The top linkage cushion for impletments

[HOMERUN7]

On my DK35, there is a top linkage cushion for implements. It has three holes for the pin, with the bottom hole being closer to the cushions. Near the top of the bracket is a pin with bearings that can roll upward. What is the desirable pin slot, top, middle or bottom and does it change for cutters and box blades?

 

[Highbeam]

I think that cushion assembly is actually part of your draft control. I have a hard time understanding the draft control but it appears to lengthen and shorten your top link in response to the implement trying to bury itself.

Which hole is better? Now that is a common question that most manuals are either vague about or completely ignore. I use the middle hole for all implements due to lack of direction. I have heard that the mower goes in the top hole and that heavy tillage like plows go in the bottom but for the life of me I can't figure out how a one inch change from hole adjustment will make much difference in anything.

 

[kentrodngun]

A general guideline would be to use:
Top hole for all PTO driven attachments.
Middle hole for all Pull attachments.
Bottom hole for all push attachments & post hole diggers

 

[MotorSeven]

Hmmm, the center and lower hole cause my PH digger mount to "pinch" damaging the mount on the tractor and the PH. No prob using the top hole. I gues it depends on the design on some implements. I remember this topic before and someone had seen a broken tractor case due to pushing with a blade or BB using the top hole. I have no idea if it would have made any dif using the either of the other two, because the operatior struck a buried concrete slab or something huge. I have alot of limestone on my place, and when running the BB up on the ridge i try and go real slow when they are peeking out of the dirt at me.

RD

 

[HOMERUN7]

There is actually a linkage attached to the block that turns if the bottom is pulled out, what does that control?

 

[virgil]

There is actually a linkage attached to the block that turns if the bottom is pulled out, what does that control?

that linkage is part of your draft control.

against my better judgment, I will try to explane "draft". Maby I wont get shot at.

All "draft" is, is the amount of pull there is on the top link. The more you burry the implimant in the ground, the more pull you have on the top link. "Draft" allowes the machine automaticly adjust the load (depth)of the implimant you are pulling.

The linkage you spoke about, is to make verry small automatic adjustments on the LIFT according to how you have the draft set. Sir, depending on which hole you have the implimant pined in, and depending on how deep you need to run your implimant in the ground, and depending on where you set the draft controll (next to the lift controll) will determin how sensitive the draft is.

In order for draft to properly work.. the aggrigate, or soil, or dirt, or what ever you are going threw has to be of the same consistancy. Even out in West Texas, with rows 3 miles long, the consistancy was not the same everywhere. Therefore I ran guage wheels to do 90% of the depth (draft)controll.

Draft is difficult at best to master. It usually takes an old man with the ability to go slow and watch what is going on to make it work. With small jobs,and CONSISTANT aggrigate, you can figure it out about the time you are finished.

hope that helped

 

[Highbeam]

"Even out in West Texas, with rows 3 miles long, the consistancy was not the same everywhere."

Now that would make for a long day with a single shank subsoiler. I could maybe go 3 mph with the SS yesterday since I was limited to low range. 3 miles? Yikes. I would have to get fuel every 6 rows.

 

[VictorW]

Virgil, I think you explained draft pretty well. As you said, it takes a while to set up but then your soil changes and you need to learn how to make the little adjustments. Most of us don't have 3 miles to plow which is a plus. By the time I finished plowing that much with my tractor, the growing season would be over.