3-Point Hitch hydraulic top link

[/pine]

For the record...a rotary cutter (bush hog, brush hog etc.) is the ONLY 3ph attachment that I have ever heard of an operator using float (or just a chain) for a top link...!

 

[CincyFlyer]

Just to clarify, you're saying attach the toplink to the BB with a short piece of chain instead of the standard hook-up. So I'm thinking that would allow the ANGLE of the BB to change, right? (the "angle of the dangle") But the HEIGHT would remain fixed because of being attached to the lower links. If this is correct, seems like an improvement....will have to try it to see.

Can anyone provide pics of this set-up? Would it work with a QH? Thanks.

It would likely let the box blade tilt forward and violently dig in. Whether or not you have a QH shouldn't matter.

 

[wagne223]

Just to clarify, you're saying attach the toplink to the BB with a short piece of chain instead of the standard hook-up. So I'm thinking that would allow the ANGLE of the BB to change, right? (the "angle of the dangle") But the HEIGHT would remain fixed because of being attached to the lower links. If this is correct, seems like an improvement....will have to try it to see.

Can anyone provide pics of this set-up? Would it work with a QH? Thanks.

There is no reason to do this.
These guys are simply trying to prove that you need a toplink that is fixed where you put it(once you set either by turning the threaded adjustment or moving you hydraulic lever depending on your setup) verses one that "floats" (moves in and out freely while moving).

I wont argue what works for another operator but I have never seen an implement that is designed to not use the top link, or float. Which is the same thing.

 

[Xfaxman]

For those of you that think a floating top link would be handy. Take off the top link when doing whatever work and see how far that gets you.

Yep, replace it with a slightly longer chain, so you can still pick it up.

Just to clarify, you're saying attach the toplink to the BB with a short piece of chain instead of the standard hook-up. So I'm thinking that would allow the ANGLE of the BB to change, right? (the "angle of the dangle") But the HEIGHT would remain fixed because of being attached to the lower links. If this is correct, seems like an improvement....will have to try it to see.

Can anyone provide pics of this set-up? Would it work with a QH? Thanks.

A chain instead of a toplink, using a brush hog is common practice.

What mbu was trying to say was it will not work well on a box blade.

You will just have to try it and see if it works for your driveway.

 

[wagne223]

Just to clarify, you're saying attach the toplink to the BB with a short piece of chain instead of the standard hook-up. So I'm thinking that would allow the ANGLE of the BB to change, right? (the "angle of the dangle") But the HEIGHT would remain fixed because of being attached to the lower links. If this is correct, seems like an improvement....will have to try it to see.

Can anyone provide pics of this set-up? Would it work with a QH? Thanks.

Also be warned, without a fixed top link on a box blade, as soon as you try to drive forward, the top attachment point of the BB (where the top link connects) will rotate toward the tractor and smack into whatever is in the way possibly causing damage.

 

[wagne223]

View attachment 574503

A chain instead of a toplink, using a brush hog is common practice.

What mbu was trying to say was it will not work well on a box blade.

You will just have to try it and see if it works for your driveway.

This is only applicable for rotary cutter and only if the cutter does not have a "swinging" type linkage for the top link mount.

Personally I have never seen one without the linkage.

The 3ph is designed to 3 fixed arms with solid adjustable top and side.

Again, I wont argue what works for another operator.

 

[Xfaxman]

Also be warned, without a fixed top link on a box blade, as soon as you try to drive forward, the top attachment point of the BB (where the top link connects) will rotate toward the tractor and smack into whatever is in the way possibly causing damage.

That will happen if the scarifiers are down and can be prevented by putting the chain through a short piece of pipe.

A heavy box blade might work with a chain for light leveling, there is only one way to find out.

I think it would work with a LPGS.

 

[Reg]

Easy enough to do, once you have rear remotes - and adding rear remotes opens up WHOLE NEW money sink opportunities - I mean "potential functional extensions to your tractor".

Earlier comment on the limited lift of compact tractors - yes, and ONE of the advantages particularly with tractors small enough to trailer around is that it becomes easier to not only lift attachments, but to tilt them for clearance when loading/unloading on the trailer.

ONE newbie disadvantage may be that it gives you another variable to "play" with and it isn't always easy to find the sweet spot again - vs a conventional top link where I can climb down, try a few turns in or out and if that makes things worse turn it the other way. Keep notes, etc.

 

[Eric102]

have read a lot of comments about hydraulic top links,seems like it would be a handy addition to smaller tractors,with the limited lift they have

It sure is handy! I have one on a garden tractor which has a Cat 1 limited lift 3pt hitch. Retracted it can get the box blade or landscape rake way off the ground for traversing dips and shallow ditches.

 

[Xfaxman]

Speaking of a chain on a LPGS, Found Gordon Gould's setup on an image search: