TC55da toplink length

[99k1500]

OK guys I have a questions about my tractor.

2005 TC55da I purchased the tractor used from a Deere dealership, They pulled the toplink off a wall when I picked it up. Not sure It is the right length.
I know the toplink has a Cat 1 hook up on the tractor side. And should probably have a Cat 2 on the implement side, as the lower arms are Cat 2.

But what is the length of the toplink body supposed to be? The one I am currently using is 16" and with a Brush Hog hooked up, that seems to be a little long as I can't shorten it up to create a forward tilt.

I am actually on the hunt for a hydraulic toplink and am needing some good measurements. Any suggestions

 

[MtnViewRanch]

OK guys I have a questions about my tractor.

2005 TC55da I purchased the tractor used from a Deere dealership, They pulled the toplink off a wall when I picked it up. Not sure It is the right length.
I know the toplink has a Cat 1 hook up on the tractor side. And should probably have a Cat 2 on the implement side, as the lower arms are Cat 2.

But what is the length of the toplink body supposed to be? The one I am currently using is 16" and with a Brush Hog hooked up, that seems to be a little long as I can't shorten it up to create a forward tilt.

I am actually on the hunt for a hydraulic toplink and am needing some good measurements. Any suggestions

When you say 16", are you saying that the pin-pin measurement is 16" and that is too long? Get the mower how you want it setting without the top link hooked up and then measure what the pin-pin distance is. Do you have a box blade? If so what is the pin-pin distance when it is level on the ground? this should be your mid stroke distance of the top link that you purchase.

 

[DieselMonk]

I just checked my toplink and it is a 16" one that came with the tractor when I bought it new back in 2004. I couldn't and can't do that with my old bush hog or rear finish mower. But why would you tilt it like that anyway? It makes everything fly like nads.

The 16" is measured at the shaft only, not including the Cat1 and 2 screw in things.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I just checked my toplink and it is a 16" one that came with the tractor when I bought it new back in 2004. I couldn't and can't do that with my old bush hog or rear finish mower. But why would you tilt it like that anyway? It makes everything fly like nads.

The 16" is measured at the shaft only, not including the Cat1 and 2 screw in things.

That makes a lot more sense, then the collapsed pin-pin length would be around 20".

 

[99k1500]

the 16" is the body (shaft) only, When I have the toplink completely screwed in (shortest setting) the mower is level. I would like to be able to have some play in the adjustment. The current toplink is Cat 1 on both ends

Kind of a long story but I bought the mower close to ten years ago. sold it to a friend, He beat the heck out of it for a few years, then gave it back... I can't complain as he purchased it so essentially I have it back for free.

It could be that the mower support is a little out of wack. I don't want to purchase a Hydraulic toplink based on this mower. I am just trying to make sure that the link I get is the one I need.

I will have to check it with the crappy old box blade that I have.

 

[DieselMonk]

I think you definitly need that 16" one for other implements. You may want to purchase a 12" one for that particular application. I have a few toplinks at home as well.

 

[jinman]

That makes a lot more sense, then the collapsed pin-pin length would be around 20".

That's exactly right Brian. The Cat 1 hydraulic toplinks are normally about 21-1/2" minimum and are not satisfactory for these tractors because you can't level a boxblade. I chose mine to be the one that's 18" minimum. It causes a problem on one boxblade if I shorten it all the way. It will allow the toplink to go over-center and rotate down. 19" or 19-1/2" is perfect. 20" is borderline acceptable and 21" is too long.

 

[99k1500]

Jinman,

Thanks for chiming in! I was waiting on a response from you, as you have great knowledge of this tractor platform. I am also glad to know that I wasn't crazy thinking that the 16" Unit that I have was too long. It is 20.5" minimum pin-pin length. That being said it would be perfect if I could get one, as jinman states that was right at 19" to 19 1/2"

Thanks again jinman and thanks Brian for monitoring this as I try to figure out what I need. I am assuming, Brian, that you got my email with the pics? Let me know if you need anything else.