3-Point Hitch Installing the crossbar in a new 3-point hitch top link

[wwalkersd]

I bought a set of Pat's Easy Change for the new Deere 3032E at the place I volunteer. It was clear we would need a longer top link, because one of our implements, an arena drag, already requires nearly full extension of the stock one. The new one came without the adjusting crossbar installed. The bar, of course, has little tabs on it to keep it from going through the holes in the top link body, so it doesn't fall out. They also do a dandy job of keeping it from going in! How do I install this thing? Do I just bang on it with bigger and bigger hammers until it goes through the hole? Do I notch the holes somehow? It seems like this ought to be obvious.

Apologies if this has been covered. I was unable to find an answer with the search function.

 

[bcp]

I've never had to do it, but have always heard that you just knock it through. It won't come out by its own weight.

Bruce

 

[Baby Grand]

I did it with a TSC top link.
A short handled sledge made easy work of it.
Don't be shy.

 

[gwdixon]

Nothing new to add here. The adjusting bar comes not installed to make it easier to ship.

I installed mine with a drilling hammer (short handled sledge as mentioned above). Give it a good knock to get it through the first hole and then line up the second hole and do it again. You could even use a bit of oil, grease, or such, to lube it a bit.

It will not fall out after installed.

If you have PTO attachments and use the Pat's you'll likely need an extension to the PTO as well as the top link. Sometimes the PTO shaft is long enough to work fine, but if it is not:

Pto Adapter

OR

QUICK RELEASE ADAPTER 1-3/8" 6F X 1-3/8" 6M

 

[wwalkersd]

Thanks, guys! The short sledge did the trick!

 

[DougieD]

I've never had to do it, but have always heard that you just knock it through. It won't come out by its own weight.

Bruce

Here's a thought: After you get it through the hole in the first side, turn it 90 degrees before driving it through the other side. In the unlikely event the fins line up and slip through one hole, they wouldn't go through the second without another miraculous alignment!