Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Will Sabel
For me, 3-point quick hitch has been a game-changer since the first day it was introduced in the world of the agricultural industry. It made such a huge impact that people are still crazy about this little invention. People use this product days in, days out to work with trailers and different kinds of implements.
The beauty of a quick hitch system is that it’s so versatile and amazingly easy to use. They tend to be fairly lightweight and quite rugged at the same time too.
As you progress through this article (I really hope you do), you’ll find everything there’s to know about this product. Here I’ll discuss its functions, how to set them up and how you can get the best out of them.
I will also talk about different categories as well. However, in this article, I have only added category 1 quick hitch systems. Because it’s not humanly possible to cover all of them in a single piece. Well, I mean I “Could” but then it would be another Odyssey.
So, even if you’re looking for bigger toys to suit your line of work, you’ll still find some useful information on my best 3-point quick hitch list that’ll help you in the future.
Speaking of which, I have also added a brief yet informative buyer’s guide that will help you purchase the best quick hitch for your tractor. With that said, let’s learn the basics first.
If you’re already well-acquainted with a standard 3-point quick hitch, do skip the following paragraphs and advance to the review section.
3-Point Quick Hitch: What are they?
The simplest way to describe this is that it works as a connector. It connects any kind of agricultural or industrial tractor with trailers and other implements.
By doing so, a tractor gets more traction and control on the rear part. It also lets you transfer the implements’ weight and resistance to your tractor’s drive wheels.
The application of a 3-point quick hitch depends on your imagination and line of work. Using this you can speed up your workflow, improve your tractor’s functionality and save money on human labor.
Anyway, there are four main parts of a 3-point hitch that take up the responsibility to join a wheeled tractor with an implement. They are: The Hydraulic System, lifting drums, stabilizers that keep it steady, and parts that actually join the tractor with implement.
The first one lets you raise or lower heavy implements as needed and control the implement’s depth during field operations. And the rest are pretty self-explanatory.
The 5 Categories of A 3-Point Hitch
Moving on, the 3-point hitches are divided into as many as 5 different categories starting from zero to four. They have different power systems, diameter for the top link pin, lift arm pin’s diameter, and the lower hitch spacing. Let’s go over the categories briefly.
The first one is category 0 which was buzzing in the market from 1970 to the 1990s. They are found on small garden tractors or even lawn tractors.
Next is category 1, everyone’s favorite. They can fit with any sub-compact and compact tractors having 20 to 45 HP. Their lift arm has a diameter of 7/8 inches and the two lift arms have 26 inches of space between them.
Going up, category 2 hitches work with tractors that have more than 40 to 100HP. These hitches’ lift arm spacing is 32 inches. Using these you can haul black blades, box scrapers, and other implements that are heavier and bigger.
Here comes the fun part. You can easily change the pins or use bushings and change the diameter and transform the category 1 hitch to category 2. By reversing the same procedure, you can also transform your category 2 hitch to category 1.
As for category 3 3-point hitch, they can be used on tractors that have 80- to 225HP. These are for bigger projects like row-crop cultivators or field cultivators. And category 4 hitches work with tractors having 180 HP or more.
How does it Work?
To understand how this works, you just need to pay attention to two things only. They are the 2 lift arms and the top link. The lift arms are controlled by your tractor’s hydraulic system.
It either lowers or raises them along with the implement. And the top link’s job is to keep the connected implement vertically in the same plane.
You’ll find the connecting holes at the end of lift arms and top links. It’s pretty basic geometry. With these holes, you have to attach the 3-point hitch with the implements. Make sure the holes can fit the implement pins.
The beauty of this system is that it’s too easy to get around it. I mean, if you want to remove or work with different implements on the tractor, you can do it ever so quickly. Just remove the pins, attach the implement that your job requires and you’re all set.
Best 3-Point Quick Hitches Review
So, if you have decided to buy a hitch that’ll help you unleash your tractor’s full potential then you’ve come to the right place. Here, I’ve listed five of my favorite 3-point quick hitch systems that’ll do the trick for you. So, without further ado let’s get on with the list, shall we?
1. Pat’s Easy Change with Stabilizer Bar
The first quick hitch that we’ll take a look at is Pat’s Easy Change 3-point System. Truth be told, this one is a keeper. Comes With a revolutionary patented system making changing any 3-point implement child’s play, this one also has the right set of screws and U-bolts for exemplary stabilization.
And since this is a category 1 system, you can fit tractors having a 7/8-inch hole in the lift arm. But in case you’re looking for a bigger implement to haul with your tractor you can opt for Pat’s category 2 quick hitch.
Back at the category 1 system, let’s talk about the build quality and the materials that went on to make this hitch system. Forged from one of the toughest steels there is, the hot rod cast steel, this one is manufactured right here in America.
They are strong, robust, and surprisingly flexible in action also. If you’re still having doubts about its robustness, let me put your minds at ease. The hitch was stress-tested and the hook finally broke at a staggering 24,000 lbs. of weight. So, yes…this is quite strong and will drag your implement with ease.
It also creates a moderate distance of 3.5 inches between the tractor and the implement and offsets the added 5-inch of the PTO Link.
Pat’s 3-point quick hitch system is widely flexible. Its top link stays flexible enough for Mowers Bushogs, Boom Mowers, Skid Steer, and many other implements.
But what about installation though? Well, it doesn’t take more than thirty minutes to install and no tractor modification is needed either. Just insert the pin and then select the correct shim. After that, secure the hitch with the U-bolt and you’re done. It’s easy, quick, and secure. All of these are included in the set so, no worries there.
Now, let’s see how can you fit it with your implementation. As a matter of fact, you don’t even need to leave your seat to be able to do that. Using this hitch system, you can lift arms from a standard ball to a hook system. Too short? Allow me to elaborate-
To attach the implement, carefully back up under the pins. Then just lift the three-point and the implement will be hooked on. However, that’s not enough. You need to put the top link on to complete the setup.
One more thing is, if you wish to use multiple implements simultaneously, then put a mark on the rod for each of them. This will help you set the current width for the implements you’ll be using before backing up.
Now, if you want to unhook, all you have to do is just move the keepers to the side and then simply pull up the links. Then slowly lower your hitch system. And that’s it.
To simply put, this one is a quite capable hitch system. It’s built ruggedly, the materials are of premium quality and in terms of functionality, it’s very flexible as well. You can hook it up with your implement without breaking a sweat and all the parts needed for installing it comes with the package.
2. Vowagh 2″ Receiver 3 Point Trailer Hitch
When it comes to category 1, I just had to include this on my best 3-point quick hitch list. It’s a 3 point trailer hitch that comes from Vowagh with a 2-inch receiver.
Its sturdy build is complemented with a high-quality black powder coating. Super easy to install and use, this hitch system will save you both time and effort.
First things first, the build. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed, I can say that at least. It’s pretty solid and has a nice ruggedness about it. Of course, it’s made from heavy-duty steel and that’s why it feels so strong. Weighs just about 26 pounds which is slightly heavier than Pat’s 3 point quick hitch (23.4 lbs.).
It’s 27 inches in width (from the end of the pin) and 19 inches in height. The triangular shape adds to its dynamism and offers zero resistance and excellent balance in action. It also has a high-grade steel finish. So not only it’ll remain scratch-free but also you can work with it under any weather conditions.
The triangular design of this tractor-trailer ball hitch drawbar is quite brilliant. It adds more stability and durability since the weight gets distributed evenly throughout the structure. So, design and build-wise it gets 10/10.
Installing it is fairly easy. Works best with a 2-inch receiver, it is used as a quick device at the rear of the tractor. With this, you can easily move around trailers and other implements.
The lift pin of this hitch is about 7/8 in hook and you’ll find the bolts are easier to install. They will fit accurately and keep everything safe and securely in place.
At the same time, it’s pretty simple to detach the hitch as well. Now, if you own a smaller tractor, you’ll be happy to know that the Vowagh 3 point trailer hitch has a unique bottom pin.
This pin makes it super easy to use with smaller tractors. The side lift pins are designed to turn inward while working with smaller tractors.
One thing that bugged me though is that this trailer hitch is not quick hitch compatible. It’s significantly narrower than its competitors. But there’s a quick solution. All you have to do is remove the quick hitch and adjust the three point bars in the back.
If your tractor has quick-adjust 3 point stabilizers (most modern tractors have this feature) then making it work wouldn’t be a problem. So, if you don’t mind the extra step or don’t like to spend more money then this small issue shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker.
In this price range, Vowagh 3 Point Trailer Hitch is a good deal. It’s not superb but in the end, it gets the job done quite well. It has all the potential to turn your tractor into a versatile machine which ultimately makes your life a lot easier.
3. Hikotor Heavy Duty 3 Point 2 Inch Receiver Drawbar Hitch Adapter
Versatile, Durable, and Convenient: these three words are enough to describe this product. This is a fine piece of accessory that’s designed to perform better with minimum effort. Made from the toughest material, this one also has a pragmatic ‘Triangular’ design like Vowagh’s 3 point trailer hitch.
To the naked eye, these two look almost exactly the same. But function-wise are there any differences? Let’s find out, shall we?
As usual, let’s take a closer look at the build. Okay, so this hitch adapter has some fine stainless steel for its body. And we all love stainless steel.
This material gives this product the much-needed strength to withstand tough situations. It also makes this adapter durable enough to offer you top-notch service for years to come.
The core is solid, there’s no doubt about that. In addition, the entire body is finished with black powder coating. The coating gives it a nicer, more polished look. Not to mention, the coating keeps the hitch adapter safe from rust, corrosion, or scratch.
People can leave it outside even if they want, it’ll still be functional for a long time.
The product is strong but it’s not that heavy if you come to think about it. It weighs only 21.4 pounds which is roughly two pounds less than the Vowagh trailer hitch. There’s, however, not much difference between these two in terms of width and height.
The design is pretty much the same as the previous product. The triangular shape makes it more stabilized and durable. This sort of design also makes it simple and easy for the users to connect the lock to the tractor.
If you were waiting for the perfect adapter to workaround your lawns or gardens or any area, this will save you both time and effort.
Another similarity between the Vowagh and Hikotor Heavy Duty hitch adapter is that they both work perfectly with a standard 2-inch receiver. They both have lifting pins that are 7/8-inches in diameter to fit that 2-inch receiver.
Now, we already know that Vowagh is quite versatile and works perfectly fine with rather smaller tractors. As a matter of fact, the Hikotor hitch adapter also doesn’t shy away from that.
Like Vowagh, it is also equipped with a bottom pin specially designed to make it compatible with small model tractors as well as larger tractors.
This gives this product a sort of universality in terms of being compatible with different kinds of trailers and implements as well.
However, besides that unique pin, this hitch drawbar adapter performs as a stabilizer. It will allow you to move around Compact Sub-Compact Tractors, Cat, and other cargo carriers with ease.
In addition, you can mount it quite easily to any kind of hitches. The direct bolt-on design requires no drilling or tractor modification.
To be fair, there’s not much of a difference between the Hikotor and Vowagh. They are both capable products. Their versatility is complemented by excellent durability. They are both quite easy to use and install.
In the end, I guess it comes down to your personal preference after all. They will both perform well for a long time without any hiccups. So, it’s perfectly fine if you want to go with any one of them.
4. Mophorn 3 Point Trailer Hitch Adapter
This one is bigger, better and tougher than the previous two products. While there’s not that much difference between these three, still this one is labeled as heavy-duty trailer hitch…so there’s got to be something extra special in it, right? Well, let’s find out.
In brief, this one has a robust build quality. It’s simple to use which makes it super convenient to work with. It comes with a 2-inch receiver and because of that, it goes perfectly well with different kinds of tractors and implements.
Now, the build quality of the Mophorn 3 Point Trailer Hitch is as good as it comes. The solid steel construction makes it both strong and capable. Vevor, the company that manufactured this product, used durable carbon steel material for creating this.
The 2-inch receiver has a thickness of 5 mm. So, when you mount your trailer or implements on it, you’ll know that it’ll stay safe and secure.
As for protection, it has a powder-coated surface. This particular type of coating makes it resistant to chipping, scratching, rust, and eroding. If you have tight storage capacity, you can just keep it outside and it will still be as good as new.
I’ve already mentioned that this one is better than the previous two products and now you’ll see why. Mophorn weighs (47.5 lbs.) twice as much as Hikotor heavy-duty hitch adapter. More weight means this has more fight and strength in it than other 3 point 2-inch receiver hitch systems.
There was an issue with Vowagh that it wasn’t quick hitch compatible due to its slightly shorter width (27 inches). But Mophorn’s width from the end of the pin is 33.7 inches.
This will save you from the extra trouble of adjusting the tractor’s quick hitch bars. If you’re wondering about the height from the top pin to the bottom pin, well, it’s the same (19 inches).
This is a versatile hitch that works just fine with most types of trailers in the market. It adopts a 2-inch hitch receiver having a thickness of 5 mm of solid steel.
This makes it perfect for working on any type of project. You can use this to move around your trailers and different kinds of implements also as long as they have a 2-inch hitch receiver.
Just like its competitors, Vevor tried its best to make it as convenient and efficient as they can. For starters, they went with the classic triangular design.
It offers the structure more stability and core strength. The design also helps the customers to hook up and lock to the tractor or trailer without breaking a sweat.
Speaking of convenience, this is also very simple to install and detach. It doesn’t take much time and you can mount and secure different kinds of hitches. But can it be used for smaller tractors too? The answer is yes.
Now, you can argue that Vowagh and Hikotor have lower price points than Mophorn but is there really a vast difference between them?
Honestly? No.
There’s no HUGE difference. But the thing is, this 3 point trailer hitch is more stronger and durable than those two. It does all the things that they can do but the point is, it’ll do them better.
5. MAXXHAUL Standard 3-Point Hitch Adapter
The last one on my contender list of best 3-point quick hitch is from none other than MAXXHAUL, one of the finest in the business. Their Standard 3 Point Hitch Adapter is also as good as any other hitch adapter in the market. No matter what kind of tractor you own, it’ll work with them flawlessly.
Just like any other good hitch adapter this one also followed the same formula and went with a triangular shape. The build is good, the installation method is simple, has a useful bottom pin design, and is widely versatile. These are the main highlights of this product and now let’s try to paint the whole picture.
As tradition dictates, let’s start with the build quality. And I wasn’t disappointed at all, to be honest. This hitch adapter is pretty solid and has lots of potentials. The body is built from heavy-duty steel.
MAXXHAUL has a good thickness to it and feels quite sturdy as well. The welding job is top-notch and does not feel cheap or done haphazardly at all.
Moreover, the entire structure has a durable powder coat finish. It will keep the adapter safe from scratches and rust. Work in rain or snow, the product’s core integrity will remain intact and will provide you years of service.
Now, let’s see where this hitch adapter stands in terms of functionality and versatility.
Speaking of which, it’s not something that you’d like to label as extraordinary. In reality, this is almost as identical as the Hikotor Heavy Duty 3 Point Hitch Adapter. For example, this one also comes with Category 1 lifting pins that are 7/8-inch in diameter.
How does it translate into service? Well, you can stop relying on your pickup truck for doing the hauling jobs. Those lifting pins are designed in such a way that they will make hooking up with smaller, compact, and medium-size tractors child’s play.
It requires minimum effort and we are all huge fans of getting the job done without breaking any bones.
As for dimensions, it’s 19 inches from the middle of top pin to middle of side pins and 27 inches from one end of the side pin to the other end. So, there’s absolutely no difference in dimensions between Vowagh, Hikotor, and this one.
You may have already guessed that it has a 2-inch hitch receiver like the rest of this lot. The triangular shape and the bottom pin transcend this hitch adapter into a blessing for owners of small tractors such as Kubota, John Deere, Yanman, and Nortrac.
Not to mention these pins are also made from solid steel. So besides making this hitch adapter more versatile the parts also add up to the structure’s toughness.
The design offers more balance and stability for moving around tractors, trailers, and other implements using tractors easily. You can also connect this in a flash and being lightweight makes it even easier to work with.
To sum it up all I can say is that this one is a bang for the buck. Yes, it is a little expensive but considering its wide range of applications I don’t think you can argue about it.
However, there are other hitch adapters in this list offering the same kind of service at a significantly lower price point. So, in the end, it’ll come down to your personal preference.
Now that we are done with the list, let’s commence to the next section where we will go over some important issues that’ll help you choose the right product for your tractor.
Things You Need to Consider Before You Buy a 3-Point Quick Hitch
This section might seem like overkill because I’ve already discussed pretty much all the basics there is to know. By now, you should have a decent idea of how this thing works and what you can achieve with it.
If you do, naturally, you also have an idea what are the things that you need to check to find the best solution for your tractor.
But for your convenience and the sake of this article, I will go over some key points that’ll help you get the best out of your tractor, and don’t worry I’ll try to keep it short.
What Kind of Tractor Do You Own?
You must get a hitch that is compatible with your tractor. That’s why it’s crucial to have a fairly good idea of all the categories correctly. I’ve already covered this part above so that shouldn’t be a problem.
However, every single tractor is bound to have a different set of measurements. So, make sure your choice of hitch is adjustable in case you want to change between tractors.
What are the Implements that You’ll Use?
It’s wise to determine what purpose you’re willing to fulfill with your tractor. Once you determine that, it’ll be easier for you to choose the implements that your tractor will work with. Now, here comes the tricky part. There are so many implements out there that it kind of gets difficult to select the right one.
Let’s say you bought a 3-point quick hitch and then some implements. In this case, it could happen that your implements do not fit with your hitch system. To avoid that take measures of your implements and then proceed to buy the hitch system that fits your desired profile.
But what if you’re already facing a dire situation like this? Well, don’t lose hope. You could try hooking them up and adjusting them by changing the pins or using bushings to change the diameter. There’s a good chance that it would work. But if it doesn’t, well there’s no harm in trying, right?
So, do establish the fact that all the hooking points are a match and they also have the correct width and height.
Make Sure the Hitch has What it Takes to Perform in Any Condition
That is to say, go with a hitch that has a lot of fight in it. The build has to be rugged, strong, and sturdy. It’s unforgiving out there in the field. You’ll need stronger equipment that also has to be durable as well.
Usually, the manufacturers use heavy-duty materials for the body and the pins. So, it shouldn’t be an issue.
However, don’t go with a hitch that weighs like a whale. They’ll drain your tractor’s power and will not boost productivity. Fortunately, today’s farming accessories are quite lightweight despite being robust.
The next thing you want to check is what kind of finish the structure has. A good-quality protector finish will protect your hitch from all kinds of scratches. You can work on your project in any weather without worrying about them getting rusty.
These are the main points that you should keep in mind while purchasing your next 3-point quick hitch. If you do your homework on this properly, getting the right product for your job shouldn’t be a problem.
How to Connect a Tractor to a 3-Point Hitch?
Now, if you haven’t done this before, it might seem like a daunting task at first. But trust me, setting your tractor up with a 3-point hitch is really not that complex. I will take you through step by step and hopefully, you’ll find it easy to follow. So, here we go…
The first thing you want to do is take a good look at the rear side of your tractor. There you’ll find an adjustable lift arm. It is controlled by the tractor’s hydraulic system that we discussed earlier. The other arm is moody. It quietly stays in its place.
With that said, let’s start attaching the hitch. First, connect the fixed arm with the right side of your tractor. It’ll not be perfect but don’t worry. You can adjust its height with a linchpin. Continue to do so until the arm is aligned with the tractor.
Let’s leave that as it is and concentrate on the adjustable lift arm. First, adjust the lower link arm and try to align it with the hole on the implement. After that, adjust the top link accurately enough that it gets to the implement’s hole and use the pin to secure it to the place.
Finish it up by slipping a pin through the top link and the implement. And that’s it. You can now use your tractor to work with your implement.
However, before you get too excited and take the tractor out in the field you might want to adjust the stabilizers to avoid your tractor’s tire damage. They reside from the tractor’s axle to the lower 3-point lift arms. You can’t miss them.
So, adjust them carefully so that your implement won’t sway behind the tractor. Not to mention, if you don’t stabilize them, they can inflict damage on your tractor’s tires and even destroy them.
The last thing left to do is to attach the PTO. To do so, first, turn off your tractor then pull the collar back and slide on the shaft of the PTO. Keep sliding it until it goes past the groove. Once it has traveled enough distance pull it back and simply release the collar. And that’s it.
My Final Two Cents
3-point quick hitches make our lives easier. With the best 3-point quick hitch, it can accomplish a lot. It doesn’t cost a fortune. All the category 1 hitch systems that I’ve listed here are bang for the buck. They offer a lot on the table if you come to think of it.
Handling them is not complex either. Even if you’re new in this area you will get comfortable with this in no time. The right hitch can truly do wonders for you and I can’t emphasize this enough.
It unlocks the true potential of a tractor and you can get a lot of work done in a single day. Once you set this up with your tractor, you’ll extract more power from it. It’ll significantly lower your spending on gas. And given the nature of the economy these days, you might want to save every penny you can.
