Telescoping link tips

stravis · Sep 21, 2009

You would think something as simple as telescoping links would be self explanatory. I, however, am somehow having difficulty with them particularly with lighter implements. I mostly use a JD 25A flail behind my JD 5101E. I bought the tractor to be able to power a batwing, but the batwing is in the future and for now I continue to use the 25A. The tractor is far larger than needed for the flail mower, but it is the combination that I have.

The issue I have is that after using the telescoping links to connect the flail mower it is difficult to get the links to "retract" or lock back into the operating position. I think this is due to the fact that the 25A is so light and the links on this tractor are quite heavy. This is the first tractor I've had with telescoping links, so I could be doing something wrong, or there might be a trick to it that I am missing, so I am coming to you for help. After connecting the flail, I lower the 3ph all the way and back up as per the owners manual, but instead of retracting or locking back into place, the flail just backs up with the tractor. To counter this, I have been raising the 3ph just enough to lift the flail off the ground and backing it into a tree. This too takes quite a bit of force, though to get the links to lock up.

Am I missing something? Is there something else I need to do or is it simply an issue of not enough weight (the flail is about 1000#)? Are the links supposed to be greased? Mine are dry and appear to have never been greased. Would grease help?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

kthompson · Sep 21, 2009

Not sure on JD but on my Kubota if dirt gets in there same thing happens. Most likely a JD person will chime in but you should be able to pull a pin and take it apart enough to clear out dirt if there. If they are open I would not grease it.

kennyd · Sep 21, 2009

I think some lubrication will help-but not grease. My first choice would be Fluid Film, second choice would be PB Blaster.

bitternut · Sep 21, 2009

I have the same telescoping links on my 5210 and usually use the telescoping feature when hooking up my 6' brush hog. I normally give the pins and balls a squirt of spray lube and the links at the same time. Usually have no trouble getting the links to lock up. I also adjust the arm height to try and get a straight push which helps. Seems to work OK for me.

jenkinsph · Sep 22, 2009

bitternut said:
I have the same telescoping links on my 5210 and usually use the telescoping feature when hooking up my 6' brush hog. I normally give the pins and balls a squirt of spray lube and the links at the same time. Usually have no trouble getting the links to lock up. I also adjust the arm height to try and get a straight push which helps. Seems to work OK for me.

I agree, adjusting the height of the arms for a straight push is best, it also helps to use the float position for the lift arms. Using the float position vs. the fixed allows the hitch links to move vertically an inch or two so that the linkage can retract.

Steve