Can I use this top link?

[Gittyup]

I got this hydraulic top link with a 3ph fork lift that I bought. Question for those with more tractor experience: Can I use this thing just like it is? The pivot fits between the top link mounting brackets with about 1/4" to spare.

I've found a few other top links on here and on e-bay that lead me to believe that this was used on older style John Deere top links. Anyone know anything about it? If I can't use is as is, can I just cut off the end and weld on a regular top link eye and leave the pivot in it? Or do I have to make it a straight rigid connection.

Any help appreciated.

 

[bncsauve]

Looks alot like mine. Should work fine as long as the quick connects fit your remotes. Wouldn't hurt to purge it with clean fluid before you hook it up to your system. Some of my attachments have less than a quarter inch of clearance, doesn't seem to be a problem.

 

[IslandTractor]

I cannot tell the length. It looks a bit short but maybe it is just chunkier than mine. Otherwise I don't see any reason not to use it. That is an odd looking fitting at one end but if you can get a pin to fit it I'd try it instead of cutting and welding. One needs to be careful welding on hydraulic cylinders for fear of damaging seals.

 

[Gittyup]

It looks chunky because it is CAT2. It's quite beefy. Big bore cylinder. I picked up some sleeve adapters for it and compatible hydraulic couplers. Length is about 1/2" shorter than the standard Kioti toplink. So, I think in that respect it is ok.

I guess the pivot joint allows it to move freely side to side. It's probably a bit heavier duty than the standard top link eye. I'll give it a try and watch it closely to see if it binds up or anything.

 

[IslandTractor]

Cat 2 is good. I managed to put a slight bend in my hydraulic toplink (Cat 1) while backing with a boxblade.

 

[PA hayseed]

Cat 2 is good. I managed to put some character into my hydraulic toplink (Cat 1) while backing with a boxblade.

Fixed it for ya! Version 2 may be more appropriate.

Cat 2 is good. I managed to put my hydraulic toplink (Cat 1) through some strength training, while backing with a boxblade.

 

[IslandTractor]

Yeah, I like my tractor to have a few battle scars. No polish either.

 

[radman1]

That pivoting link on the end is how many bigger tractor, hydraulic 3rd links are made. We have 3 tractors ranging from 125-245 hp with a pivoting end on the bottom. They work just fine. The biggest advantages are:
1. On bigger tractors, the bottom link/hole will wear out with time and the hole gets too large. (My current Cat III link is about a III.5). Can just put a replacement on the bottom by building or ordering a new one.
2. The bottom piece can be purchased in different lengths. Therefore the same cylinder can fit different tractors by just changing the length pivoting end. This is common on larger tractors.
3. The pivoting end can be changed to cat I, II or III by just changing the end. My CIH Maxxum 125 has a metric sized pin on the tractor. (Made in England) Mine is between a Cat II and III. My cylinder is made by Gnuse. Called the company and they will send me new end to put on the cylinder with a metric opening.

 

[radman1]

I would have no issues using that cylinder as a top link. The larger diameter will allow the rod to move slower and better control.

 

[Gittyup]

Thanks Radman. That's what I thought. I'm gonna give it a try.

 

[dynasim]

CCM had a good point on the website about those cylinders, which is one must be careful not to put to large of one on there, as you could risk overloading your tractor.

It doesn't take much of a cylinder to lift way beyond the tractors stated capacity.

Chris

 

[IslandTractor]

CCM had a good point on the website about those cylinders, which is one must be careful not to put to large of one on there, as you could risk overloading your tractor.

It doesn't take much of a cylinder to lift way beyond the tractors stated capacity.

Chris

But you'd need to hook your 3PT up to something that exceeded your tractors rated lift.

 

[dynasim]

I regularly try to lift things with my tractor that the hydraulics tells me I shouldn't. The size of the hydraulic cylinders on both the FEL and the TPH is a break prevention mechanism.

It is just something to think about.

Chris

 

[kennyd]

The size of the hydraulic cylinders on both the FEL and the TPH is a break prevention mechanism.

I disagree with that 100%...if it was true-there would be broken cylinders everyday by every operator!

The system relief valve is the "break prevention mechanism"

 

[radman1]

I disagree with that 100%...if it was true-there would be broken cylinders everyday by every operator!

The system relief valve is the "break prevention mechanism"

I sort of agree with you. The hydraulic 3rd link can develop a great force as the cylinder gets larger despite the system having a relief valve. However, the lifting force of the 3 pt is really the limiting factor that prevents overstressing of the attachment or 3rd link.

 

[dynasim]

kennyd

Just trying to help. You are absolutely right. The pressure relief mechanism, which controls the pressure sent to appropriately sized cylinders, provides substantial but not perfect protection against overloading the tractor.

Sorry for the imprecise grammar

radman1

It is my understanding, though I don't know for sure, that the relief valve won't help if you lift with the top link cylinder, as the relief valve is before the tph lift valve. Again, I may be mistaken, and I was just trying to pass on what I read.

Chris

 

[radman1]

dynasim

A larger top link cylinder can make your 3 pt lift more than it should. I have a 3" Gannon top link cylinder. I placed my 300 water tank on a carry all. I wanted to water some trees and the carryall is what I had at the time. My Kubota 3710 with FEL could not lift it. However, I could extend the top link cylinder, raise the front of the carry all up with the 3 pt. I could raise it about 1.5 ft. Then I could retract the top link cylinder and raise the entire carryall and tank. The pull of that cylinder was probably between 14,000-15,000 lbs (3" bore, 1.25" rod at 2500 psi). Well beyond what was necessary to make the lift. It probably could have lifted more than 500 gallons of water. As it was, the front of the tractor with FEL was still quite light.

The entire hydraulic system is basically under the same relief valve for the FEL, rear lift, rear hydraulics ect. (some exceptions depending on hydraulic valve which could have lower relief than the tractor)

 

[Gittyup]

That toplink is 3.5" diameter. But, I have no plans to try and lift too much with it. If the lower arms can't lift it first, then I won't try using the top link to help. A man has to know his own limitations and those of his equipment, or both will get sick.