How to measure top link

[Mike from MI]

Extended all the way out and center hole to center hole ?

 

[bcp]

Many I see list both dimensions-fully closed and fully open. Otherwise you could get a match one way and not the other.

Like this one: 17 to 25 1/2

Top Link, Cat 1, 13 Center Tube Length

Bruce

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Extended all the way out and center hole to center hole ?

What is it that you are trying to do? Get a replacement, get a second unit, what?

 

[Mike from MI]

Building ballast box out of plastic barrel. I need a longer top link to keep barrel level when lifted to where lower arms are level.

 

[Mike from MI]

Many I see list both dimensions-fully closed and fully open. Otherwise you could get a match one way and not the other. Like this one: 17 to 25 1/2 Top Link, Cat 1, 13 Center Tube Length Bruce

Thanks Bruce. Looks like I'll need to find one about 35".

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Building ballast box out of plastic barrel. I need a longer top link to keep barrel level when lifted to where lower arms are level.

As noted, typically listed are the collapsed and the extended lengths. Take a look here. They usually have a good selection at a reasonable cost. :thumbsup:

 

[Mike from MI]

As noted, typically listed are the collapsed and the extended lengths. Take a look here. They usually have a good selection at a reasonable cost. :thumbsup:

Thanks for the link just ordered one for much less than others I have looked at with shipping.

 

[Threepoint]

Mike, you checked the retracted length too, right? Will the new longer link give you the retraction you need when you're using implements other than the ballast barrel, e.g. a York rake or a rear blade that you want to carry high for clearance from time to time? But I guess if not, you could always just swap it out for the original when necessary.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Tractor Supply Co. - Enjoy searching: top links

 

[Mike from MI]

Mike, you checked the retracted length too, right? Will the new longer link give you the retraction you need when you're using implements other than the ballast barrel, e.g. a York rake or a rear blade that you want to carry high for clearance from time to time? But I guess if not, you could always just swap it out for the original when necessary.

My current top link works well for my other improvements, so I'll just swap out when using ballast, probably just leave attached to ballast barrel.
Thanks everyone for the great input.

 

[Mike from MI]

Here's the one I bought.

Agristore USA | Replacement Parts | Cat 1 - 26.8"-35"

 

[chim]

Wondering why the attachment points of the weight couldn't be located to roughly a standard pattern.

 

[CCWKen]

If you must abuse your tractor and need to add a ballast in the rear, you should keep the weight as low to the ground as possible.

 

[aczlan]

If you must abuse your tractor and need to add a ballast in the rear, you should keep the weight as low to the ground as possible.

Depending on the load, in some cases you need to have weight behind the rear tires to fully utilize the front end loader's capabilities.
We have a tractor at work that has to have weight behind the back wheels or the front axle is overloaded when they lift the pusher box that is on the loader.
The pusher box is within the loaders capabilities, but the front axle is overloaded if they pick up the pusher box.

Aaron Z

 

[Mike from MI]

Wondering why the attachment points of the weight couldn't be located to roughly a standard pattern.

The attachment point at lower lifting arms are as close as I can get them without touching arms were they curve in.

 

[Mike from MI]

Depending on the load, in some cases you need to have weight behind the rear tires to fully utilize the front end loader's capabilities. We have a tractor at work that has to have weight behind the back wheels or the front axle is overloaded when they lift the pusher box that is on the loader. The pusher box is within the loaders capabilities, but the front axle is overloaded if they pick up the pusher box. Aaron Z

You hit the nail on the head, will be using with pallet forks and loader work to take stress off front axle.