2660 top link problem

[AHNC]

I've been having a heck of a time with the top link on the 3 pt. I must have jammed it...good. In order to turn it this morning I pulled the link and put it in a vice and went at it with a piece of 3/4 all thread. I can turn it but no question the threads are galled inside, so the links fore and aft are as well. Once on the tractor I can turn it with a 24" pipe wrench, but that is just further beating it up. So much for easy adjustment. How long are the internal threads on this top link? Are they repairable or just replace the link? I haven't checked price on them yet. Much obliged for any guidance.

 

[/pine]

I've been having a heck of a time with the top link on the 3 pt. I must have jammed it...good. In order to turn it this morning I pulled the link and put it in a vice and went at it with a piece of 3/4 all thread. I can turn it but no question the threads are galled inside, so the links fore and aft are as well. Once on the tractor I can turn it with a 24" pipe wrench, but that is just further beating it up. So much for easy adjustment. How long are the internal threads on this top link? Are they repairable or just replace the link? I haven't checked price on them yet. Much obliged for any guidance.

If the threads are not beyond repair most machine shops can re dress both the male and female threads...
Evidently the damage was done when the implement was exerting a lot of force on the link and it was moved with a long spanner and or a cheater pipe etc...

New generic top links are available at most farm stores etc...usually much cheaper than any OEM link from a dealer will be...

 

[Blondie70]

You are correct, /pine. I had the same problem with my link and got a replacement at Tractor Supply at a very good price. Sure beats fighting with the galled threads on the old one.

 

[kthompson]

Have you tried oiling or grease the threads? One other thought and hate to ask it but is there a jam nut on it? I have one third arm that uses a jam nut that must be loosen and then tighten to keep it from turning. Hard to believe a third arm could be that hard to adjust. Hard to be believe it could have taken enough of a shock to damage it without damaging the mount. Then there are light weight third arms out there.

As I hit submit, are you sure one of the rods is not bent in the threads?

 

[AHNC]

I have oiled and greased and yes the jam nut is released I would not doubt that one of the shafts is bent, but I have run them out and cannot see it, but it doesn't take much to gall a thread or with a tractor behind it, bend the end link. I have it adjusted on the box blade now but will get a replacement. I will then figure out where the damage is and repair for a spare. After all, if I have managed to do this once...

 

[number two]

Don't the generic toplinks need the tractor end narrowed to fit a Kubota?

 

[oosik]

Now might be a good time to consider a hydraulic top link. I've found that mine is a real work saver and allows precise adjustment of ground contact implements.

 

[RjCorazza]

Aftermarket toplinks are cheap enough. The comment about a hydraulic toplink is definitely worth considering. Mine has saved me a lot of time and aggravation.

 

[AHNC]

Thanks for the suggestion on the hydraulic. I am unfamiliar with them. For the amount of work I do with the box blade, tiller it is a small matter for me to hop off and adjust manually. That is assuming I haven't bent it. With the hoses and the link itself it just doesn't seem a good money move for me.

 

[kthompson]

If you buy another, do not get the light weight ones. Get a heavy duty one. You need to know the length of yours screw fully end and fully out...if possible. I think you are most likely to bend the top link or 3rd arm with such as box blade pushing backwards. It is rare I have seen any tractor used for farming with bent one. Now farm equipment can be heavy but it is pull and seldom used in pushing. I bent the rod on my Kubota B2710 and it was pushing box blade backwards. The lift linkage just is not made for pushing, rather pulling.