Telescoping Draft Links JD 5303

[deere5105]

The first pic is the fixed draft link like I have. The second pic is the telescoping draft links I would like to swap to. The third image is what I found price wise on the JD Parts site. I have a set of the Pat’s Easy Change Cat 2 hooks. They worked ok, but more than once I had my rotary mower come loose when on off-camber terrain. I wound up just taking them off. I am trying to catch a trade in at local dealer and see if might work a deal to swap mine with a trade unit. Measurements I took look like any of the lower 5000 series will swap without issue. Curious if anyone else has dealt with this and if so is there a place to look that I am overlooking? The price found through JD Parts isn’t worth it to me.

 

[Zebrafive]

Try tractor salvage yards. I'll bet they are not cheap there either, and probably sell fast.
Another thought is look for local tractors for sale (craigslist) and see if seller will swap for yours plus cash.

 

[oosik]

Around here - trying to find used telescopic lower links would be like trying to find and capture a forrest fairy. My Kubota M6040 came with telescopic lower links. No question - they are a real boon to making connections. Good luck in your search. JMHO - in the end, if you really want them - probably have to purchase a new pair. Be prepared - $$$$.

 

[deere5105]

I had them on my previous tractor and they made hooking up super easy. I can get by with the fixed, but thought if could find a set for a reasonable swap and/or price I would do it. In hindsight, I should have tried to see if the 5105 arms would swap with the 5303 arms and paint to match. Will keep an eye out. Who knows may stumble up on a deal.

 

[Beaver Cove Deere]

It's the one item JD forgot about and for no reason other than stupidity.

My NH4835 has them and they are one of the most useful things about the machine.

 

[Zebrafive]

It was to lower the price of the tractor

 

[beenthere]

Nothing at all "stupid" about a tractor not having telescoping draft links.. might be in thinking that all tractors with 3ph should have them.
I've never owned one tractor yet with such links and never have missed not having them.
It is what it is.. pay for them, you can get them.

 

[Bavarian]

Cut off the old style and get some extendable weld on ends.

 

[Tx Jim]

It was to lower the price of the tractor

Ditto lack of telescoping draft links is to save on cost.

 

[Tx Jim]

Nothing at all "stupid" about a tractor not having telescoping draft links.. might be in thinking that all tractors with 3ph should have them.
I've never owned one tractor yet with such links and never have missed not having them.

If you ever attached 3 pt implement utilizing telescoping draft links then you would probably be wanting some also!

 

[beenthere]

Have been attaching 3 pt imp's since the middle 50's, Ford and Ferguson.
Up until lately with the iMatch, and now only have a rototiller that isn't adapted to the iMatch quicktach system.
Telescoping links were never an option, prolly due to added cost and making do with what ya got.
Don't deny that the telo links would not be handy. Just not a "must have" item, IMO

 

[Tx Jim]

I've owned a quick hitch & if every 3 pt hitch equipment that one owns isn't set to the correct dimensions I'll choose telescoping draft links. I've never been close to I-match quicktach but I bet one pays dearly($$$$$) for that convenience.

 

[rScotty]

If you ever attached 3 pt implement utilizing telescoping draft links then you would probably be wanting some also!

I didn't even know that the telescoping ones existed until I bought a used JD tractor that had them. They sure are nice. I'd pay extra for them - particularly for hooking to Cat II equipment.

 

[deere5105]

Made a trip by the dealership last weekend to see what they had on the yard. I saw several used machines with the telescoping links and noticed the button on top that you push over to release the end link was missing on several. I realize as long as one side will move you can usually get one arm on the pin or VERY close before ever getting off the tractor. That allows for extending the other arm to reach the pin. I realize the telescoping links are not necessary, but they are definitely convenient. At the same time if they are problematic it may be best to just stay with what I have. We have two older tractors. One has the fixed links and the other telescoping ends. One of the telescoping ends will occasionally slip and pull out due to wear and the other side did the same and was tack welded to keep in place.