Toplink Flexible Top Link

[greg_g]

Is this what you mean by the "U-type"? This is from my mower.

Exactly. In that particular configuration, it operates very similarly to the parallel bars (forward carry) that I mentioned above.

//greg//

 

[BlacknTan]

I like the kind used on the Woods X series Brushbulls.

showcontent

Similar to the JD implements designed for I-Match.

iMatch Quick Hitch (option)

 

[ShenandoahJoe]

Does anyone have a picture or diagram of how you'd use a chain as a top link? I'm having trouble picturing it. TIA.

 

[Charlesaf3]

another thought - hydraulic toplink with float on the remote. Its what I use. A little more damped obviously

Some implements have an optional top link floater attachment you can get or copy.

 

[oliver28472]

Does anyone have a picture or diagram of how you'd use a chain as a top link? I'm having trouble picturing it. TIA.

Don't have a picture but just think about an appropriate length of chain cut to fit with a clevis on each end. You'll still use the pins.

 

[ShenandoahJoe]

Wow, I am such a noob. I use clevis pins all the time, but it never occurred to me that the thing I'm pinning is a separate part called a clevis. Thanks!

 

[8934]

Here link to picture of a chain top link I made, http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/132025-imatch-mod-non-comptable-attachments.html

But I only operate on level ground

 

[kthompson]

Damaged the pto on one of tractors using a mower with no up travel limit from 3rd arm. Learned it was costly and dangerous. You really need the 3rd arm with some limit to it for protection to equipment and operator.

 

[greg_g]

Damaged the pto on one of tractors using a mower with no up travel limit from 3rd arm. Learned it was costly and dangerous. You really need the 3rd arm with some limit to it for protection to equipment and operator.

100% concur. Using chain is just askin' for trouble in my mind.

Just remembered a 4th kind of flexible toplink bracket; the yoke type. Had one of those too, but sold it with a QuickHitch.

It's important to understand the difference between a "flexible toplink" (chain) and a flexible toplink bracket. The latter is used in conjunction with a conventional (rigid) toplink. The bracket moves, giving you the flexibility of a chain. And the conventional toplink affords the protection against accident/damage/injury that you can't get from chain..

//greg//

 

[GE222]

My two cents:

Never use a chain on any type of PTO powered equipment. Things can get ugly real fast. Even quicker than the fastest thing in the world if you have ever heard the joke.

On a box blade or rake, I still don't really see the need, but maybe I have never had the urge to try it.

If the reason is for depth control, add some gauge wheels in the back of the blade or rake. Woods has them as an option on the large rear blades and rakes.