Rotary Cutter To top link or not to top link, that is my question... (Kinda...)

[MossflowerWoods]

n00b here again...

So.... When is it OK to use a top chain instead of a top link? Specifically on my rotary cutter?

So I thought I was all clever an I ought another top link so I would have one for the cutter, and one for the stump grinder. Mostly because I'm a lazy n00b, but also because the adjustment between the two is VERY different...

This seem to be working awesomely for the stump grinder, but when I went to hook up the cutter yesterday, I had to extend the top link over 3" from it's last setting.

Of course the last time I unhooked the cutter I made darn sure to crank down on the top-link because I believed it was perfect and in "set it and forget it" mode.

My cutter ran fine yesterday, but I am certain it is not set right, the top link is too long, the wheelie hits too often even fully raised.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance,
Be well,
David

 

[Mikeeemo]

I have more than one top link.
I found it was easier than adjusting them all the time.

I am not a fan of bush hogging without a top link or using a chain.
Some folks do, I prefer the control a top link gives.
Like when you land on an object that is destroying your mower, and need to get off of it quickly.

Welcome to TBN, I hope this helps.

 

[TripleR]

I gave up and now use hydraulic toplinks, but this may help:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...sh-hog-3pt-what.html?highlight=chain+top+link

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-top-link-redux.html?highlight=chain+top+link

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-chain-top-link.html?highlight=chain+top+link

 

[oosik]

I got a hydraulic top link - with all my attachments and every one needing a different setting and the ability to make rapid adjustments on the fly it is a pure joy. When I only had a rear blade - life was easy. I think a discussion with any of the many companies that sell these would provide a lot of insight. I got mine from Brian at MtViewRanch and it works great 100% of the time.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I see no reason not to use a chain for a top link on a bush hog. It would stop the binding that can occur when going through dips, and still lets you lift the bush hog as usual. Just get the right length chain.

 

[texasjohn]

I guess I need to go take another nap...I'm confused.

You let out the top link and now the wheel hits the ground too much.

Why not just shorten the top link again??

Has the geometry changed? There are 3 different attachment points on my tractor for the top link there behind the seat. And, a couple of points for attachment points on my rotary cutter.

Are your two lower swing arms set to the same height as when you previously used the top link and set it??

And, there are several points on the rotary cutter for attaching the lower pins.

I know this isn't your first rodeo, but I'd look carefully at all these different attachment points/adjustment points and make sure they are all "proper" for what you want.

Oh, yes, my cutter also has different settings for the length of the tail wheel as well. Did someone remove the tail wheel and reconnect at a different point??

All that said, I second the several comments that a hydraulic top link is a wonderful thing to have.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

No rigid top link is a safety thing. I know that the chances are slim-none, but it has happened to someone before, without the rigid top link, it is possible that the cutter can stand straight up and all kinds of bad things can happen if that were to happen. Makes no difference to me, the odds are in your favor that everything is all good, just stating a fact is all.

You could run the chain through a pipe a foot long or so and that would give you a better safety factor.

 

[jeff9366]

Brian is right. If you are pushing your R/C up a bank, and then a blade hits something, the R/C can flip right up onto the operator's station and kill you. Run your chain through a pipe.

 

[Wnc3]

Top and Tilt Kits by Fit Rite Hydraulics

Buy this guys kit above. Great feature to have if you have the remote hydraulics on your tractor.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

I guess I need to go take another nap...I'm confused.

You let out the top link and now the wheel hits the ground too much.

Why not just shorten the top link again??

Has the geometry changed? There are 3 different attachment points on my tractor for the top link there behind the seat. And, a couple of points for attachment points on my rotary cutter.

Are your two lower swing arms set to the same height as when you previously used the top link and set it??

And, there are several points on the rotary cutter for attaching the lower pins.

I know this isn't your first rodeo, but I'd look carefully at all these different attachment points/adjustment points and make sure they are all "proper" for what you want.

Oh, yes, my cutter also has different settings for the length of the tail wheel as well. Did someone remove the tail wheel and reconnect at a different point??

All that said, I second the several comments that a hydraulic top link is a wonderful thing to have.

TX John,

That is exactly my concern. it all popped right off when I dropped the cutter off a mere 6-8 weeks ago, but when I connected the lower arms and there was simply no way the top link was gonna reach I scratched my head a few times and just went with it...

I'm having a fuel pump electrical issue on my new lil' 1988 Ranger snowplow truck and I gotta go buy a relay before they close, but I'll be back...

I would like to buy a top at least from Brian (MtnViewRanch) and maybe a top & tilt, but I'm between jobs and going through a nasty divorce, so that will need to wait...

More later, gotta jet...
Be well,

David