Chains instead of a top link for bush hog?

[LD1]

Very common everywhere else in the world. And also chains as cutting tool instead of blades.

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And NONE of those show a chain for the toplink

I really dont know how are it is to understand. If you want a chain for the toplink.....you need to loose the hydraulic toplink and install a piece of ~24" long chain in its place

 

[ptsg]

And NONE of those show a chain for the toplink

I really dont know how are it is to understand. If you want a chain for the toplink.....you need to loose the hydraulic toplink and install a piece of ~24" long chain in its place

Because you don't need the chain with those as the top link loop will pivot on the bottom... Or is that too hard to understand too?

I simply extend the top link and let it float.

 

[CobyRupert]

Semantics:
Some of you are talking about the top link of the tractor.
Some of you are talking about the top link (linkages) of the mower.

 

[ptsg]

Semantics:
Some of you are talking about the top link of the tractor.
Some of you are talking about the top link (linkages) of the mower.

It will do the same exact thing either way.

 

[CobyRupert]

It will do the same exact thing either way.

I might replace the tractor's or mower's top link (linkage) with chains someday too.

Why not, my mower gets lighter and lighter every year.
1st or 2nd year I ripped off the back bumper/chain guard
Next year I ripped off the front bumper/chain guard.
Last year I got rid of the PITA shield around the slip clutch and input bearing.
...also the oil that leaks out the gear box makes it lighter every second.
The mower's top linkage is bent up but still works and "connectable"...so far...so maybe I'll wait on the chain replacement until it's totally trashed.

....and I'm very easy on equipment!

 

[ptsg]

I might replace the tractor's or mower's top link (linkage) with chains someday too.

Why not, my mower gets lighter and lighter every year.
1st or 2nd year I ripped off the back bumper/chain guard
Next year I ripped off the front bumper/chain guard.
Last year I got rid of the PITA shield around the slip clutch and input bearing.
...also the oil that leaks out the gear box makes it lighter every second.
The mower's top linkage is bent up but still works and "connectable"...so far...so maybe I'll wait on the chain replacement until it's totally trashed.

....and I'm very easy on equipment!

At least you have some rust prevention going on.

 

[JWR]

And NONE of those show a chain for the toplink

I really dont know how are it is to understand. If you want a chain for the toplink.....you need to loose the hydraulic toplink and install a piece of ~24" long chain in its place

Well, you are right LD1 in the sense of how 99% of us use a chain INSTEAD of the top link. The way ptsg has it hooked up, he gains some flexibility in allowing the hog to fold up at more of an angle (thus preventing some troubles). Not the way most people do it but to each his own I guess.

 

[JWR]

Well, you are right LD1 in the sense of how 99% of us use a chain INSTEAD of the top link. The way ptsg has it hooked up, he gains some flexibility in allowing the hog to fold up at more of an angle (thus preventing some troubles). Not the way most people do it but to each his own I guess.

Matter of fact, I just looked at how my own hook-up is configured. Turns out mine is exactly like ptsg (NOT replacing the top link but rather replacing the stiff straps on the hog.) There are advantages to doing it that way. One is that I retain hydraulic top link adjustability of lifting the hog [which I would lose if I replaced the top link.] Also I do not have to take the hydraulic top link and hoses, etc. loose and put back on when using other implements. I cannot see any disadvantage of just replacing the hog's stiff straps with chain. By the way I bent the original Bush Hog stiff lift straps and finally broke one before switching to chain. The original straps bend and flap around and eventually fatigue at the weak point where the mfr put a hole through the straps. That is where mine finally broke (probably backing up over some clump of brush.) I will also mention (just opinion) but I think there is less likelihood of doing damage to the U-joint and PTO area when hooked up this way (as opposed to replacing the top link.)

 

[CobyRupert]

With my luck, I'd replace the straps with a chain, first hill the mower goes up, the chain slackens or slips off hook, gets caught in PTO, and blows up the rear end of the tractor...."Ahhh crap! That didn't work!"

 

[Ford850]

Good points JWR. Do those bungee cords keep the chain from swinging too much when slack?