AI parts used in my 3 point lift link

Ended up buying an AI lift link shaft and lower yoke to replace, presumably, the original left lift link on my 3020.

The right side I believe to at least have a new JD lift link.

The AI parts thread together as they should. The cast lower yoke has a couple pits in the exterior casting and the hole the lift link threads in is at a slight angle. The lift link itself doesn't have the Grove on the shaft that indicates it's screwed all they way in. Not a big deal.

They opening in the lower yoke that hold the seal was actually a bit loose, ended up using a center punch on the top flat just outside where the seal sits to 'stake' it a bit so the seal stayed in place and not be pushed out when greasing.

The lower hole in the threads on the AI shaft required a 1/4" roll pin(original uses 3/16"), ground down to just clear the threads due to the lower yoke being drilled at a slight angle as well as have quite a bit of cast flash that would prevent the standard 1 1/8" length roll pin from allowing the lift link to rotate.

IDK it the JD parts are still available, the dealer priced me AI parts to start with, said JD would be a lot more. After doing some checking, allpartsstore.com it AI. I was able to buy the parts there quite a bit cheaper than through the dealer, have them shipped direct to me. Had to select my local dealer during checkout and it states all returns go through the dealer.

Anyways, my lift link shafts are 100% functional(smooth operation, easy threading, yet tight, no slop), now look like new. As soon as I'm done cleaning up and painting my draft links, I'll be back in business.

Taking them apart was quite a chore, 52 years worth of steel/cast contact took lots of hear and a good sized hammer.

AI link and lower yoke on left
IMG-20190919-112432211.jpg
 
I have gone thru a good many A&I lift links as both me and my dad sold lots of used tractors and frozen lift links are a common issue. You can have some quality issues but they seem easy to work with on warranty work. It would be interesting to see if Deere still has them and the price. Tom
 
The John Deere part and the a&i parts are not the
same contrary to popular belief John Deere owns
part not all of a&i it was done so they could supply
their all makes parts lines
cvphoto36915.png
 
I can see in the photo where some of the extra weight may come from.

The AI isn't cut as deep at the lower attaching points and the seal end has a longer more squared off shoulder.
 
(quoted from post at 00:06:18 09/20/19) The John Deere part and the a&i parts are not the
same contrary to popular belief John Deere owns
part not all of a&i it was done so they could supply
their all makes parts lines

You're a little behind the times, SV, "In December 2010, the company acquired the remaining 64 percent ownership interest in A&I Products, Inc., a manufacturer and wholesale distributor of replacement parts, for approximately $48 million."

Source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/315189/000110465911070023/a11-24734_110k.htm

F9zsMHB.jpg
 
Not unlike Ford motor company aquiring keystone automotive after market parts.

Can't beat'em, buying to control them.
 
Deere poured all their own castings and had very good quality steel. As I understand it when you pour a pot of hot steel the first is only fair quality and the bottom of the pot gets better. Deere would pour weights and other non essential casting with the lower quality and use the better for more important items.The A&I being heavier is more than likely do to using metal that may not be as good as what Deere used. With the added extra it might me just as good as the original Deere. A local welding shop has told me he has no problems welding on Deere cast but most of the china cast is very hard to weld due to fillers that are added. Tom
 
When I bought my 2510 it didn't have a
center link. I bought an a&I version
until I could get an original. The
original is much better quality but the
aftermarket one is bigger around. It
barely fits in the spring hook. I never
considered weighing them to see a
difference.
 

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