While attending the World Ag Expo this February in Tulare, California, it was easy to discover all sorts of cool products for the vineyard. One that really caught my eye was a quick connect/disconnect system that changes the lifting arms on the tractor into a "hook" system. Anyone who has wrestled with pin/hole alignment for implements will appreciate this design.

Invented by Greenwell Manufacturing of Brandenburg, Kentucky, it was one of the show's Top Ten "new-ideas" award winners and is the brainchild of Pat Greenwell of Pat's Easy Change System.

The beauty lies in the simplicity of design and how quickly it eliminates the hassle of attaching your farm implements. As Greenwell said, "They eliminate all the cussing and the fussing."

These patented units simply fit over the ends of the lifting arms and are then secured with the normal pin through the ball. There is a U-bolt for vertical stability and two horizontal bolts for side adjustment. As the vertical dimension of lift arms can vary, there are shims provided to make sure the hooks are parallel to the arms. Three sets of linchpins with washers are provided which remain attached to the implements. That's it, and everything is included in the kit except the wrench.

They come in different sizes, depending on the tractor, including Category 1, 2 and 3. Models are also available that will take a Category 1 to a Category 2 (or a 2 to a 1). This is particularly useful when mixing and matching different-sized implements to different-sized tractors.

The operator simply backs up to the implement and raises the lift arms to the two linchpins on the implement; the pins snap into spring-loaded latches, and you are ready to go. No more jumping on and off the tractor to get the proper alignment of pins to holes. The implements do not even have to be level, and hooking up to a posthole digger is now a snap. The hooks can be installed on any lift arm with or without pullouts (extensions).

When it is time to change to another implement, the operator simply pulls up on a lever, which opens the spring-loaded latch, and he drives away. As an option, there is an adjustable side-to-side stabilizer bar; for a mere $20, it is a worthwhile accessory.

Category 1 kits are priced at around $180, Category 2 kits about $215. There is a growing network of dealers now in the United States, but what I found surprising is there is only one in all of California. Purchases can be made directly to the factory or at the website listed below.

When talking to Greenwell and one of his dealers, I was told there is zero maintenance required--nothing to adjust or replacement parts to inventory. Greenwell did say that occasionally a spring in the latching assembly will need to be replaced, but the factory will send one free-of-charge out of courtesy.

What's Cool: It is great when someone comes up with an after-market accessory that makes your task easier, is inexpensive and simple in design and operation, and really works. From the overflow gathering of farmers at Greenwell's Expo booth, it seems obvious that he has designed a winner. Pat's Easy Change System is a no-brainer and should be the next thing you put on the tractor, regardless of its age.

For more information, call 888-243-4204 or visit www.pats3pointhitchsystem.com.

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