Yours is the first video that I've seen that is critical of this product, but the video reflects many of the same problems that I have had with my Pat's Easy Change system. I have the Category 2 version, installed a couple of years ago, on a John Deere 5065 tractor, and use it only with a 7-foot Deere MX7 rotary cutter. I carefully installed and leveled the hook assemblies according to the instructions, but they both tilted quite a bit when the rotary cutter was attached and lifted. The four adjustment bolts on each hook housing worked loose fairly quickly, and will still not maintain position. I have not damaged the spreader bar, but I have experienced the problems that you had with a broken u-bolt and with the "special" washers and the retaining pins popping off one side and then the other. It's never good to look back and see the cutter deck dragging the ground on one side, like a bird with a broken wing. My MX7 rotary cutter is pretty heavy, and our pastures are a little rough, so it may be that there is just too much stress on these components. Maybe the Pat's system is better suited to lighter duty, and may work much better on tractors and implements that are smaller and lighter in weight. I just know that, for me, it has not worked nearly as well as I had hoped.

I’ve used mine for several years with many different attachments. Absolutely no issues! Follow the instructions and stop being a gorilla. It’s a great system.

Have had the Pat's system on my Kubota B2920 for fifteen years. Absolutely no issues except when I forgot to remove the spacer bar and it got bent by an implement's driveshaft. I managed to straighten it acceptably using a vise but eventually decided to opt for a new one that was easier to adjust. That's on me, quickly purchased another, no further problems. My first implement, a JD ballast box, is only 24" wide and is therefore not compatible with a quick hitch. I use a 3PH post hole digger somewhat regularly, not compatible with a quick hitch due to top link hookup. I have a Land Pride tiller and Bush Hog SQ148 rotary mower, both would be much more difficult to hook up due to working around a quick hitch frame to connect the driveshaft to the PTO. I also have a box blade, rear blade, skid winch, backhoe, and landscape rake, some of which are quick hitch compatible but most are not. So the Pat's system has been a no-brainer for me and I highly recommend it. Yes, you might have to replace your top link with a longer-than-stock model due to the Pat's setup extending your lower arm hooks back a few inches. I solved that with $35 and a visit to Tractor Supply where I purchased a heavier duty, easy to adjust from the tractor seat top link. I applied some nonskid tape to its larger diameter barrel section and can easily grip it, with or without gloves, to make adjustments. Of course, a larger tractor would probably require leaving the seat.

Thanks for the info Tom. I just put the Pat's Easy Change on my Kubota L3901 and am going to be changing between a box blade with scarifiers, land leveler, 60" Bush Hog, 3 point tiller and a few other implements. I'm using Nylon Hex Jam Lock nuts with number eight hardness set screws , no thread lock needed. I see the lock arms on yours are bent down so that didn't happen using them correctly I'm guessing they were bent using them to lock the hold arm in the open position and you lifted up into your implement pin and bent it, jus not taking your time and using caution, just my guess. In the install instructions it clearly states to not leave the adjustable spacer arm on when using a pto drive, so that's on you for not reading the instructions. If the proper spacers were used when installing and all the bolts snugged so there was no movement I just do not understand how you broke the U clamp. Operator error seems to be the cause of the issues you stated and yes these could be design shortcomings. I have watched many videos on these and some giving reviews after periods of time one being after 4 years of use and other then the spring snapping nothing, but good to say. I guess I will find out for myself, but thank you for sharing.

Not sure what all went on here ..the spread bar is supposed to be taken off for use,, I've used 2 sets of these alot no issues. I did use nylock nuts to prevent them from getting loose

What's interesting about the Pats system is that it resembles and works the same way the Eagle hitch did on the old case tractors and they're still being used today. Good design, but probably needs to be a complete lower arm welded as one piece to hold up under heavy use, like the Eagle hitch.

A really useful review. My rough terrain bush hog work looks like it could have real problems with the failure points you identified. Ditto my long gravel driveway with the blade grader.

That’s funny, I have a brand New set of those still in the box sitting on the shelf. I just never got around to using them. Thanks again for sharing.

The design and idea of the system is great. And it does solve the access issue to the PTO when using the traditional quick hitch. But when thinking about the problems you had with it, I can imagine those ARE weak links -- the washer, the latch, etc. That equipment is under enormous strain and all I could think was duh! Of course you had those problems! With some re-engineering it could maybe be solved. Thanks for your review.

Hello again Tom. I’m sorry to hear of your negative experience with the Pat’s Easy Change. Like an earlier comment, I too have a new set awaiting installation. I am not farming, just messing around so to speak. I will pay particular attention to the tightness of the various fasteners and heed your advice. The movable ends are the way to go, sadly none of my small stuff has them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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Thank you for your honesty

Ok thank you, was just about to order them they were in my Amazon basket.

Thanks for sharing your frustration and opinion of the Pat’s system. I’m going to add your experience to the disadvantages column. All of the videos I’ve watched about the Quick Hitch & the Pat’s system praise each system. My gut & experience lead me to believe that nothing’s without disadvantages. Looks like I need to dig a bit deeper into each system, as well as reviewing the comments section. Seems like either system will likely require some modification - to the system, or the implement, maybe both. Your video has helped a lot as I prepare to fork over $200+ for one system or the other.

Thanks for review informative

Same problems i had with mine today plowying snow with a back blade. The U Bolt broke on one side, and the centering bolts bent on the opposite side, plus as stated the locking lever is a total PIA to work with. I am new to tractors, only 150 hours on my first one ever. There must be a way to upgrade the parts on these things to improved them. I don't want to just toss $200 in the garbage.

I have had them a long time. Broke a spring, that's it. Yes, they get loose. So do all kinds of fasteners. Maintenance! Check your equipment before it breaks. When you grease your tractor, check them. You will not have issues. And they are not for big tractors.

I have a lawn business and switch implements often. Before I put the Pats on it was a total pain in the ass. I've been using the Pats system for about 4 years and would never go back. Not sure why this dude is so pissy. Lol

I wish i have watched ur video before i bought it. now dealing with the same problems

Bought mine last year having the same problem with the design.

well dud one person option is not everyone's. I have used mine for 10 years and it works as it should. When this one break i will go and get another. You have to know how to use it. sorry you had so much trouble remember some time it is the operator.

I wish I had heard this your video before I bought my pat’s easy hitch system. Your words were kind but everything you said is exactly what I experienced and they are a piece of junk as far as I’m concerned and my are relegated to the scrap heap and an expensive equipment experience.

Thanks for the honest experienced review of the Pats link. Times are tough enough, money getting tighter and no one wants to waste it. This is just one of the reasons I am so pleased with your channel…it’s how it should be. Stay cool my friend…weather gurus are saying the end of the weeks is gonna be another toasty one!! Maybe we’ll take advantage of that and take a ride up into your neck of the woods!! Not sure what the wife has on the agenda or, if my tractor will be delivered so I’m kinda playing it by ear! Have a cool drink and relax a bit!! Looking forward to the next one!!

Good to get that off your chest and helpful for others.