Bareco Three-Point Linkage Parts: Top Links, Drawbars, Stabilisers and Conversion Bushes
Posted by Uniclamp on
Last updated June 2026
The three-point linkage is the universal connection system between a tractor and its implements. Virtually every tractor built since the 1950s uses it, and virtually every implement — slashers, ploughs, cultivators, post hole diggers, rotary hoes, bale feeders — mounts to it. When a top link bends, a ball end cracks, or a drawbar pin wears out, getting the right replacement part quickly is what keeps the machine in the paddock.
Bareco has been supplying three-point linkage parts to Australian farmers since 1944. The 9975 Series covers the full range — standard top links, heavy duty top links, original equipment-type top links for specific tractor makes, drawbars, stabiliser chains, ratchet rams, weld-on ball ends and linkage conversion bushes. This guide covers the full range and how to choose the right part for your tractor and implement combination.
Understanding Three-Point Linkage Categories
Three-point linkage is standardised by category — a number that defines pin diameter and geometry. Matching the category of your tractor to the category of your implement is the first step before ordering any linkage component.
| Category | Top Link Pin | Lower Link Pin | Typical Tractor HP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 0 | 16mm | 19mm | Small tractors, compact utility |
| Category 1 | 19mm | 22mm | Up to approximately 50HP |
| Category 2 | 25.4mm | 28.6mm | 50HP to approximately 100HP |
| Category 3 | 31.75mm | 36.5mm | 100HP and above |
| Category 4 | 45mm | 50mm | Large commercial tractors |
If you are unsure of your tractor's linkage category, measure the pin holes on the lower link arms. A 22mm hole indicates Category 1; a 28.6mm hole indicates Category 2. Alternatively, check your tractor's operator manual under the three-point hitch specification.
Top Links
The top link is the upper arm of the three-point linkage, controlling the tilt angle of an implement. It takes significant compression and tension loads during field work and is one of the most commonly replaced linkage components. Bareco supplies three types: standard top links for general use, heavy duty top links for larger tractors and demanding conditions, and original equipment-type top links matched to specific tractor makes and models.
Standard Top Links — Category 0, 1 and 2
The standard range covers Category 0 through Category 2 in two adjustment lengths per category, giving six options in total. Choose the adjustment range that suits the implement geometry on your tractor.
| Part No. | Category | Adjustment Range |
|---|---|---|
| B-6792 | Cat 0 | 327–470mm |
| B-6312 | Cat 0 | 420–630mm |
| B-312 | Cat 1 | 520–724mm |
| B-316 | Cat 1 | 620–840mm |
| B-314 | Cat 2 | 550–800mm |
| B-318 | Cat 2 | 650–900mm |
Heavy Duty Top Links — Category 2 and 3
For larger tractors and heavier working loads, the heavy duty range covers Category 2 and Category 3 in standard and extra heavy duty construction.
| Part No. | Category | Type | Adjustment Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 | Cat 2 | Heavy duty | 62–90cm |
| B-5 | Cat 2 | Heavy duty short | 52–80cm |
| B-2660 | Cat 2 | Extra heavy duty | 63–91cm |
| B-2417 | Cat 3 | Jumbo | 63–91cm |
| B-4417 | Cat 3 | Super heavy duty | 57–77cm |
Original Equipment Top Links — Massey Ferguson, Ford, John Deere
OE-type top links match the thread pitch, geometry and ball end size of the original factory top link for specific tractor makes. Where a standard top link requires adjustment to fit correctly, an OE-type replacement fits directly without modification — important on older tractors where the linkage geometry has tight tolerances.
Massey Ferguson:
- B-584 — Cat 1, short tube, 50–76mm. Suits Ferguson TE20, MF35
- B-586 — Cat 1, long type, 65–82cm. Suits MF135, MF165
- B-587 — Cat 2, long type, 65–82cm. Suits MF165, 168, 175, 178, 185, 188, 250, 275, 290, 575, 590
- B-588 — Cat 1 and 2, long type, 65–82cm. Suits MF148, 240, 550, 65, 165
Ford:
- B-2671 — Cat 2, Ford OE type, 1-1/4" BSW thread. Suits Ford Major, 4000, 4600, 5000, 6600, 7000
John Deere:
- B-6695 — JD type. Suits 1020, 1120, 2020, 2120, 1030, 1130, 1630, 1830, 2030, 2130, 940, 1040, 1140, 1640, 1840, 2040, 2040S, 2140, 2240, 1550, 1750, 1850, 1950, 2150, 2255, 2350, 2550
- B-593 — JD type with quick hitch. Suits 3030, 3040, 3120, 3130, 3140
- B-2006 — JD type with ball end. Suits 3030, 3040, 3120, 3130, 3140
Drawbars
A drawbar connects to the lower link arms of the three-point linkage to stabilise the hitch when towing trailers, carts, bale feeders and other towed implements. Without a drawbar, the lower link arms swing laterally under towing loads, which can damage both the tractor and the implement. Bareco stocks Category 1 and Category 2 drawbars in heavy duty construction.
- B-121 — Category 1 drawbar (22mm pin diameter). Suits tractors up to approximately 50HP.
- B-124 — Category 2 drawbar (28.6mm pin diameter). Suits mid-to-larger tractors from approximately 50HP upward.
If you are unsure of your linkage category, measure the pin holes on your lower link arms: 22mm holes indicate Category 1, 28.6mm holes indicate Category 2.
Stabiliser Chains
Stabiliser chains keep the lower link arms from swinging laterally during transport and field work. Unlike rigid stabiliser bars, chain stabilisers allow the shackle attachment point to be repositioned along the chain to suit different implement geometry — making them a practical choice on mixed-fleet farms where the same tractor runs several different implements.
The Bareco B-175 universal stabiliser chain suits most Category 1 tractors, with an adjustment range of 44mm to 90mm and a 22mm stabiliser eye diameter.
View the Bareco stabiliser chain →
Ratchet Ram
The Bareco B-2710 heavy duty ratchet ram is a manual mechanical alternative to a hydraulic top link or hydraulic ram. Used where a hydraulic outlet is unavailable, where positive mechanical positioning is preferred, or as a replacement for a failed hydraulic ram on older equipment. The 31mm threaded shaft is greasable for long service life, and captive screw ends prevent accidental disassembly under load.
- Adjustment range: 514–717mm — same range as standard ASAE hydraulic rams, making it a direct mechanical replacement
- 31mm heavy duty greasable threads
- 25mm clevis pins
- Powder coated finish
Weld-On Ball Ends
When a top link or lower link ball end fails — typically from impact damage or fatigue cracking — replacing the entire arm is expensive and often unnecessary. Bareco weld-on ball ends allow the operator to cut off the damaged end and weld in a new one, restoring the original geometry at a fraction of the cost of a complete replacement.
| Part No. | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| B-310 | Cat 1 top link | 19mm |
| B-311 | Cat 2 top link | 25.4mm |
| B-328 | Cat 1 lower link | 22mm |
| B-329 | Cat 2 lower link | 28.6mm |
| B-2461 | Weld-in round type | 22mm |
| B-2462 | Weld-in round type | 25.4mm |
| B-2463 | Weld-in round type | 28.6mm |
| B-6690 | Weld-in round type | 38mm |
View Bareco weld-on ball ends →
Linkage Conversion Bushes
Conversion bushes allow implements from one linkage category to be fitted to a tractor of a different category — quickly and without modification to either the tractor or the implement. A Category 1 implement will not directly fit a Category 2 tractor's larger pins, but a conversion bush steps the pin up to fill the larger hole, making the connection secure and correctly loaded.
Bareco stocks conversion bushes for the full range from Category 0 through Category 4, covering both top link and lower link positions.
| Part No. | Position | Converts |
|---|---|---|
| B-2999 | Top link | Cat 0 (16mm) to Cat 1 (22mm) |
| B-353 | Top link | Cat 1 (19mm) to Cat 2 (25.4mm) |
| B-351 | Lower link | Cat 1 (22mm) to Cat 2 (28.6mm) |
| B-519 | Top link | Cat 2 (25.4mm) to Cat 3 (31.75mm) |
| B-529 | Lower link | Cat 2 (28.6mm) to Cat 3 (36.5mm) |
| B-532 | Top link | Cat 3 (31.75mm) to Cat 4 (45mm) |
| B-531 | Lower link | Cat 3 (36.5mm) to Cat 4 (50mm) |
View linkage conversion bushes →
Choosing the Right Part
For most linkage part replacements, the process is straightforward:
- Identify your tractor's linkage category (measure the lower link pin holes or check your manual)
- For top links: choose standard, heavy duty or OE-type depending on tractor size and whether you need a direct make-and-model match
- For drawbars and stabilisers: match to your linkage category
- For conversion bushes: identify the category mismatch between your tractor and implement, then select the appropriate bush for the top link and lower link positions separately
If you are unsure, call 1300 027 886 with your tractor make, model and year and we can identify the correct parts from the Bareco range.
Browse all Bareco linkage parts → | Full Bareco parts range →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what linkage category my tractor is?
Measure the pin holes on your lower link arms. Category 1 holes are 22mm; Category 2 holes are 28.6mm; Category 3 holes are 36.5mm. Alternatively, check your tractor operator manual under three-point hitch or linkage specifications. Most tractors up to approximately 50HP are Category 1; most from 50HP to 100HP are Category 2.
What is the difference between a standard and OE-type top link?
A standard top link is a universal replacement that fits any tractor in the correct category. An OE-type top link is manufactured to match the original thread pitch, geometry and ball end size of a specific tractor make and model. For most applications a standard top link works fine. Where the original geometry is critical — particularly on older tractors with tight linkage tolerances — an OE-type replacement fits directly without adjustment.
Which Bareco top link suits a Massey Ferguson tractor?
Bareco stocks OE-type top links for most common Massey Ferguson models. The B-584 suits the TE20 and MF35. The B-586 suits the MF135 and MF165. The B-587 suits MF165 through to MF590. The B-588 suits MF148, 240, 550, 65 and 165. Call 1300 027 886 with your model number to confirm the correct part if your model is not listed.
Which Bareco top link suits a Ford tractor?
The B-2671 is a Cat 2 OE-type top link with 1-1/4" BSW thread, suiting the Ford Major, 4000, 4600, 5000, 6600 and 7000 series.
Which Bareco top link suits a John Deere tractor?
The B-6695 suits a wide range of John Deere two-wheel-drive models from the 940 through to the 2550. The B-593 and B-2006 suit the 3030, 3040, 3120, 3130 and 3140 series with quick hitch and ball end options respectively. Call 1300 027 886 if your model is not listed.
Can I fit a Category 1 implement to a Category 2 tractor?
Yes — using Bareco linkage conversion bushes. The B-353 converts the top link position from Cat 1 (19mm) to Cat 2 (25.4mm), and the B-351 converts the lower link position from Cat 1 (22mm) to Cat 2 (28.6mm). Both are required for a complete conversion. Hardened steel construction handles working loads without modification to either the tractor or the implement.
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