Dennis,
Thanks for the feedback.
Aaron's Xtreme sleeve hitch is really nice. Not only with the 5 holes matching up to the rear end plate but an added 2 braces on the side extending to axle housing bolts.
He wrote on another thread that he has modified it to be universal for aluminum rears, but hasn't posted a pic yet. It looks real solid. I guess I'm just over cautious about damaging the housing if I'm plowing and hit a rock or something.
Based on your comments that the combo of the QA42A and grader blade were a bit too much I'm leaning towards getting the above bracket.
Yes, an end loader would be nice...
Actually my neighbor has a good sized newer Deere 4X4 diesel with FEL and snow blade if things get too deep around here.
Still wondering what the main advantage of a 3pt is over a sleeve hitch. My thought is that a 3pt keeps the implement fairly vertical as it is lifted and dropped, or the upper link can be adjusted to add a bit of pivot. With a sleeve hitch, the implement pivots like a hinge. I don't have the experience to translate how this affects pulling a bottom plow or other implements though. I see that Aaron has a variety of 3pt implements but
right now I can't imagine collecting that many implements... I think a sleeve hitch will suit my needs.
Good to hear the positive opinion about the Gator blades. I haven't had a chance to use my 50C deck yet and I'm anxious to try it out after the repairs.
With the transmission, no odd noises, no clutch problems with disengaging. I pulled the shaft cover and usually wait until the shaft just about stops rotating before trying to pop it into gear. If it doesn't slide in I let up on the clutch a bit to rotate the shaft some more and try again. Just seems to be a bit more trouble than it should be. I'll swap in some Hytran and see what happens. And yeah, I hope that there is no cover up going on...
Thanks again for your help.