How to Make a Quick Detach Receiver Hitch for a John Deere FEL

Examine the FEL's three-point hitch. The quick release hitch receiver plate will attach to the back end of the FEL, onto the tractor's three-point hitch mechanism. Measure these three points, and use these dimensions to determine the necessary size of the flat receiver plate.

Cut a steel plate. Using a cutting torch, cut a single piece of 1/2-inch steel plate large enough to mount to the three-point hitch mechanism. For example, if the three points of the hitch are 24 inches apart from one another, the receiver plate must be 28 to 32 inches square.

Lay out the pin receivers. The three-point hitch attaches to any implement via three independent pins. On one side of the steel plate, cut and lay out three sets of "D"-shaped pieces of 1/2-inch steel. Locate the pin receivers so that the three points of the hitch will attach to the receiver plate.

Weld the pin receivers. Weld these “D”-shaped pin receivers into place. Two of the receivers are located across the bottom of the steel plate. The third is located toward the top of the plate, on the horizontal centerline.

Weld the hitch receiver to the front of the plate. Lay out the square tube hitch receiver on the front of the plate, and weld it onto the steel plate. Weld the receiver all the way around the perimeter for maximum strength.

Reinforce the receiver. Cut and weld triangular pieces of steel along the top, and both sides of the receiver. These pieces will prevent any lateral torque from tearing the receiver off the steel plate.

Strengthen the receiver. Weld a 12-inch piece of steel angle iron onto the bottom of the receiver. Weld this angle iron to the steel plate. This piece will reinforce the receiver, and increase the weight that the receiver can handle.