Front Linkages

Tractor Front Linkages Introdution

OPICO Front Linkage system has been designed and manufactured by HE-VA for over 19 years, HE-VA has a large European market and also exports linkages to Canada, New Zealand and Japan and supply approx 1800 units a year. We at OPICO have been supplying the front linkage system in the U.K for over 10 years.

Each new Front Linkage is tailor made to the tractor and designed on CAD with computer systems and then laser cut out. All new Front Linkages are tried and tested in Europe before they are supplied in the UK.

Whatever front implement you intend to use, OPICO have the ideal Front Linkage for the job with lift capacities from 1.5 to 5.5 tons. What's more, OPICO have a Front Linkage to suit every tractor, with over 800 different models available.

All OPICO linkages incorporate the Vertical Fold System (VFS) allowing the link arms to fold fully back when not in use improving manoeuvrability and safety.

7 Features of OPICO's Front Linkages'

Features Compact storage Maximum lift capacity Quality that lasts VFS Arm positions Quick and easy fitting OPICO hydraulics Replaceable bushes

Compact storage Top link and balls in storage position. (VFS) Vertical Fold System allows the linkage arms to fold behind the front of the linkage when not in use. Maximum lift capacity Lift capacity is rated at the hook and ball end. Cat II quick release linkage hooks on 1.5, 2.5 and 3.6 ton linkages. Cat III linkage hooks on 5.5 ton linkage. Distance between linkarms (balls) is 825mm. Quality that lasts Ball joint and seals on lift ram ends - ensures any twisting force from a front implement is not applied to the rams, damaging seals over time. Double acting rams fitted as standard on all sizes of linkages. The linkage is painted the same colour as your tractors chassis with a two-component primer and topcoat to give the best possible finish, so the front linkage looks like a intregral part of the tractor. VFS Arm positions The simple eccentric pin system allows the operator to set the linkage for the job in hand. In use, the operator has the choice of three different positions, fixed, semifloating using the eccentric pin or fully floating without the pin. When not in use the link arms can be put into transport position using the Vertical Fold System (VFS), by placing the pin under the arm and retracting the lift rams completely. Fixed arm position In the fixed arm position the arms cannot move independently, this ensures a constant working height and level set by the hydraulic rams. Semi floating arm position Independent link arm movement 50mm at ball end. Fully floating arm position Free independent movement at ball end. Transport position Transport position ensures the linkage is as close to the tractor as possible during transport. Quick and easy fitting Fitting is simple and quick, as the whole side plate can be removed. Also on most models, the linkage bolts onto the front of the tractor as well as the side. The front linkage side plates are designed to match the individual tractor model and provide support suitable for all lift capacities giving more secure fixing to the tractor. OPICO hydraulics Selector valves Most OPICO linkages come equipped with hydraulic (selector) shut off valves as standard. The valve handle is located close to the cab rear window, in most cases, for easy access from the tractor seat. The shut off valves allow the user to lock off the linkage in a fixed position and use the hydraulic service for another operation. Hydraulic connection Where possible OPICO linkages use a "Banjo" fitting to tee into the tractor hydraulic system so that the user never needs to disconnect the linkage hydraulic hoses from the tractor. If the user needs the outlet back, the shut off valves can be closed and the rear quick coupling becomes available again for another connection. Replaceable bushes Solid half-shaft link arm mounting with replaceable link arm bushes and bush holder.

PTO Kit

The PTO gearbox is connected to the tractor crankshaft pulley by means of a rubber damper preventing vibration. Similarly the "soft start system" uses an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch inside the gearbox to provide smooth power engagement to the front PTO. Oil pressure for the clutch is supplied by an integrated pump in the gearbox which is driven by the input shaft. Where possible OPICO use the tractor manufacturer's own PTO engagement switch so that it integrates neatly into the switch layout in the cab. OPICO PTO units are completely self-contained using standard transmission oil and a replaceable oil filter. The front PTO gearbox works at 1000 PTO rpm and it turns anti-clockwise when you look at the front of the tractor. The shaft is 13/8" (35mm) with 6 splines DIN 9611. The 'heavy duty' gearbox can transfer a maximum of 125 kW (173 hp) continuously and even more in peak loads.

*Standard PTO kit

Buck Rake Linkage

The HD Buckrake/Snow Ploughing linkage has been specially developed for situations where the operation causes high stress levels and sideways forces to be excerted on the linkage.

Universal Front Linkage

The Universal linkage incorporates all the standard features of 2.5 to 5.5 ton linkages but is manufactured without full length side plates. This multi-purpose linkage has short side plates with multiple attachment holes so that it can be adapted to fit various machines and tractors where a three point linkage is required, e.g. trailers, slurry tankers & 4 wheel drive vehicles.

*Single accumulator not included as standard

Technical PTO Kit

Capable of transmitting upto 200 HP (can be fitted to larger tractors) Integrated replaceable oil filter.
35mm 6 spline shaft giving 1000 rpm at 2100 engine revs.
"Soft Start" - Electro Hydraulic PTO engagement prevents snatching and damage to front implement.

OPICO PTO's can be fitted to most linkages from 1.5 to 5.5 ton lift capacity.

Technical Buck Rake Linkage

5.5 ton linkage down rated to 4 ton lift capacity to protect the tractor front axle.
Heavy duty bushing.
Torsion bar between link arms.
Double acting hydraulic service to the front.

Technical Universal Linkage

Specification as per standard linkage sizes, please refer to appropriate model.