Chain vs. Rigid TopLink

[Diggin It]

I have a couple of areas I want to make more level. Too many highs and lows from mole runs, rain washes, etc. I've seen discussion of using a chain instead of the top link that is supposed to let the implement (in my case a landscape rake) float or rise instead of digging in if the front wheels start up a high spot (teeter-totter effect). I'm trying to picture that working, but won't the three point arms force the rake down the same way?



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[old and tired]

There is no down pressure for the lower arms, so the arms will raise up. ...but what you are trying to do, I don't think could work unless you have guide wheels behind the rake... I think the rake would just flop forward.

The chain is there to be able to pick up the implement off the ground. Interested in what others think...

 

[Rebeldad1]

Yes on the guide wheels but... Without the top link there is nothing to keep the rake from digging in. The link controls the amount of digging the rake will do. As the rake fills up it curls down digging deeper. The link controls this.

 

[Diggin It]

Chain would keep it from digging deeper than the limit set, no?

I don't have guide wheels and they cost a whole bunch more than the piece of chain I do have.

 

[old and tired]

If you turn your rake (blade) around and push with the rake... I think the chain idea might work. It also keeps your tires on dirt area that was just somewhat flatten with the rake.

{edit again...}
Actually, the top link doesn't stop the rake from floating, how short or long the top link will determine if it digs or rides over things....

Shorten the top and try it out...

Also, if you want side to side float, removing one of the lift arms could achieve that.

 

[WranglerX]

I use a harrow made of chain link fence material folded over on it's self and few rocks in it or a 5 ft. length RR track and just drag it (them) to smooth out every thing with out the "rigid" leveling action using a more sophisticated tools leave and don't have to worry about any 3PH adjustments as I just drag it with drawbar...

Dale

 

[Xfaxman]

The chain is usually used with a brush hog to allow it to pivot on the lower arms, not stay level and raise up.

With a toplink a landscape rake will float or rise instead of digging in when the front wheels start up a high spot.

You might need to add more weight to the rake, depending on how hard the ground is.

 

[txdon]

I was mowing a terrace and did not have a chain as a top link and bent the top bracket on the brush hog. If I would have had a chain, when I went down the terrace the top link would not have been forced into the mower.

 

[Rebeldad1]

The OP is using a landscape rake

 

[txdon]

The OP is using a landscape rake

opps, thanks. If the hills are small and steep like a terrace the approach and leaving would let the rake float instead of digg. This would only apply to terrace like terrain, not long hills.