My most recent project involves adapting my tractor boom pole to the Harbor Freight Quick Hitch. The Quick Hitch mounts on the back of the tractor, and makes changing implements much easier. Nothing will wear your back out faster than trying to wrestle a 400 pound box blade or bush hog into alignment with the tractor's lift arms. The HF Quick Hitch makes the effort almost painless, allowing the tractor operator to back right up to the implement and attach it to the tractor with little physical effort. Unfortunately, not all tractor implements are compatible with the quick hitch. Of the half-dozen implements I have for my tractor, the boom pole was most difficult to integrate. The boom pole's fixture for connecting the tractor's top link was too high on the boom pole. I needed an extension that would give about an additional 4" of reach. Decided to make my own. Bought some 3/16" flat stock from the local Tractor Supply store, and got busy. HF tools used: 4.5 amp grinder with cut-off wheel 90 amp MIG welder Auto darkening welding helmet Multipurpose magnets Clamps Wire brushes Welding gloves Step drill bits 80 grit 6" psa sanding disks I cut and drilled the flat stock and welded this up: Here it is in the test fit on the boom pole: What it looks like attached to the HF Quick Hitch on the tractor: And the finished item, after grinding, sanding and painting: The real test comes when I next have to lift something heavy. I feel pretty confident the welds are solid, and the two 3/16" plates are up to supporting anything my tractor can lift. Will post a real-world use photo when it next happens.
