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06-24-2002, 04:32 PM #1
- Join Date
- Apr 2002
- Posts
- 18
- Location
- Central NC
- Tractor
- Kubota L3010 HST w/ FEL
Losing toplink pins while brushcutting
Hi folks,
As I mentioned in another post recently, we just bought a 5' KingKutter roatary brush cutter, and I have just finished about 4 or so acres with it. Unfortunately, I have gone through about 4 toplink pins (I think that's what they're called - its the pin that attaches the toplink to the implement). I have tried using the spring-type lynch pins, regular clip pins, and the clip pins with the retainer that makes them look like the letter 'D'. I ended up attaching both the link pin and the lynch pin to the mower with lengths of string, so I wouldn't lose so many. Is this normal? I didn't think toplink pins were supposed to be consumables.... The brushcutter has a "swivel yoke" that rotates up and down; could this be contributing to this problem? I might also mention that the field I was cutting had been plowed while very wet a couple of years ago, and the ride was very rough!
Thanks!
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06-24-2002, 04:39 PM #2
- Join Date
- Aug 2001
- Posts
- 14,856
- Location
- Southern Wisconsin, USA
- Tractor
- JD_4x2_Gator, JD_4300, JD_X485, JD_425, JD_455, JD_110
Re: Losing toplink pins while brushcutting
Try using a bolt with a lock nut to keep it in place. Also, watch that the pin/bolt is not too long, which might be causing it to catch on the 'swivel yoke'.
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06-24-2002, 04:48 PM #3
- Join Date
- Jan 2001
- Posts
- 1,381
- Location
- Alberta
- Tractor
- Kubota B2410 with turfs
Re: Losing toplink pins while brushcutting
Strider,
You may find this <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=implement&Number=63 877&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1>th read</A> useful. I have had the same problem.
I'm rather [img]/w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif[/img] to admit it, but I've done nothing suggested to correct the problem. As a result I just spent an hour the other day walking over what I had cut looking for my top link pin. Fortunately I found it...and the first one I lost!! [img]/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif[/img]
I think I'm going to ponder the issue prior to my next bush hoggin' experience!!!
Kevin
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06-24-2002, 05:55 PM #4
- Join Date
- Apr 2000
- Posts
- 7,235
- Location
- Northwest Arkansas
- Tractor
- MF 1440-4 PowerShuttle
Re: Losing toplink pins while brushcutting
Strider,
Try asking your dealer about a locking lynch pin. They have a spring loaded hoop just like the regular ones except it is D shaped and both sides of the D has to be squeezed together before the hoop will release. They work really well except they are about $2-$2.50 each.
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06-24-2002, 06:07 PM #5
- Join Date
- Aug 2000
- Posts
- 465
- Location
- Middle Tennessee
- Tractor
- Kubota M5700 4 WD w/ FEL, Kubota B2910, 21' Flatbed Gooseneck Trlr.
Re: Losing toplink pins while brushcutting
That "swivel yoke" is probably catching your lynch pin and opening it and so bye bye pin. On the side the lynch pin goes in put a LARGE washer under it. Between pin and swivel yoke. Guaranteed!
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06-24-2002, 06:30 PM #6
Re: Losing toplink pins while brushcutting
Strider,
Might try a small padlock. Worked for me.
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06-24-2002, 07:17 PM #7
- Join Date
- Nov 2000
- Posts
- 858
Re: Losing toplink pins while brushcutting
That is a good idea...I always used wire...never thought of the padlock...
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06-24-2002, 07:20 PM #8
Re: Losing toplink pins while brushcutting
I kept losing pins out of the finish mower when I back up under the branches if the fruit trees. I tired wiring them down, but still lost a few. Padlocks.......no lost pins. I get them real cheap at the Big Lots store. Made in China but hey, they're still there.
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06-24-2002, 07:36 PM #9
- Join Date
- Nov 2000
- Posts
- 858
Re: Losing toplink pins while brushcutting
Thats the main thing...they are still there,a cheap lock would be fine....It's not something that you are worried about being stolen anyway. I went to my JD dealer which is in Marietta and ordered extra pins everything on my lift arms and linkage,just to keep in my toolbox in case I lost something.I hate to make a 60 mile round trip over a $2.00 item.
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06-24-2002, 07:47 PM #10
- Join Date
- Apr 2001
- Posts
- 405
- Location
- NC
- Tractor
- Kubota L4701 HST
Re: Losing toplink pins while brushcutting
Since I started doing mine like McCallum said with the big washer (I use a twist of 17ga. electric fence wire on the lynch pin ring to hold it to pin) I haven't lost once since.