Do you need the top link?

[john4153]

I bought a used set of Leinbach disks. The three point was a little messed up -- I am not sure it was the right unit for the disks -- , but with a torch, some twisting, and re-drilling, I've gotten it to fit.

Now, I have noticed that some disks are just pulled behind the tractor like a trailer rather than on the three-point. That got me thinking about just using a length of chain for the top link. The disks could still be lifted, but would float while pulling on the field.

Is there any disadvantage or risk to using a piece of chain like that?

John

 

[greg_g]

Don't even bother with the chain. When you get to the patch that you want to disc up, simply disconnect the toplink at the implement end. I use a tarp strap on the back of my tractor to hold the toplink up out of the way when it's not connected to anything. When you're done discing, reconnect the toplink and head back to the barn.

//greg//

 

[Charolais]

Years ago I saw some small rotary cutters that used a chain for the top link but they had the tail wheel to help keep it level. I think what you'll see is the front of the disk dig in more than it should and the rear not go deep enough.

(greg)Running without a chain or top link? How do you turn around? Also if you raise the lift arms without a top link by accident there's a good chance the disk blades will hit your rear tires.

I had a 9' King disk years ago that could be folded up and used like a bush bog. Use it to cut down tobacco stalks after harvest. Lost the pin to the top link and the top came over and disks hit the tires /fenders. Tried to lift it and then the bottom disks would hit the tires too.

The chain will work so far as lifting the disk but you have no way of applying down pressure on the rear of the disk like that. You would soon wear the front blades out and not be able to level the soil like it should be either.

 

[LD1]

Even with the TL on, you still cannot apply downpressure on the back. 3PH do NOT have down pressure, they are float only already, save for a few rare beasts.

Unhooking the TL will have no difference on discing characteristics. Just remember to hook it up before you raise it, or use the chain as you suggest. Theres nothing wrong with either

 

[downslope]

Even with the TL on, you still cannot apply downpressure on the back. 3PH do NOT have down pressure, they are float only already, save for a few rare beasts.

Unhooking the TL will have no difference on discing characteristics. Just remember to hook it up before you raise it, or use the chain as you suggest. Theres nothing wrong with either

It may not apply down pressure, but adjusting the top link can help to level the disk from front to rear and equalize the weight between the front and rear gangs.

What are the advantages of removing the top link in normal use?

 

[2458n]

I believe the top link being adjusted as far out as possible would in some cases raise the front of the disc. This would transfer more weight, or lower the rear of the disc. Sure the whole disc weights the same but your changing the angle of attack.

 

[LD1]

Its not a scraper blade, so angle of attack means diddly squat.

And as far as adjusting it to "level" the disk, I guess that depends on what you want it to be "level" with.

The rest of the tractor? or the ground?

With the TL on, the disc will do what the tractor does. So if you have rolling terrain, the disc will follow the tractor more than the ground.

Unkooking the TL will let if follow the ground better. But it still does NOT apply down pressure. It mearly applys a more even pressure. For example:

If you have the TL hooked up and the front tires drop into a dip/hole, this may make the back of the disk raise up in the air and have NO pressure. By un-hooking the TL or using a chain allows it to stay on the ground.

The reverse is true. If you go up a steep grade/mogule, the rear of the disc will be the only part touching as the front will raise up.

But again, it doesnt transfer any weight or add any downpressure, it mearly allows the pressure to remain a constant 100%, instead of loosing pressure because of terrain.

 

[TripleR]

There is a thread on here about 3PH vs pull type disks.

 

[Charolais]

Yea I shoulda used a word other than down pressure. I farmed all my life and almost 60 now. I've most likely run a disk more in a week when in my teens that most on here would run one in 2 lifetimes. I guess my problem is I wrote about running it the proper way. When you have to make enough money to pay for a new disc and that money comes from your crops you learn real fast how to do a setup to make that implement run for years and years.

Yes you can run the disk with the chain for the top link and you can run without the top link. You can make circles in the field with the disk in the ground. But I never did that and tried to take care of my equipment. I'll butt out now.

 

[John_in_TN]

The need for a top link with a disk (like many other things) depends greatly on the specific equipment combination and operating conditions. In my limited experience with a 3-point disk: as the front gangs dig in they tend to lift the rear gangs. I have experienced several situations where the top link had to be extended to keep adequate pressure on the rear gangs (for the disk to work properely). I have no doubt that there are situations where the top link would not be required, but it is required in some.