Sourcing top link bracket

[bucktail]

I need a top link bracket from an L175. Coleman's and Messick's both cancelled my orders because they couldn't find one. Anyone have any ideas for where to look next? Seems a salvage yard would be best, but I don't see many of them in the metro area, and the ones outstate seem to have mostly domestic stuff, or did when I lived there anyway.

Anyone parting out an L175? What other models would have the same bracket?

 

[007kubotaguy]

I would have one for a L 245
Lance

 

[bucktail]

Different part number. It's 2 piece instead of 1 and has 3 positions instead of 2. Anyone know if it will fit?

 

[bucktail]

I'll pull my old one tonight and get some measurements. Looks like the one from the 245 should fit though.

 

[bucktail]

Did you get my PM, Lance?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If this one doesn't work out, call up West Kentucky Tractor parts, they might have one.
http://wkytpstore.com/

 

[bucktail]

I'm waiting to hear back from them too. They were prompt in sending me a pic to see if that was what I needed, but I haven't heard back from them on a quote. Is there any value to the 12" bracket that I have, or can I just have that cut down?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

What part is 12" that you want to cut down?

 

[bucktail]

My L1500DT came with a top link bracket that sticks 12" proud of the trans housing that it bolts to. I'm guessing it was for the gray marked tillers that use a linkage instead of a top link. At the lowest position, where it was when I bought it, both top link's that I have are too long, and on my King Kutter implements, the top link is nearly vertical in the raised position. I don't have a picture of it and my tractor is stored 45 min away.

I could raise the bracket that came with it and buy an ultra-short top link, but in my mind, the top link bracket that has the pin as close to the trans casing is a way better solution. In my mind, the top link should run reasonably close to horizontal, and running a long top link facilitates this throughout a variety of implements over a variety of heights better. Longer top links also have more adjustment.

It's the same one Bill has on his L1500DT

https://www.facebook.com/thekubotap...881666813974/1766271683641638/?type=3&theater

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I see, yea I would be breaking out either the cutting torch or the plasma cutter!

 

[bucktail]

I'll probably be going to a blacksmith. I think I can get them cut down with my angle grinder and cutting blade, but I'm not sure about getting the holes drilled without a drill press.

 

[cerlawson]

Any halfway equipped welding shop can make exactly what you want.

 

[007kubotaguy]

Hello
I just got your PM. I sent you a PM . Sorry I have been away.
Thank you Lance

 

[bucktail]

No worries on the timing; we've all got other stuff going on. I was just trying to figure out what to do.

 

[bucktail]

I finally got out to my nephew's place yesterday to test fit the bracket from the L245. 4 of the 6 holes line up, so I'm going to call that good, since the bracket that came off of mine only used those same 4 holes anyway, and the L175 bracket only used 4 bolts as well.

The 4 bolts for the L175 bracket are higher, and the surface for their holes protrudes from the casting. This keeps the L245 brackets from sitting flat to the casting, so I'll need to cut or grind them to get them to make it fit. I'll probably opt for grinding.

I'll keep an eye out for an L175 style bracket. If I don't find one cheap, I'll make one or get one made once my house is done.