Top Link Positioning

[Daffy]

I have read and searched for an answer, but most always say "refer to your manual". I inherited implements when I bought my house and property. No manuals. Tractor manual does not cover Top Link Positioning.

My question is, which of the 3 holes is proper for different implements. I use BB, FM, RC, and Auger.

Thanks!

 

[chim]

I choose the one that gives me the amount of lift that I need for a particular implement. The geometry of the implement's hitch parts seem to make them work differently. There well may be more to it than that..................chim

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I'm at a loss as to the proper answer until I know what sort of tractor you're talking about, BUT....

Some older tractors, and I'm assuming maybe a few newer ones have multiple "holes" or mounting points for the top link. On the older ones I'm more familiar with, they are for changing "leverage" on the draft sensing upper link. A plow needs more draft "reaction" than a bush hog. Therefore, the top link mounts in a more sensitive (and reactive) position than it would if the mower was hooked up. Normal use would see the middle of the three holes used.

Help me (us) by stating what tractor you're referring to.

 

[Daffy]

I have a Branson 3510 that is about 2 years old.

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( A plow needs more draft "reaction" than a bush hog. Therefore, the top link mounts in a more sensitive (and reactive) position than it would if the mower was hooked up )</font>

Kinda correct.. but a little backwards. Plows are a heavy draft implement.. and thus mount in a lower hole ( ford style) providing less leverage on the draft components. The linkage needs less leverage to sense the plow, as the plow is providing anough movement feedback due to size and leverage up ont he toplink A light draft implement.. like perhaps a rake.. or spring tooth harrow would use a hole with more leverage. Since the implement encounters lower draft.. it needs more 'help' to get the hyds to sense the movement.

Ford owners have long known that if you plow with your topink in the top hole that you will be replacing lots of expensive parts on the underside of that 80# hyd top cover that get overly jerked on when the plow encounters a stoppage. I believe the terminology I see used most on the N boads is 'ripped the gutz out of the draft linkage'.. etc.

It is for that reason that many of us 'store' a spare toplink pin in the top hole as a reminder to NOT use it.

Soundguy

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Most of my plowing is/was done with a John Deere. Instead of multiple pins, draft sensitivity is changed with a lever.

Draft/load and draft/load are the positions used. Deere used lower link sensing on their older tractors. Not familiar with draft sensing on anything newer than 25 years old. (And don't wanna GET familiar)

 

[Soundguy]

I agree.. Lots of new tractors now have a draft lever next to the position control lever. My NH7610s does.. though I believe it still gives you a choice of 2 connection points.. I guess.. for just a little extra adjustment.. etc.

So.. you ever use any old sulky plows?

I gotta get one of those for my JB-B one day..

Soundguy

 

[Farmwithjunk]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(

So.. you ever use any old sulky plows?

I gotta get one of those for my JB-B one day..

Soundguy )</font>

Dad had an old Allis WC. We used an equally old Case sulky plow that WAS originally horse-drawn. I "got to" ride on it when we did the garden every fall.

Best thing that ever happened was when dad bought his first 3-point hitch tractor. My life became much more simple, and much safer.

I still plant about 25 acres of corn every year. (feed for the cows) I no-till that. Every so often, I get ambitious and start re-doing hay fields. That's about the only time the plow gets used anymore.

I'm kicking around the idea of having a "plow day" next time I turn over a hay field. Invite everyone that wants to play, have a pig roast, flip some sod, consume some barley pops, and have a big time!

 

[Soundguy]

Sounds great. Too bad I don't live in kentucky.. I'd be up to haul my 2-bottom out there and have a few adult beverages and put a pig in the ground.

Soundguy

 

[have_blue]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Sounds great. Too bad I don't live in kentucky.. I'd be up to haul my 2-bottom out there and have a few adult beverages and put a pig in the ground. Soundguy )</font>

Hey, if I knew I would get a lot of invites like that, I would consider moving back! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif