One of the benefits of owning a compact utility tractor is the number of available implements and attachments. Tractor attachments can greatly improve productivity, helping operators, farmers, and landowners to customize their tractors according to individual project needs without having to purchase entirely new machinery. Whether you’re looking to use a box blade, a rear blade, or a rotary cutter, let’s make that customization process easier.

Big Headaches, Big Solutions

When it comes to customizing your tractor, what is one of the biggest gripes we hear from the field? For many, it’s that attaching these implements can be a real headache.

Here at Papé Machinery Agriculture and Turf, we’re proud to partner with John Deere. John Deere understands its customers’ needs and frustrations, offering solutions to everyday frustrations in the field. In this edition of the Papé Machinery Agriculture and Turf blog, let’s take a look at the benefits of the John Deere iMatch Quick Hitch.

A Dreaded Chore Made Easy

Actually switching out implements and attachments on your compact utility tractor can become a dreaded chore. Many customers have tried to attach rear implements using the standard 3-point hitch, but the John Deere iMatch Quick Hitch makes this job much easier. Should you purchase one for your tractor? Let’s take a look at the differences between the iMatch™ and a standard 3-point hitch, helping you decide if the Quick Hitch is a necessary time-saver—or something you can do without. Let’s dive in.

Key Differences Between the 3-Point and the iMatch™

The standard 3-point hitch is set up with 2 draft arms on either side and a center link. With the 3-point hitch, the operator needs to hook the implement with pins at these points. This requires operators to back up in line with the points of contact and then perform the process of attaching or detaching implements manually. Sometimes it requires an additional operator to help with the process of attaching or detaching implements, increasing labor load and downtime. This can be inconvenient at best and always significantly time-consuming.

A Flip of Two Levers

Let’s help you become more efficient and minimize your downtime in the field. That’s where the iMatch Quick Hitch comes into play. With the iMatch™, you don’t have to worry about performing this process by hand. Simply back up your tractor, raise the hitch until it makes contact with all three pins, and then lift it slightly. The operator can remain in the driver's seat, back up to an implement, raise it into place and lock it in place with a flip of two levers; easy as that!

What Implements is the iMatch™ Compatible With?

The iMatch Quick Hitch is a highly versatile tool that’s compatible with most rear implements and attachments. Specifically, the Quick Hitch is compatible with most Category 1 John Deere and Frontier implements, aside from a backhoe, posthole digger, and some fertilizer spreaders. The most common implements we see our customers purchase are a tiller, rotary cutter, box blade, rear blade, and landplane, which are all compatible with the quick attach system. One thing to note is that off-brand implements are not compatible with the iMatch™, so be sure to keep that in mind. If you have questions about compatibility, our experts at Papé Machinery Agriculture and Turf are here to help.

Maximize Your Uptime with Papé Machinery Agriculture and Turf

Do you find yourself dreading the change between implements, and avoid investing in rear implements and attachments to minimize these time-consuming processes? Implements and attachments can greatly improve the efficiency and power of your compact utility tractor, so there’s no need to let switch time deter you. The iMatch Quick Hitch will help you save time and energy when switching between multiple implements on a regular basis. Stay in the operator seat and switch out your implements with ease. If you are only using one or two attachments or only switch them every once in a blue moon, then you’ll be all set with the standard 3-point system, but otherwise, consider a quick attach system.

To learn more about this process, check out this brief tutorial from Papé Machinery Agriculture and Turf’s YouTube channel and reach out to us with any questions.