3pt backhoe top link

[staticman4414]

I have a 3pt backhoe that I bought used. The top link that came with the backhoe is solid. Meaning it doesn't hinge at each end. It can be bolted to the backhoe up and down to fit your tractors height, but the 3pt doesn't raise or lower the unit. It stays in the same spot. This solid top link is not in great shape and I am going to make a new one, but this brings me to my question.

Can you replace that solid top link with a normal one an use the 3pt to raise and lower the backhoe?
Does this put to much stress on the 3pt?


Thanks Joe

 

[Grandad4]

There is quite a bit of information here on TBN about 3 pt backhoes, if you want to spend some time reading up. I recall 2 main points:
1. 3pt backhoes put a lot of stress on the tractor, because the leverage when digging can involve forces that are way more than what the typical 3pt implement might put to the tractor.
2. If the linkage for a 3pt backhoe fails while the operator is using the hoe, it can be extremely dangerous to the operator.

These considerations would discourage me from improvising a patch-job kind of repair to a 3 pt hoe. For example, a standard top link may not be strong enough. If you have to replace the old one, be sure the new one is at least the same strength.

 

[vwnotrunning]

Not knowing much about 3pt backhoes, I purchased a Rhino that I intended to utilize on my Dad's JD and my LS. After seeing and using the backhoe some, I can assure you that you do not want to cut any corners on the top link. Make it as strong as you possibly can and at least exceed the original one. My setup makes it difficult to change from one tractor to the other. Requires changing the length of the top link, not as easy as I anticipated.

Cut no corners here.