Might be time for a new Quick Hitch

[CoyPatton]

I think the rotating pin is the minor issue, but you might not have noticed the cracks:

View attachment 702272

While it will be a pain, if the cracks break in the back 40 or 120, it is a minor thing in my opinion. The QH is a convenience thing. While it is a pain to have to drop an implement and then drop the QH, it is doable with the bare minimum of tools, and no tools if using pins and lynch pins for your connections (6 total). I might buy its replacement if I found what I consider a bargain. Personally I use Pat’s easy change QH, but that is because I have several older implements that would need a lot of reworking for the top link to work with a traditional QH.

The only issue you might run into if you take the QH out would be a PTO shaft that might be a bit long and cause damage if used without the QH added distance.

Last I checked, which was for my son several months ago Rural King had the best price on Cat I Pat’s.

 

[California]

I think the rotating pin is the minor issue, but you might not have noticed the cracks:

View attachment 702272

Looks to me that you could weld on a vertical plate covering each of those visible cracks, maybe duplicated on the inner sides as well. Something like 6 inches top to bottom x width that would block the pin from revolving (1.5"?) x 1/4" material.

That would take the stress that is presently focused at a single point at the top of the hook, and spread it over a far larger area, all around the edges of your scabbed-on plate. No matter how ugly you weld, that should be stronger than new!