Telescoping Draft Links

rockyridgefarm · Feb 21, 2003

BTW , I found the yelescoping links in the msc. accessories on JD's configurator. There are two styles; /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif both list for $210.00/pr.

cowboydoc · Feb 21, 2003

If I only had one tractor and limited implements I would completely agree with you. I've got four tractors that I have to use different implements on so it makes it kind of hard.

Green_in_MI · Feb 21, 2003

I guess I am one the the few who has never had a problem putting on 3pt implements. I say this after many hours of practice. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Actually it is very easy once you get your system down and I no longer have any problem putting on implements. However, my wife does have problems switching implements so a solution for that absolutely had to be found. I went out and measured all the implements and decided that matching them by welding and drilling them all to a single quick hitch would be a royal pain.

I opted for telescoping links. Deere sold them to me for about $210. I like them very much and my wife is able to swap implements without too much problem. Would the quick hitch be faster and easier? Yes, but only after much more expense. Telescoping links make the job much easier for a minimal investment. And the tele links are universal meaning each implements is equally easy/difficult to put on.

I think most people damage their links when they put the link in compression(pushing backward). Even the standard links will break way easier in reverse than going forward. I actually don't see how you can damage your links going forward(steel is strongest in tension) though I know some people do.

I did not mention that I decided against a quik hitch before I learned to weld. Now the quick hitch would be my option because i would be getting more shop time which is almost as much fun as tractor time. I like the shop time because my wife usually gets up before me and is out on "her tractor" working on her landscape projects. If I ever bought a backhoe home my wife would be on it at dawn and would only show up at the house for lunch and darkness. My job around here is simply the mechanic.

BTW, in this economy i would guess that Deere will contiunue to have incentives and maybe better ones.

Anonymous Poster · Feb 21, 2003

No they are not prone to problems(at least I do not thinks so)....they just do not hold up well to my stupid mistakes......I bent the other type too.I have a way of testing things... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

rockyridgefarm · Feb 21, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( BTW, in this economy i would guess that Deere will contiunue to have incentives and maybe better ones. )</font>

I am thinking thae same, which means a little more waiting, but I might be able to go to the 4410....

Anonymous Poster · Feb 21, 2003

I'm with you, beenthere. Having owned both IMatch and telescoping links, I'll take the IMatch any day. I've had to modify a couple of attachments to fit, but it's never been a big deal.

beenthere · Feb 21, 2003

I hear you. I wish I had a reason for having four tractors and the attachments to share with them. Have fun.

rockyridgefarm · Feb 21, 2003

I figure that iMatch may still be in my future, but I can get going with what I have now with the telescope link, later I may add iMatch. Both are reasonably priced, and seem to have pluses....

Thanks for the input!

Anonymous Poster · Feb 22, 2003

Maybe I need to get my I-Match out and do a little modifying on my tractor blade...

cedar rock farm · Aug 21, 2009

Would appreciate any suggestions on the best place to buy the telescoping draft links for J Deere. I have the I Match...but just doesn't fit my non-JD eqpt. The local dealer here in my location charges $778 for a pair. Can these be ordered on-line?