Ratcheting top link-CategoryI

[Drive4Fun]

I've seen ratcheting top links for category II III. Has anyone seen them for category I?

Or, an option other than hydraulic, that's easier to use than the standard wrist-breaker with jamb nut?

 

[looch]

Never heard of a such a thing, but I'd buy one in a second.

 

[cedarranch]

No but I used one of the CatII top links a few years back by just incerting a catII to CatI toplink bushing.

 

[Drive4Fun]

Anyone else interested? Maybe with enough interest a manufacturer will make it. Shouldn't be too tough for a manufacturer, but a stretch for those of us normal folk.

 

[beenthere]

Anyone heard of a 12 volt, linear actuator that was set up for a Cat I top link?

 

[ecard]

I did see a ratcheting top link at quality farm and fleet - didn't check, but it looked Cat I. It would seem logical that anyone who makes a cat II or III would also make a Cat I.

Looked on google and found this link

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.kingindia.com/ratchetjack.htm>http://www.kingindia.com/ratchetjack.htm</A>

also attached picture - seems like this could be adapted.

Eric

 

[frank_f15]

now that looks like a handy thing. thanks for the link.

 

[Steve_in_Ont]

I would imagine that the item in your attached picture could be used as a 3pt top link, however we always used to use them in a place were a hydraulic cylinder would go (like to raise 7 lower a drawbar disc... Notice how each end has a split yolk, verses what each end generally looks like on a top link.

 

[EdKing]

Why not use a racheting chain binder ? I'm sure there are some out there with the same threads as a top link.

Ed

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi:
My neighbor has one that he made from a racthet style chain binder.

 

[Soundguy]

It isn't ratcheting, but some new holland tractors have a hand crank style connecting link. I've seen many peope convert those connecting links to toplinks. New holland even sells the toplink end sections..
I had our local machine shop weld ends on one for me, for my yanmar 1700.

Soundguy

 

[ns_in_tex]

beenthere, Good Idea, I presume you are talking about something like a satellite dish actuator. If someone isn't making one, maybe that should be something for the drawing board. You rang my bell. Attached is picts an old one I put to great use last year. Since I am about over the hill, I have to look for easier ways to do things. I change a lot of air conditioners by my self now & got tired of dollying them around the houses.
Just tried it out of things on the place. Couldn't even find the voltage on the motor, but hooked it up to 12 volt battery & it worked. Someone told me later the actuator was rated at 1500 lbs. Of course, had to add a little concrete & railroad iron to front of mower.

 

[ns_in_tex]

Close up of lift

 

[kyoders]

If you are looking for linear actuators, try Motion Systems at http://www.actuator.com/. I haven't figured out where to buy them (direct/distributor), but I bought a Cat 0 3pt hitch for my ATV, and it uses one of their units for raising/lowering the lift arms. It's an incredibly strong unit. The best thing about them is that they free-wheel at the ends of the stroke. No slip clutches to wear out, and no limit switches. They seem to be the only manufacturer that has this. I'm not sure they would be good for a top link, though (or any manufacturer's). Most of them are quite strong in the direction of motion, but can't take much side-load.

Kevin

 

[Twanger]

This top link is hydraulic, but is self contained check out this thread.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin...r=120358&page=2&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=