Top link bracket too narrow when bolts tightened up

[willperrin]

hi - went to use a top link for the first time on my B7510 and found my Cat1 link wouldn't fit - brackets a couple of mil too narrow. After fiddling about, if the four bolts that hold the link bracket on are loosened the sides ease back and it becomes the correct width, but loosened. On tightening bolts its closes up again and link won't fit. Intact paint suggests it hasn't been used with top link before. Was thinking of slipping some washers under the inner edge as a shim to create a slight angle and tightening up on them to stop bracket closing up, but inelegant solution. Any suggestions? (hopefully pic attached - first time i have tried)

 

[IMFoghorn]

Is the left turnbuckle turned backwards where it hooks to the tractor?

I'm sure you will get a good answer from a real tractor guy. I'm an amature at best so take my question for what it is worth.

 

[85Hokie]

I had to take the faces of the top link and grind about 1 mm off each side. I would not loosen those bolts. The top link was an aftermarket part. Grinding the two sides had no effect on the use of the top link.

 

[Tooljunkie]

Many top links need to be narrowed to fit, i have had this problem before.
The tractor bracket need to be retorqued to factory spec, as if you let them get loose it will be a costly repair.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Like others have said, a lot of CAT1 top links are too wide to fit properly, a little bit with a grinder will fix them properly.
And yes leaving them loose or shimmed can and will damage the case!

In your picture you have the left side, side link on backwards, flip it 180 degrees.

 

[85Hokie]

Is the left turnbuckle turned backwards where it hooks to the tractor?

I'm sure you will get a good answer from a real tractor guy. I'm an amature at best so take my question for what it is worth.

You are spot on !

this is what NIW wants you to flip!

 

[willperrin]

thanks guys, out with the grinder then.

good spot on the link - yes definitely backwards ! I am sorting out this machine bit by bit, was an ebay purchase......will no doubt be back here for more sound advice soon.

in fact i might just submit a load of pics and see what everyone spots

cheers


w

 

[MtnViewRanch]

If this is a non Kubota top link, then the tractor end needs to be ground down to fit. The OEM units are 1 9/16" at the tractor end and the std 1 3/4" at the implement end on the B & BX series tractors.

 

[BWXT]

I too had to grind down the top link to fit my b5100. No big deal

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

After a closer look actually it's the right side that is on wrong.