Telescoping Draft Links

rockyridgefarm · Feb 20, 2003

I am trying to decide if I should jump now on a new Deere tractor. The current incentives which go off on Feb 28. In the process of finding the configuration/price - I got a surprise. JD doesn't have telecoping draft links. THe answer I received is that iMatch is the answer. I have implements that aren't iMatch compatible, I would like the flexiblilty to be able to get other implements which may not be also.

But I do not want to get a new tractor that isn't easier to change implements. My wife will use this a lot, and would like to be able to change implements herself.

Now I am not totally ruling out iMatch. I just wonder if there is a way to get the telescopic links, too

Or am I completely off base?

rancar · Feb 20, 2003

"...In the process of finding the configuration/price - I got a surprise. JD doesn't have telecoping draft links. THe answer I received is that iMatch is the answer..."

Mike...

I bought a JD 4710 last Spring. I inquired as well about both these options. However, I'd suggest you check with your dealer again. I did buy the telescoping draft links as an optional item. I opted not to purchase the iMatch due to its potential incompatibility with other brand attachments. I concur completely with your assessment.....it may be problematic in hitching up to non-JD equipment with iMatch. I have not missed iMatch but I don't know what I would do without the telescoping links. They are definitely available (at least they were last Spring) and well worth the extra $$s.

....Bob

BillyP · Feb 20, 2003

For about $240 they are available. I got mine back in the fall. They do come in handy too.

I think your dealer has mislead you. Maybe he meant as a standard feature? They are an option. I did pass on the imatch.

cowboydoc · Feb 20, 2003

I agree with the other guys that the telescoping links are available. I'm with you I wouldn't buy the imatch system. I'm not a big fan of those. With the telescoping links in my opinion you are much better off.

rockyridgefarm · Feb 20, 2003

Thanks everyone!
( I think your dealer has mislead you.) I dobt it was intentional

He said that it wasn't on the configure sheets. But I'll push for the telescopic links.

We research down to the model we want and end up knowing more than the guy selling on the one model. He probably had just gotten off the phone with a 200HP customer, and was about to help someone buy a LT. I can have patience with him not knowing every bolt on this one model....

Glad to hear I am not the only one on this side of the fence /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Now I'll get on to the deal in JD Buying forum

Anonymous Poster · Feb 20, 2003

I already had purchased the telescoping links,then the I -match came along...thought that is neat,well I bought one,tried using it on my JD 45 blade,did not work(they do not fit to all implements).It is hanging on the wall in my barn gathering dust (for now) the telescoping links are all I need. Even with the I -match you still need to get off the tractor to hook up the PTO. The telescoping links are nice.My only complaint is if you need to replace one, John Deere makes you buy the set (both of them)but at least this way you have an extra if you have to replace one.

thcri · Feb 20, 2003

Steel,

The only problem with having to take both ends is the one that fails or breaks is the same one all the time. So you end up with a bunch of no needs.

Stupid dog we have, she keeps chewing up the safety eyes on our garage door. You have to buy both of them, I now have 4 right ones and no left ones. I even swapped them out and she still finds the green one and the orange one she leaves alone.

Murph

rockyridgefarm · Feb 20, 2003

I never break anythi n g . . .fnfdhdkjgl;ojk

/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

rockyridgefarm · Feb 20, 2003

Nice Sig!

beenthere · Feb 20, 2003

I sure won't trade my I-match for anything else. To me that is the greatest. I will make the slight alterations needed on my rear Deere blade this Spring, and also to the rotary cutter (again, minor). Quickly dropping and picking up the ballast box when I need the carry-all for wood is the slickest way to go (IMO). But I don't mind anyone else enjoying their telescoping draft links. For me, that is only going half way, but then I am limited in the number of 3 pt attachments that I have to play with. To each their own, I guess. Enjoy what you have, I will too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif