Attaching Brush Hog on 3pt what kind of top link do you use ?

[kingrace78]

Always before on my old AC I used a chain for the top link with a brush hog, this allowed the mower to flex on uneven ground. I just bought a new LS tractor and I am wondering what most people do brush hogging on uneven ground. I would think a solid toplink would bend.
Thanks
John

 

[JasG]

My brush mower and finish mower, the link that the 3 point top link connects to pivots. This allows both to follow the ground while limiting travel some and allowing a level lift.

I have also used mowers in the past without attaching the top link.

I know others who have used a chain.

The stuff I mow though is a few fields I have mowed for years just to keep the brush down. Don't know how much a deck could jump if hitting unknown objects or small tree's.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I use a solid top link but the way my land lays there is no problem. If I had rough ground I would use a chain or better yet use a trailer hitch type. I used a trailer hitch type for years and like them best.

 

[Marveltone]

Another solid top link user. My RC also has the pivoting connection point, which works well enough. I'm not mowing a golf course with my RC, so the occasional scalp is no big deal.

Joe

 

[Bradbilt]

Mine has a solid top link, BUT the Bush Hog has chain going from the top link down to the mower

 

[TripleR]

I use a hydraulic top link which works great for me, even better would have been if I had thought to get it with float, live and learn.

 

[k0ua]

Solid top link (factory jackscrew) but the Rotary Cutter has a pivoting top coupler that allows for quite a bit of upward movement of the cutter.

 

[SSdoxie]

My cutter has a float clevis at the top link. This allows deck to follow ground contour for most conditions but limits it to about 45 degree so it can't rotate/flip up beyond safe operating angle.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I think the best is the swivel joint at the top on the bush hog. These can be retro-fitted to just about any mower and they give enough movement for even the deepest ditches without binding but still gives a solid link back to the tractor.

 

[kingrace78]

Thanks everyone, I will look for a swivel joint. That sounds like the best option.

 

[greg_g]

I use a hydraulic toplink, although you didn't specify if your new LS had hydraulic rear remotes. In the past I'd always get rotary cutters with pivot point where the toplink connects to the mower. This combination is called a "flexible toplink", and is what permits the mower to float with the terrain (see orange attachment). My most recent rotary cutter however, is not of flexible toplink design. Rather, the metal straps that connect the toplink connection to the mower deck are hinged in the middle. This design is not quite as efficient, but still manages to keep the tail wheel on the ground over most terrain.

//greg//

 

[Xfaxman]

I use a solid top link but the way my land lays there is no problem. If I had rough ground I would use a chain or better yet use a trailer hitch type. I used a trailer hitch type for years and like them best.

Ok you stumped me! What is a trailer hitch type?

Google image search didn't show any.

 

[Fallon]

My RC has the hinge like Greg_Gs orange photo. I upgraded to a TnT kit with float on both axis & quick hitch though. I may end up removing the hinge & just use float to make hitching up a hair easier. A little bit of a pain to catch the floppy hinge with the quick hitch hook.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Ok you stumped me! What is a trailer hitch type? Google image search didn't show any.

I believe he is referring to a drag or pull type cutter. They hook to the draw bar instead of the three point hitch.

 

[Xfaxman]

I believe he is referring to a drag or pull type cutter. They hook to the draw bar instead of the three point hitch.

Yep, that makes sense, thanks. My mind was still up at the toplink, thinking of something to allow movement.