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Chain top links

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Pete in Ks.

12-21-1999 07:24:02




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I just read in another forum the advise from one to another to use a chain top link on a rotary mower. As I have been associated with farming all my life,(47 years) I have seen and heard of many "ACCIDENTS" involving machinery. In nearly every case it was caused by overloking safety for convenience. Is your time so precious to you that you would bet your life to gain a few extra minutes? Each and every time we get on a piece of equipment there is an accident waiting to happen. LOOK FOR IT! RECOGNIZE IT! AND AVOID IT! May each of you have a wonderful holliday season and a safe productive new year.

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Hi Pete...

12-28-1999 11:50:39




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 Re: Chain top links in reply to Pete in Ks., 12-21-1999 07:24:02  
from Fred. It was my understanding that the reason for the chain on the top link was for backing the rig off of a trailer or in a dip where the top link gets rammed against the shaft and bends the linkage inside. I've done that and it's not fun for the control valve to jump out and the mower to raise up and won't go down when your a mile away from the tool shed and it's looking like rain and you wanted to get the mowing done. Whats a man to do? questions questions questions Fred from the Mung Factory

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Terry

01-05-2000 11:40:00




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 Re: Re: Chain top links in reply to Hi Pete..., 12-28-1999 11:50:39  
A chain top link, used in conjunction with a rotary cutter is a quick why to meet Jesus. Me, I'm in no hurry, so I'll continue to use a solid top-link, and enjoy the walk back to the house (it's happened)when my tractor gets stuck, because the cutter wedged, and the tractor lost traction. Reason? I'm alive to type this, with both hands!



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larry o

12-22-1999 15:06:13




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 Re: Chain top links in reply to Pete in Ks., 12-21-1999 07:24:02  
Did'nt know top link chains were unsafe. Thanks for the warning. Is it safe to have a chain on the rear of the tower of a rotary cutter? I bought a used Massey 135 4 years ago and tried several places to get safety training or some sort of instruction. Called the county extension and they could not help. Had to call on neighbors for guidance. All of them had horror and lack of thinking stories.



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Pete in Ks.

12-23-1999 04:57:35




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 Re: Re: Chain top links in reply to larry o, 12-22-1999 15:06:13  
The A-frame 3pts must be solid to tractor. The The A-frame lower attach points at front of mower should NOT be solid. (they should act as a hinge point) The link from top of A-frame to back of mower must NOT be solid. If it were solid your tractor and mower become a hamock and you know how hard it is to set in them. It must have give to allow back of mower to come up when on uneven surface. (mine has a steel strap iron from top link to a 12" length of chain to back of mower)
Now if I hit a stump or other solid obstruction the back of mower could possibly come up until it hits the A-frame, but should come no farther. Now grant it this is an extreme case but very possible and all in less than 12" of travel by the tractor. I cannot attest to the condition of my heart if this would happen but at least my face wouldn't be introduced to the steering wheel at warp speed.

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Moye

12-22-1999 19:27:32




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 Re: Re: Chain top links in reply to larry o, 12-22-1999 15:06:13  
I have an OLD Bush Hog mower with a stump jumper pan. It has chains from the top link down to the mower deck. A few years ago I hit a hidden crosstie in some tall grass. When I heard the noise, I looked back. The mower deck was standing streight up with the mower wheel at least five feet in the air and the broken blade(yes it broke the blade at the bolt hole, and no the blade was not worn out) went twenty feet in the air. it landed about 10 feet behind the mower. I still use the chains, but I am a lot more careful now. Luckily my wife and two girls were several hundred feet away and nothing and no one was hurt. The most dangerious occupation in the world is farming, and most of these accidents deal with PTO driven machinery. TAKE THE TIME TO BE CAREFUL. Merry Christmas, Moye

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Burrhead

12-22-1999 17:12:29




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 Re: Re: Chain top links in reply to larry o, 12-22-1999 15:06:13  
I know I'll catch **** over this, but yes it's safe for a back chain on the tower. In years gone by there were several manufacturers who used them.
The highest part of the accidents I have seen were caused by operator error. The biggest cause of bushhog accidents are caused by speed and obstacles. In other words, driving too fast and running over objects, or off into ditches, or off of embankments..
Most newer model tractors have seatbelts and roll over protection. This has caused the false belief that it is safe to cinch your butt down tight to the seat and mow at high speeds. It just aint true.
A good rule I have used for many years is this. If the tractor or implement of any kind are bouncing, you're going too fast.
You can be careful many times each day, but you only get killed once.

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Fm.. couldn't agree more...

12-21-1999 19:13:51




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 Re: Chain top links in reply to Pete in Ks., 12-21-1999 07:24:02  
i knew a guy(hes now 6 foot under) who used a chain toplink on the top while bushhogging. he ran it a little low on the front one time, and that old mower hit a stump and rotated on the lift arms. came up, up, and over. Another guy, my uncle, is missing 2 fingers and doesn't have the use of 2 others. didn't turn of the combine engine cause he would have to jsump it and he tried to slip a belt back o, like he had done a thousand times... one second changed his life, and mine, forever. because of that 1 second saver, the Family farm will probably be lost, sadly. REMEMBER: YOUR FAMILY LOVES YOU!!!

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Burrhead

12-21-1999 20:35:01




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 Re: Re: Chain top links in reply to Fm.. couldn't agree more..., 12-21-1999 19:13:51  
Years ago one of the neighbors got in his car to go to work. It was a cold morning for here and he heard the fan belts squeal so he got out to check it. The water pump was frozen and was'nt turning, so he reached to turn the fan. He did break it loose but he lost all the fingers on his right hand when it moved.
You are absolutely right it only takes a second and one mistake to change your life forever, or end it.

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