Top link ratchet adjustment

ovrszd · Mar 3, 2017

Excellent examples Dennis.

See them a lot on older Batwing cutters. Used to level hitch as your pictures shows and to level rear wheel assemblies.

fried1765 · Mar 3, 2017

Xfaxman said:
It can now be used instead of a hydraulic cylinder. Ratchet jacks came first and were replaced by hydraulic cylinders.

View attachment 500661

View attachment 500662

Thanks for these photos!
I am the OP for modifying a ratchet jack for a top link, but you have now given me another idea!
I have an 84" back blade that can be manually offset, but it is an absolute bugger to do so manually.
At 76 years old, I must pull up to a pole, and use a come-a-long to shift the blade sideways.
Several times each year I like to reach way outside the driveway traveled surface, and bring all the loose material back in.

Using a ratchet jack, as in your photo, would allow me to offset my blade much more easily.
Off I go now to the Agri-Supply site now, to order another ratchet jack, and some other stuff.
They are great people to buy stuff from!

Xfaxman · Mar 3, 2017

You're welcome, post some pictures. :thumbsup:

Here is a close up of a ratchet jack to change the angle on a landscape rake:

Catman8 · Mar 3, 2017

Thanks for posting those pics and answering my question, I sure learn a lot from you members.

fried1765 · Mar 4, 2017

Musdalen said:
the ratchet jacks sold at Theissens for ~$40 look like they would work as fried1765 suggests. The handles come off with a simple pin. In fact there would be no reason to actually install the pin at all. The handle could be stored in a toolbox on the tractor and just inserted in the ratchet when needed pulled out and stored in the tool box when not needed. Not as fancy as the folder, but it would be out of the way, easy and cheap. I don't know if the threads will work with ball ends, but I think I'll check it out.
Double HH Ratchet Jack With Pins (Double HH 39392), Tractor Hydraulic Repair | Farm | Ranch | Theisens.com

Same thing ......$29.99 from Agri-Supply

petegoud · Mar 6, 2017

Catman8 inspired me to build a similar ratcheting toplink.

In mine I used a $23 toplink and a $31 Harbor Freight binder. A little cutting and welding. Total time to build from start to finish (including painting), 2 1/2 hours.

Catman8 · Mar 6, 2017

petegoud said:
Catman8 inspired me to build a similar ratcheting toplink.View attachment 501107
In mine I used a $23 toplink and a $31 Harbor Freight binder. A little cutting and welding. Total time to build from start to finish (including painting), 2 1/2 hours.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

YotaBota · Mar 7, 2017

I thought that this already existed! I have been thinking about doing the same thing for 6 years. You gotta market that man!

Musdalen · Mar 7, 2017

I agree - market it!

That said, I'm wondering if anyone has attempted the same thing for a lift arm adjustment? My new JD's one major negative is the lack of a reasonable leveling mechanism for the 3 pt. It has leveling but I have to get off the tractor and use a very awkward adjustment that is just ridiculous in my opinion. On my old For 8n, I could crank the leveling mechanism from the seat, and I did. A lot. I use a grading blade a lot and not having a simple leveling mechanism is a real PITA. The JD system is designed to be set once and forgotten, and that doesn't work for me.

So, why wouldn't this work as a leveler? Would it be strong enough? (2200 lb lift capacity). It would have to avoid interference with the tires.

farm boy00 · Mar 7, 2017

Musdalen said:
I agree - market it!

That said, I'm wondering if anyone has attempted the same thing for a lift arm adjustment? My new JD's one major negative is the lack of a reasonable leveling mechanism for the 3 pt. It has leveling but I have to get off the tractor and use a very awkward adjustment that is just ridiculous in my opinion. On my old For 8n, I could crank the leveling mechanism from the seat, and I did. A lot. I use a grading blade a lot and not having a simple leveling mechanism is a real PITA. The JD system is designed to be set once and forgotten, and that doesn't work for me.

So, why wouldn't this work as a leveler? Would it be strong enough? (2200 lb lift capacity). It would have to avoid interference with the tires.

I don't see why you couldn't try. See what their ratings are to strap something