Fixed Position Top Link x3??

[Kioti Rider]

I got a box blade with my tractor and have used it quite a bit. I had to buy a new top link because the one that came with my tractor was shorter than I wanted and hard to adjust. I’m getting better at adjusting box blade to dig, level, etc, but still usually eyeball the top link length and box and then run a little, adjust again if needed based on what box is doing. I’m sure I never get it the same every time but I can roughly get it where I want for what I need, of course still learning all the time.

So here’s my question: do you need almost infinite adjustment or simply 3 std settings (forward tilt, level, back tilt)? If I could get by with three for most materials, then would it be crazy to just make three fixed length top links and swap them out for digging/moving and leveling. I know Hydraulic Top Link would be great, but I don’t see that in my future. I really don’t mind getting off tractor and adjusting, just thought this would be more consistent and possibly even faster (eliminating some of the trial and error after determining right lengths). Certainly simpler.

Or is that too much and just doing what I’m currently doing is better.

 

[chim]

You may wish for the ability to tweak the adjustment at times that fixed links won't allow. It would be simple to put punch marks or shallow kerfs in the two eyes and record the measurements between them for your three main settings. You could make corresponding marks on a strip of metal banding material and keep it on your tractor to use as a measuring stick and not even have to read all the little lines on a tape measure.

 

[Gordon Gould]

In my mind what you are doing is better. Materials changes consistency as there moisture level changes so you need to be able to adjust the aggressiveness of the blade even if you always work in the same area or materail. Setting the top link like you are doing is the normal way it is done. Set it by eye then make the adjustments necessary to make it work like you want.

Edit: you beat me to it Chim. Slow typer here.

gg

 

[Kioti Rider]

Good advice, both, thank you. Also kinda what I figured but thought maybe someone had tried the other and found it good. Also assumed material changes the angle needed fairly often.

And at end of day, what I’m doing is not difficult. May keep some kind of measuring stick/rod on tractor to try too as suggested.

 

[s219]

What about taping/attaching a ruler or marked rod/stick to some part of the top link so that you can get a visual indicator about the length in various settings? I agree, you do not want to lose the infinite adjustment for box blade use since there are a lot of subtle differences with materials, conditions, moisture, etc. This is the reason I eventually got a hydraulic top link, so maybe even consider that if you do a lot of box blade work. But if you're OK with manual adjustment, the ruler ought to give you a good indicator and allow for repeatability.