Help from the more informed

[Biker1mike]

I am about to get a suitcase bracket for my three point. I am getting it for 10 cents on the dollar and I am expected to give an honest review.
I ordered it as I can use the receiver for chain work and strap my saw and stuff on it. Works for me. I do not need suitcase weights as my little B works as is for what I need,
With that in mind I want to be able to let folks that really want the suitcase option to know what they are getting.
I am sure it is from an alphabet soup company out of china and the 3/8 steel is marginal at best.
What would you look for ?
Chances are that in the near future it may be branded for a trusted company and I really want to be honest.
Please no politics, as there is no way I would pay over 200 bucks for this.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

What I would look for.....

is it CAT1 dimensioned ?

will ANY 'suitcase weight' work with it ?

quality of welds, if you can tell under the krappy powder coating ?

overall design, will it stay in shape with a full load of suitcases on it ?

locking bar (?) for the weights so they don't fall off ?

since it has a 2" receiver, I'd also like forks to be optional. It's NOT just a weight bar.

 

[NCL4701]

If you have a quick hitch, does it work well with a quick hitch. I don’t have a quick hitch but a lot of people do.

 

[Biker1mike]

Got the weight bar. Gave honest review thanks to the input. Yeah it will fit on a quick connect but the lower links are only an inch and half off the ground so I doubt you can just back into it.
Once the back is dry and firm I'll start pulling logs with it. Plenty of room to drape the chains over.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Looking at suitcase weight... Yikes that gets pricey!
That looks to be a good, albeit standard design, weight bar and hitch.
Beats the snot out of not having one.
I'm wondering if there is a hollow (like a box) weight box that you could get that you could fill with whatever?
Has anyone run across one of those?
I have a lot of small scrap weight that I could easily throw into it.

 

[Biker1mike]

I could not justify spending 230 bucks on this but I got it for less than 30. A few large c-clamps and I can drape the chains to it. I will figure out a way to get the chainsaw, gas can, and oil on it. I just have to remember that it adds a few inches to the rear when I plow around the cars and chimney.
It is too small for a large tractor but fits nice to the sub-compact. My fat arse is enough ballast for an 800 tractor !!

 

[mikester]

You have a welder so no worries, enjoy your new hobby toy!

Edit: wear a real N95 respirator when grinding chinese paint and welding chinese metal.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I have 'dibs' on 6' sections of 7x7x5/16 tubing. keep thinking I should grab them, cut 2' off, make a 4'w,2' tall T',weld 3PH tabs,then fill with concrete. seems every time I say today's the day ,some other 'project' shows up in front of my garage..sigh, maybe when Spring comes.....