recommended for your situation.
Q My Tractor's Lift Arm has a bend very close to the Ball End - will the Easy Change Hitch fit?
A Generally the Hitch will fit if there is 30mm / 3 cm of straight shaft between the Ball and the Lift Arm Bend. There are a few tractors that have Lift Arms with a bend very close to the Ball that affects the installation of the Easy Change Hitch. These tractors include the FIAT and the MF TE20 - these are both Cat 1 Tractors. For these Tractors we have a Short Receiver Hitch, please call Farmbitz on 02 4997 7223 and we will confirm whether this Short Receiver Hitch is perfect for your tractor.
A Yes you do. Farm equipment is expensive so Farmers generally have just one category of implement for use on their farms. The category of implements is usually the same as the category of the tractor ie only one lift pin size is used, & that is the same pin that connects the implement through the eye of the lift arm, to the tractor. So generally a farmer will only need one set of Hitches for use on their tractor.
You can use also category 1 implements with a category 2 hitch if you bush the implement lift pins up by 1/4".
Q What if the ball fittings on the ends of the arms of my tractor are no longer usable?
A Easy – tell us and we’ll send the correct model so that you can just cut the useless ball fittings off and weld the Quick Hitch - Easy Change System onto the arms
Q Who makes the Easy Change Quick Hitch?
A Easy Change System Quick Hitch is made in the USA from Hot Rolled Steel. It has a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer.
Q Why did he invent these hitches?
A The Easy Change System Quick Hitch was designed and is manufactured by a farmer. He just wanted to make his farming life easier and smarter.
After making and using his first set of hitches, neighbours started requesting he make sets for their use, and now we bring these fabulous time savers to you here in Australia and New Zealand.
Q Do I need special tools to fit the Easy Change Quick Hitch?
A The Kit comes with all necessary parts. These include 2 receivers with correct category hooks, shims, lynch pin washers, u-bolts and nuts. You will need one or perhaps 2 shifting spanners and a hammer.
PLUS you get the Stabiliser Bar FREE.
A The Hitches have been tested to incredible load factors. The breakage strain for a Category 1 was tested at 16 Tons - tested in 2013.
Q By How much does the Easy Change Quick Hitch extend the lift arms?
A The bolt-on models of the Easy Change System - Quick Hitch extend the lift arms by 100mm(4") for Category 1 & 125mm (5") for category 2.
NOTE
Category 1 Implement lift pins need at least 9cm (3 .5" ) unobstructed clearance below the pin for the hitch to be able to pick up.
Category 2 require 10cm (4").
These slashers have a minimum of 9cm (3 .5") clearance and should work with the Easy Change System without adjustment.
| AgMax |
Fieldmaster M series |
Howard |
Pacific |
| Berends |
Fieldquip |
Jarrett exc E |
Silvan |
| Dakenag |
Field Chief |
Kanga |
SX - Southern Cross Machinery |
| El-gra |
Hayes |
Nobili |
|
So long as your slasher has enough clearance or it has adjustable pin heights you should be OK.
If you have a Chinese-made slasher you will need to check the clearance to the lift pins.
Some Australian-made slashers may also have a smaller clearance and will need to be adjusted. These include Aussieland and McCleod.
Please let us know if you need a low-profile hook.
Q is there anything else like the Easy Change Quick Hitch?
A No, the Easy Change Quick Hitch is unique. There is nothing else like it in the world that we know of.