Anyone make a ratcheting wrench for a cat 1 top link?

[hube2]

I have a Massey GC1715 compact tractor. I would like to make it easier to adjust my top link.

I added pat's quick hitch to mine and I had to buy a new top link because the massey top link was not long enough. I came with a bar for adjusting. I used a large pair or channel lock pliers before that.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Maybe something like this? https://www.tractoraftermarket.com/easy-wheel.html

 

[rScotty]

Like a load binder with spherical bearings at both ends?

View attachment 4302637

Why not? It ought to work to use a modified chain binder with different ends as a 3pt top link.
Only downside I can see is that a chain binder only works in tension, while a 3pt top link has to stand up to compression as well.

For a threaded rod - or any column - not to bend in compression, it has to be larger than the same shape that only sees tension. That's the reason why top links are so beefy. So it would make sense to use a chain binder with similar large diameter adjustable threads.
go for it,
rScotty

 

[Mtsoxfan]

Maybe something like this? https://www.tractoraftermarket.com/easy-wheel.html

That looks like a great option. I'm thinking something like it could fabricated using inhouse items. For that price, I would consider a hydraulic top link, although I really don't know if I need anything that fancy...

 

[CalG]

Maybe something like this? https://www.tractoraftermarket.com/easy-wheel.html

Boy, that looks like it would ALWAYS be in the way!

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Well ... It's an option ... What I do if I can't turn the top link by hand, because the weight of the attachment is on it, I take my wrench that I use to loosen the jamb nuts (1 3/16" IIRC) and stick the tip into the little loop and turn it, could also use a sturdy screw driver, but I already have the wrench in my hand

 

[Jg1]

I currently do it the same way with the opened end wrench and screw driver. I really only need to adjust my top link when I’m using my box blade. At different times I like to adjust the pitch and would like to make my adjustments without getting off the tractor. I’ve dropped the wrench too many times and had to get off the tractor. The hydraulic link isn’t an option. The ratchet handle looks better than the chain binder. The wheel attachment looks weird but for an older man that’s losing his coordination, it looks pretty handy to just reach back there and grab the wheel to make my adjustments on the fly. I’m not sure how any of this would work with my jam nut as I need the nut to keep my link from turning.
Maybe I’m thinking too much into the jam nut but anything that has been mentioned would be better than me dropping my wrench all the time.
I’m going to give this more thought before I make any decisions. Thanks for your ideas.

 

[bsekf]

Not to hijack the thread but I keep bending the top link threaded part when a heavy implement swings. Then you lose the adjustability. Anybody have any luck straightening them and how did you do it? I have been just leaving the bent one on the implement and getting a new one for the tractor.

 

[chim]

Not to hijack the thread but I keep bending the top link threaded part when a heavy implement swings. Then you lose the adjustability. Anybody have any luck straightening them and how did you do it? I have been just leaving the bent one on the implement and getting a new one for the tractor.

I had a toplink attached to the tractor and not in the hook. Backed up and bent it. I used a rig made to straighten the shanks on RFM wheels. Pic below is when it was used as intended.

It was a challenge to get it straight, protect the threads that were still OK, and fix the threads that weren't still OK. I did get it though

 

[etpm]

Not to hijack the thread but I keep bending the top link threaded part when a heavy implement swings. Then you lose the adjustability. Anybody have any luck straightening them and how did you do it? I have been just leaving the bent one on the implement and getting a new one for the tractor.

I have done a ton of shaft straightening for work. If you have a hydraulic press then it is pretty easy. Support the threaded shaft with vee blocks made from aluminum. Saw the vee blocks out of 3/4 or 1 inch aluminum plate. Use another piece of aluminum between the ram end and the threaded shaft. The threads will embed into the aluminum and will not be damaged. Especially the very coarse threads you will be dealing with.
Eric