Toplink Speeco Toplink experiences

[Scooby074]

Anybody familiar with the Speeco toplinks? My factory Kubota is bent pretty bad .

Are they particularly tough (well tougher than factory)? Well built?

 

[gwdixon]

A top link should not be subject to the kind of uses and treatments that would cause them to fail.

If you bent a Kubota top link, chances are that no top link is going to stand up to whatever caused the original to bend.

Sounds like you might consider buying a disposable top link (as cheap as you can find) and discard it when it bends. Or...figure out what caused the bend and think about ways to avoid the situation.

 

[foggy1111]

Anybody familiar with the Speeco toplinks? My factory Kubota is bent pretty bad .

Are they particularly tough (well tougher than factory)? Well built?

View attachment 285154

Speeco is an old-line company and has made serviceable accessories for a long time. I've never considered Speeco to be top-shelf accessories. The brand typically is quite good and they have an attractive price....they may meet but likely would not exceed the OEM equipment....at least in my experience. Not clear on their top link....and never owned one.

:2cents:

 

[Scooby074]

A top link should not be subject to the kind of uses and treatments that would cause them to fail.

If you bent a Kubota top link, chances are that no top link is going to stand up to whatever caused the original to bend.

Sounds like you might consider buying a disposable top link (as cheap as you can find) and discard it when it bends. Or...figure out what caused the bend and think about ways to avoid the situation.

Use of the Box Blade is what caused it to fail. I wouldnt say excessive use or abuse, but genuine use. Probably harder use than alot of people on here do to their "babies" though.

It's still serviceable, however it's got a few degree downward bend on the attachment end.

Plus, I dont like Kubota's adjustment mechanism. I have to carry a prybar to adjust the TL length. I have thought about building my own TL using the ball ends off the Kubota link and a ratchet binder. Ideally I'd go hydraulic TL, Ill have one eventually, but the money isnt there for that right now.

 

[texasjohn]

I dunno what bent it...maybe you should consider a hydraulic top link...so you can lift it and avoid bending??

OK...I see your recent post...yep, I DO recommend a hydraulic top link...you get more function, gonna do some welding, anyway..now's the time.

 

[94BULLITT]

I have had a 2 speeco toplinks which were on the 8n. I never had one of them break, the one was just on there for years and wore out. The OEM ones the Bobcat and the Kubotas have turn so much smoother.

 

[CBW1999]

Check surplus Center- they have great deals on stuff (of course you have to be looking for it...)

What about replacing the bent end?

If you can afford to, definitely upgrade to a top and tilt-

 

[Baby Grand]

We have both - a Speeco on the B5100, and the original Kub on the L3240.
The Kubota unit seems to be a much heavier, sturdier construction and has a grease fitting.

 

[Scooby074]

Went to buy A Speeco today.. none in stock for the correct size.

Did look at the construction however, they seemed to thread pretty smooth. Ill have another gander at them when they are back in stock at Princess.

 

[Grandad4]

Is the OEM toplink hard to adjust because it's bent or because the the toplink is under load when you are doing the adjustment? Years ago I bought several toplinks, including a Speeco, thinking changing the links would be easier than making an adjustment when changing implements. Then I figured out if there's no load on the toplink, it's easy to adjust, and have no need for the extras anymore. I expect you already know all about that, but just saying...

Also, don't forget the "weakest link" principle... if you replace the weakest component (i.e. the toplink), with something stronger, the next weakest component becomes vulnerable, which is probably whatever the toplink is attached to. If it's the rear end that fails, it's going to cost a whole lot more than another toplink. Again, and with all due respect, I'm just saying the 3 point linkages should not be bending under normal operating conditions. Of course, if the original toplink was defective, that's a different story.

Good luck sorting this out, Jason. If you were closer, I'd let you have one of my spare toplinks.

Grandad4