Chains instead of a top link for bush hog?

chas0218 · Mar 6, 2020

Diggin It said:
Why not?

I've been having a problem with the tiller digging in deeper as I exit a tilled area onto turf while trying to get that last few feet. Front wheels raise up forcing the tiller down. I'm hoping a chain would help alleviate that.

Are the feet riding across the ground or are you setting the depth using the 3 point lock out? If the feet are sliding across the ground it shouldn't dig any deeper when your front tires come up. I don't think a chain top link will fix what you're describing.

arto98607 · Mar 10, 2020

Are there any manufacturers selling a brush hog with a chain instead of top link, since several members here seem to prefer it?

LD1 · Mar 10, 2020

arto98607 said:
Are there any manufacturers selling a brush hog with a chain instead of top link, since several members here seem to prefer it?

Rotary cutters dont come with a toplink. So....no they dont.

But different MFG's have different designs to account for tail-wheel pitch due to uneven terrain.

Most either use a swinging toplink, or pivoting braces. But some use chains.

Since the MFG's of the cutters "assume" most people will use the typical rigid toplink....and since the toplink connection to the tractor is NOT part of the mower....they have their various ways of making things work. But some cutters dont. The ones that are built right (heavy enough) have no issue and the whole cutter just floats up because the 3PH floats. Only drawbacks is uneven cut. Some cheap MFG's dont understand the physics going on....and dont account for this nor do they build heavy enough. Those are the junk you see for $100 on craigslist with bent braces

JWR · Mar 10, 2020

arto98607 said:
Are there any manufacturers selling a brush hog with a chain instead of top link, since several members here seem to prefer it?

No, not that I have ever seen. Most people just do it them selves with such simple and readily available materials.

BrokenTrack · Mar 10, 2020

I stopped using my top link years ago on my bushog.

Going with a two point hitch instead of three point, means the bushog follows the contour of the ground much better. No one was more surprised than I was when I found out I could lift the bushog on the front enough to clear most obstructions.

bcp · Mar 10, 2020

arto98607 said:
Are there any manufacturers selling a brush hog with a chain instead of top link, since several members here seem to prefer it?

Chains seem to be standard equipment in Australia, where the implement is called "slasher."

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=tractor+slasher+&t=ffsb&atb=v169-1&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images

Bruce

herringchoker · Mar 10, 2020

M.K.Martin builds them. I've had one for over 15 years - works well.

MK Martin | Pulsar

LD1 · Mar 10, 2020

bcp said:
Chains seem to be standard equipment in Australia, where the implement is called "slasher."

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=tractor+slasher+&t=ffsb&atb=v169-1&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images

Bruce

herringchoker said:
M.K.Martin builds them. I've had one for over 15 years - works well.

MK Martin | Pulsar

Neither one of those are chains in place of a toplink.

Totally different area ....but ultimately accomplish the same goal. Same as a swinging/floating toplink bracket, or hinged braces (similar to what woods uses)

JohnMacca · Mar 10, 2020

LD1 said:
Neither one of those are chains in place of a toplink.

Totally different area ....but ultimately accomplish the same goal. Same as a swinging/floating toplink bracket, or hinged braces (similar to what woods uses)

I read threads here on TBN about using a chain instead of a top link on a slasher, and thought it would be worth trying.

However when I looked at my slasher, I realized that it already was setup to achieve the same result (mine is set up as shown in the first link).

But the important part that I was missing was the need for a gauge wheel. Once I had installed a wheel, it was easy to get a consistent cut.
I now lower the slasher onto the wheel and then a little bit more so that the slasher is a little lower at the front and the chains are a little slack. This works well for me anyway.

I use a chain toplink on my rear grader blade after I fitted a gauge wheel to it. It is now a pleasure to use after many hours creating, and then trying to fix, the miniature BMX tracks I was making!