Can you repair an adjustable sidelink?

[hendr1x]

Hello,
I've got an adjustable sidelink thats busted. I tried to adjust with the snowblower on it...apparently it was too much weight. When mounted, the handle will not turn. If I take off tractor the bottom spins in circles but the length does not change at all. You think its possible/worth it to rip it apart?

 

[fried1765]

Hello,
I've got an adjustable sidelink thats busted. I tried to adjust with the snowblower on it...apparently it was too much weight. When mounted, the handle will not turn. If I take off tractor the bottom spins in circles but the length does not change at all. You think its possible/worth it to rip it apart?

View attachment 117027

The threaded jack screw inside is broken.
Suggest you source a new replacement from one of several online sellers.

 

[NCL4701]

I don’t know exactly how it’s constructed inside but it’s pretty much trash now. If you dig into it you can’t make it any more trash than it already is so you have nothing to lose but time.

A few years ago I had a similar looking 2,000lb trailer jack, side handle running a vertical jack screw, that failed as I was unhooking the trailer. Handle turned freely and had zero effect on the jack screw. Figured I’d be buying a replacement but when I opened it up it was a simple pair of 45 degree bevel gears connecting the side handle to the jack screw. The gear on the jack screw was held by a roll pin. (Why it wasn’t pressed on with a key, I have no clue other than it was just a crappy design.) Anyway, the roll pin sheared which left the gear on the jack shaft free wheeling. Drove out the remains of the roll pin, located an appropriate replacement in the roll pin bin, and was back in business in about 30 minutes.

So while it’s likely dead, I’d still open it up to confirm it isn’t a simple fix before scrapping it. If the jack screw is busted, it’s trash. Just an opinion.

 

[GeoHorn]

Hello,
I've got an adjustable sidelink thats busted. I tried to adjust with the snowblower on it...apparently it was too much weight. When mounted, the handle will not turn. If I take off tractor the bottom spins in circles but the length does not change at all. You think its possible/worth it to rip it apart?

View attachment 117027

If the bottom fork spins because it’s not attached to anything….then you may have to HOLD it from spinning to extend or retract it….unless it’s broken inside the threaded portion.

 

[hendr1x]

I can't spin it if I hold it. I took it apart. Gears look great. Nothing broken....looks the it bent and maybe cross threaded or something. Honestly, I don't know how that could have happen. Maybe tomorrow I'll clamp it in the vice and try to seperate the parts with a pipe wrench...I assume this is beyond repair...can I just get a cheap tractor supply one? Is there some middle ground on quality...not keen on spending crazy Kubota prices.

 

[jimh406]

I assume this is beyond repair...can I just get a cheap tractor supply one?

You might be surprised how inexpensive a replacement is. Fwiw, the Tractor Supply parts like that work fine. I replaced my top link with a Tractor Supply model.

 

[cthomas]

Its your tractor way of telling you it's time for hydraulic top and tilt.

 

[NCL4701]

I second cthomas’ motion. After decades of turning turnbuckles I can attest once you’ve switched to flipping levers you’ll never go back to jackscrews.

Or pick up a generic replacement at Tractor Supply or Agri Supply or somewhere similar.