Been raining like crazy and dealer's lot is a mud bog...but it is still as clean as it will ever be. lol! The top link was ordered by my dealer as part of 'the deal' so not sure where they got it from but I did look at the pic a few times before realizing the stainless swivel ball was turned to the side. At first glance it looked to be missing. I am really trying to do as much as possible to make the transition from my old unit over to this one as painless as possible. Gotta get the box blade and that will be a wrap! I plan to use my 5' land pride cutter until next summer and take my time deciding which 8' cutter to go with...heck, I always feel I need to be shopping for something. Right?