Buying a Topper

Gorteen

My neighbour is selling an old topper which seems to work ok. But it doesn't seem to have any way of connection to the top link ( I think that's the correct term) and is just fixed to the tractor at the two lift arms. Is this normal? Is something missing?

muddle84

There should be an A shaped frame that bolts onto the lift arm mounts and has a chain or sling connecting it to the rear of the topper like in the image in the link below:

https://www.fleming-agri.com/product-catalogue/heavy-duty-6ft-topper/

Dinzee Conlee

Gorteen wrote: »

My neighbour is selling an old topper which seems to work ok. But it doesn't seem to have any way of connection to the top link ( I think that's the correct term) and is just fixed to the tractor at the two lift arms. Is this normal? Is something missing?

Does it go under the arms a bit?

Some toppers, there is a bit that comes in farther into the tractor, so when raised, this stops the topper falling backwards...

Hard to explain, see pic below, and note where the holes for the lift arms...

https://mccordmachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/P1180167.jpg

Gorteen

Dinzee Conlee wrote: »

Does it go under the arms a bit?

Some toppers, there is a bit that comes in farther into the tractor, so when raised, this stops the topper falling backwards...

Hard to explain, see pic below, and note where the holes for the lift arms...

https://mccordmachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/P1180167.jpg

That looks like the one he has. I'll have a closer look and try to get a pic

Fils

If it was a router that had it I’d buy new.

Gorteen

Fils wrote: »

If it was a router that had it I’d buy new.

I don't understand what you mean

Ashill5

Fils wrote: »

If it was a router that had it I’d buy new.

Roughly what would a new topoer cost

Fils

I don’t know I don’t sell toppers. As my previous advice I’d buy new if precious owner was a rooter.

Gorteen

Fils wrote: »

I don’t know I don’t sell toppers. As my previous advice I’d buy new if precious owner was a rooter.

What's a rooter?

funkey_monkey

A rooter is someone who is a bit rough with things. i.e. his machinery would not be in good condition or well maintained.

Iodine1

https://images.app.goo.gl/xvGhiXZPH3Fay59C9

This is a common older type topper, complete and never intended to be used with a top link. Caught under the rear arms and works fine, lifting and in work.

Fils

funkey_monkey wrote: »

A rooter is someone who is a bit rough with things. i.e. his machinery would not be in good condition or well maintained.

There is no ‘a bit’ with a router. Typical rooter now is with the berlingo van and haven’t washed it in 10 years, side rear light broke, trailing socket hanging off it. The dash covered in old fag boxes, empty bottles of club orange and various farming paraphernalia.

Gorteen

This is the topper in question. I don’t see how there can be a connection for the top link. It seems in fairly good order, is kept indoors and works ok. The button on the top of the PTO shaft is stuck (probably from lack of use). Can anyone suggest a value for this topper?

Iodine1

Nothing wrong or missing from that type. Should be easy enough to free up the button, soak it in penetrating oil or wd40. Couldn't value it. What's a new one this size costing?

Stihl waters

If its working well and no major rust i think 450 to 600 should be plenty for it

kollegeknight

I never saw that type of set up before but a quick google has one on the back end of the tractor and doesn’t use a top link.

The price is from a year ago and condition different but you can guage from there.

https://www.adverts.ie/18506507


A brand new topper is around €1250-€1500
I paid €1250 for a 6’ Fleming semi offset with galvanise skids around 3/4 years ago.

Gorteen

Thanks to everyone for advice. It's now mine and I wondered what sort of maintenance is required on one of these toppers? Do I need to grease anything?

White Clover

Gorteen wrote: »

Thanks to everyone for advice. It's now mine and I wondered what sort of maintenance is required on one of these toppers? Do I need to grease anything?

Grease the drive shaft and might be no harm to drain the gearbox and use gear oil when refilling.

funkey_monkey

Check the blades - might need sharpening or replacing.