3-Point Hitch top link

[GBBBBB]

Hi all!

This summer I had purchased a new CK3510H with backhoe and box blade.

The dealer had to order the backhoe, when they installed it they removed the 3 point pieces and dropped them off with the tractor when they delivered it. I just got around to removing the backhoe. I installed all the 3 point pieces I had and when I went to install the box blade I realized I didn't have a top link.

Is this something that should have come with either the tractor or the box blade?

If I need to go out and buy one does anyone have a recommendation? I suppose there are different sizes etc?

Thanks!!

Geoff

 

[oosik]

Top link should have come with the new tractor. If you want to buy one - get a Fit Rite hydraulic top link. The wait for delivery is around 20 week right now but well worth it. I've had my Fit Rite hydraulic top link for five years. I would not be without it.

 

[jeff9366]

Yes. Top Link is an integral part of the Three Point Hitch.

I would take this up with your dealer. Dealer may have your Top Link laying around.

Tractor Supply, Rural King, etc all inventory Top Links for <$50. You need a standard Category 1 Top Link to mount your Category 1 implements.

 

[ovrszd]

Yep, contact the dealer. You should have received a top link. Get it from them.

Then if you decide later to do a hydraulic top link, go for it. Leave the mechanical top link leaning against the wall in the shed. It's yours. You paid for it.

 

[Roadworthy]

The top link should have come as part of the three point setup. The top link indeed should have been dropped off with the rest of the setup. I'm sure it was a dealer oversight. Or not.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Top link should have come with the new tractor. If you want to buy one - get a Fit Rite hydraulic top link. The wait for delivery is around 20 week right now but well worth it. I've had my Fit Rite hydraulic top link for five years. I would not be without it.

Ebay hydraulic top links work just fine. Just measure your stock top link in the collapsed and extended lengths and get a hydraulic top link around the same size and in the same CAT rating as your stock top link. I ended up replacing my hydro top link this summer and doing so is easy.

 

[GBBBBB]

Thanks everyone! This site is so helpful.

Called the dealer, he said c'mon down and get it.

 

[The Kent]

Top link should have come with the new tractor. If you want to buy one - get a Fit Rite hydraulic top link. The wait for delivery is around 20 week right now but well worth it. I've had my Fit Rite hydraulic top link for five years. I would not be without it.

What makes his top links different/better than others? 20 weeks is a loooooooonnnnnggg time to wait.

 

[ovrszd]

What makes his top links different/better than others? 20 weeks is a loooooooonnnnnggg time to wait.

He does good professional work. He has built enough of them that they will be correctly designed with correct length. Beyond that, nothing.

A well built top link can be purchased from more than one source. If you do the math and get the right length there will be no problem.

Side links are harder to come by.

 

[jeff9366]

What makes his top links different/better than others?

There can be variations in the quality of steel. When steel is too soft, Top Link threads can strip during an unusual, transitory heavy load, like hitting a stump pulling a loaded Box Blade. I replaced one stripped Top Link.

There is also some variation in the extendable length of Top Links between brands. All Top Links presumably meet the minimum length but a few will extend a bit more than others.

There are threads in the archive describing projects when tractor owners have customized their Top Link with longer threads for some special purpose. Not always simple, as most Top Links have keeper fittings internally to prevent surprise separation of the fixture, top and bottom.

Some Top Links have metric thread. Most USA Top Links are inch standard.

A replacement Category 1 Kubota factory Top Link is nearly $300 from the dealer.
Tractor Supply Co., Rural King, Agri Supply, etc., all inventory Category 1 Top Links for <$50.

 

[ovrszd]

There can be variations in the quality of steel. When steel is too soft, Top Link threads can strip out under an unusually heavy load.I replaced one Top Link for this reason.

There is also some variation in the extendable length of Top Links between brands. All Top Links presumably meet the minimum length but a few will extend a bit more than others.

There are threads in the archive describing projects when tractor owners have customized their Top Link with longer threads for some special purpose. Not always easy, as most Top Links have keeper fittings internally to prevent surprise unwinding of the fixture, top and bottom.

Some Top Links have metric thread. Most in USA Top Links are inch standard.

A replacement Category 1 Kubota factory Top Link is nearly $300 from the dealer.
Tractor Supply Co., Rural King, Agri Supply, etc., all inventory Category 1 Top Links for <$50.

Jeff, I believe he was inquiring about a hydraulic top link.

But your information has merit considering a mechanical top link.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

What makes his top links different/better than others? 20 weeks is a loooooooonnnnnggg time to wait.

Fit & finish. My units are not off the shelf units. Every unit is built by me to fit YOUR tractor, no matter if you have an 18 HP sub compact or a 660 HP AG tractor.

I do my best to provide the optimum working length possible for each and every tractor be it a top or side link. Yes off the shelf units work, sometimes the same as mine. But the majority of the time, the working lengths that are available with off the shelf products just work and do not provide the ideal amount of adjustment in both the retracted and extended directions.

Pictures are examples of various top & tilt sets built with 2", 2 1/2" & 3" dia cylinders for Kubota, Kioti, John Deere, New Holland.

 

[ovrszd]

Very precise and honest description of your work Brian!!!

 

[Buggs67]

He does good professional work. He has built enough of them that they will be correctly designed with correct length. Beyond that, nothing.

A well built top link can be purchased from more than one source. If you do the math and get the right length there will be no problem.

Side links are harder to come by.

I'm interested in a side link for my CK2510. Most of the use is grading the driveway with my rear blade and maybe my box blade. Any sources you'd recommend?

 

[ovrszd]

I'm interested in a side link for my CK2510. Most of the use is grading the driveway with my rear blade and maybe my box blade. Any sources you'd recommend?

Brian is the only source I know of. Maybe go back to your dealer for recommendations??

 

[Threepoint]

For Kioti tractors only, another good source for hydraulic side links is Michigan Iron and Equipment. Lead time is about 10 days to two weeks right now, I think. Also hydraulic top links, although as MinnesotaEric says, the top link is easier to fit, so does not require custom fabrication if you measure carefully. For the side link, fitting is much more critical, due to angle changes. It has to be made for the particular tractor brand and model.

 

[kthompson]

Might have misunderstood the comments on options with 3 arm but there is a very wide variance in the lengths of third arms out there at least in cat 1. In both the retracted and the extended lengths.If you don't think so look at a true farm tractor from the 60's to the more compact new tractors. Even with the more compact tractors of today there is variance in them.

 

[Buggs67]

Thanks for the input. I measured the adjustable side link and it's range is 15"-19" measured at the center of the pins.

Quote" For the side link, fitting is much more critical, due to angle changes. It has to be made for the particular tractor brand and model."

I already had a problem with the factory adjustable side link because it was welded straight when it should've been slightly angle. It finally broke from the stress and I had my BIL weld it at the correct angle. If I can source the correct cylinder I have very competent welders who will fabricate the end connectors.

I was thinking a simple valve would work such as this one: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200416981_200416981

And as for MIE, I just spent a while on their webs sites and couldn't find ANYTHING re: cylinders, side links, valves or ripper teeth (for my BH). They've changed the website since I last visited.

 

[cjoffutt]

And as for MIE, I just spent a while on their webs sites and couldn't find ANYTHING re: cylinders, side links, valves or ripper teeth (for my BH). They've changed the website since I last visited.

I just sent them an email the other week when I wanted price and lead time for a hydraulic top link. Had a response in about 20 minutes.

 

[Buggs67]

I just sent them an email the other week when I wanted price and lead time for a hydraulic top link. Had a response in about 20 minutes.

Thanks. I'll try them.