Hi Tom, my robot is a flip over type, I have positioned my removable link in the rear which means it is accessible which ever way up it is. As for access I have used a 2" nominal bore sched 40 pipe with a 2"BSP external thread and had a cap to suit made. The cap is like an old paraffin can cap. The link sits inside the pipe / housing and the cap protects it. Hope this helps.