Hydraulic top link

Graveyard1984 · Jul 16, 2020

Ive always heard of people using a hydraulic cylinder for a top link.
I am interested in doing this.
Does it require a special cylinder or is it just a hydraulic cylinder hooked into the rear tractor remote?

Thanks for any tips or advice

GarryinNC · Jul 16, 2020

You can but one ready made for around $200, plus the cost of the hoses and fittings to plug into your remotes.

psimmer · Jul 16, 2020

We sometimes use them in the orchard where I work when we are hauling cherry tanks up or down hill to keep them level to keep spillage to a minimum. We use just a regular hydraulic cylinder, although length of throw is important, and they don't hook up like a typical 3 pt bar. Have to offset them on both ends as the two cylinder eyes won't fit between the eyes on either the tractor or the forks we haul tanks with. Other issue is hose length if you use one that you take off an implement. Need short hoses or have to loop them around so they don't get pinched.

Dean · Jul 16, 2020

A hydraulic top link is the cats meow for certain implements such as a box blade or slip scoop.

A good one with pilot operated check valves will stay in set position much better than will a normal double acting cylinder.

My Cat 1 hydraulic top link cost cost around $250 (IIRC) including hoses, connectors, etc.

Dean

Brendon-KS · Jul 16, 2020

I agree with Dean's suggestion of getting one equipped with PO check valves. Without the checks (in other words, with a "normal" cylinder) you would be relying on the tractor's valve to ensure the cylinder doesn't creep which may or may not be satisfactory. With old tractors and worn valves the latter is probably more likely. With PO check valves the cylinder will lock itself in the set position until pressure is applied to move it.

paul · Jul 16, 2020

You need a adaptor swivel deal to use a regular hyd cylinder. The top link sways side to side too much.

The special pilot check valve setups are better.

Paul

nh8260 · Jul 17, 2020

I agree, they are sweet. Very helpful around the farm, i use mine the most on a bushhog, stand it up and mow the bank off. You won't regret buying one!!

Eldon (WA) · Jul 17, 2020

(quoted from post at 19:08:24 07/16/20) Ive always heard of people using a hydraulic cylinder for a top link.
I am interested in doing this.
Does it require a special cylinder or is it just a hydraulic cylinder hooked into the rear tractor remote?

Thanks for any tips or advice

i bought one as I thought it would be nice to have when using the bushhog....first time I used it, it eventually rotated on the tractor side and when I raised the mower up it tore one hydraulic line off. Never did get it repaired...so be sure to check clearances!

Eldon (WA) · Jul 17, 2020

(quoted from post at 19:08:24 07/16/20) Ive always heard of people using a hydraulic cylinder for a top link.
I am interested in doing this.
Does it require a special cylinder or is it just a hydraulic cylinder hooked into the rear tractor remote?

Thanks for any tips or advice

i bought one as I thought it would be nice to have when using the bushhog....first time I used it, it eventually rotated on the tractor side and when I raised the mower up it tore one hydraulic line off. Never did get it repaired...so be sure to check clearances!

Graveyard1984 · Jul 17, 2020

Yal are talking about buying them.
Where do you buy them from

WESnIL · Jul 17, 2020

Check with your local farm equipment dealer. In my area the New Holland dealer would be more likely to get it than the CaseIH or John Deere dealer. A farm and home store is another possibility. Mine came from an auction yeas ago. Those standing by me commented to themselves (thinking I did not hear them.) about paying too much. They are more expensive than a comparable simple cylinder as one end will have a swivel ball similar to a top link. That swivel is important. They are invaluable when doing box scraper or blade work. With the teeth set correctly on a box scraper one can cut with the cylinder retracted and simply move dirt when extended.

Traditional Farmer · Jul 17, 2020

Agri Supply has them and a bunch of other companies.Google will bring up a bunch.

Ultradog MN · Jul 17, 2020

The ones you can buy are rather flimsey things and I thought rather expensive too.
I made my own out of a heavy duty cylinder that I bought on ebay and I cut the swivel balls off of a screw type top link that was bent and welded them on. I think I have about $75 in it.
Hydraulic top link is a wonderful thing. I would cry if I had to go back to a manual one.

Dean · Jul 17, 2020

I bought mine from the net.

Google is your friend.

Dean

Fordy20 · Jul 17, 2020

They sure are handy! Buy a real hydraulic top link. They are available from Dalton or Prince. They don't settle if you buy a real hydraulic top link. The one in the photo is made by Prince.

Hydraulic top link

Graveyard1984

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GarryinNC

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psimmer

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Dean

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Brendon-KS

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paul

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nh8260

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Eldon (WA)

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Eldon (WA)

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Graveyard1984

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WESnIL

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Traditional Farmer

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Ultradog MN

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Dean

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Fordy20

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