Hydraulic Cylinder for 3 point

[jon edwards]

A friend of mine suggested that I get a hydraulic cylinder for the top pin of my three point. It looked like a pretty good idea to me. Does anyone have any advice or experience with a set up like that?

 

[kennyd]

Search the terms HTL (hydraulic top link) and TnT (Top and Tilt) for lots of reading. Do you have a remote on your tractor to operate it?

 

[jon edwards]

Thanks for the information. My tractor has one remote with a splitter, so I could use that setup and still have one remote for an implement. I'll research that some more. Would it help to have a quick attachment for my tractor?

 

[sandman2234]

Depends on your age, as the older you get, the harder it is to swap implements, but if you only swap once a week, etc, then save your money. If you change frequently, it will probably help.
Remember not all q/c are the same.

 

[jon edwards]

Thanks. I googled HTL and TnT. Looks pretty interesting. I think that the HTL will work well for me. I'm going to look for one to buy. Thanks for the help. If you buy a HTL, do you just take it off if you don't have an implement on the tractor?

 

[sandman2234]

Or just let it hang as long as it doesn't interfere with anything.
David from jax

 

[kennyd]

Thanks. I googled HTL and TnT. Looks pretty interesting. I think that the HTL will work well for me. I'm going to look for one to buy. Thanks for the help. If you buy a HTL, do you just take it off if you don't have an implement on the tractor?

Search the terms here on TBN as well-LOTS of reading! I have the iMatch QH so the HTL stay's on all the time.

Other search terms (for here on TBN) include:

CCM
DPOCV

 

[greg_g]

If you buy a HTL, do you just take it off if you don't have an implement on the tractor?

I didn't want mine dangling and bouncing around back there when not in use. So on my open station tractor, I hooked a long rubber tarp strap between the ROPS hinges. It holds the HTL up at about a 60 degree angle just fine. No exposed ROPS on on my cab tractor, so I just use a shorter strap hooked to other locations of convenience.

//greg//

 

[jon edwards]

Thanks, I'm using a tarp fastner now to hold up the top hitch. I wondered if that would work with a clyndiner.

 

[Villengineer]

I have a solid rubber tarp strap that I have one end looped around the ROPS and I put the cylinder rod in the hook on the other end. I do not suggest this if you have steel hooks, though.

 

[greg_g]

Thanks, I'm using a tarp fastner now to hold up the top hitch. I wondered if that would work with a clyndiner.

yes. Both my cylinders are Cat2, therefore probably a bit heavier than what you're considering. A standard rubber tarp strap (not bungee cord) is somewhere between 3/4" and a full inch wide with metal hooks on either end. If it supports mine, it will have no problem with yours. Hook to something on the tractor on both ends, let the rubber strap itself support the HTL

//greg//

 

[jon edwards]

What would be the issue with the metal hook?

 

[jon edwards]

I figured that out after my last post, they would probably bend.

 

[kennyd]

What would be the issue with the metal hook?

I figured that out after my last post, they would probably bend.

The metal hook probably won't fit the HTL because it's a larger diameter than the stock TL-but it could be modified or a new one made.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I just modified my OEM steel top link retaining hooks to work with my hydraulic top links. On the red tractor I twisted the hook 90* and it lifts up and down. On the blue tractor I opened up the clip so that it will go around the cylinder and the clip swings side to side. Not really that big of a deal.

 

[Villengineer]

A metal hook could damage the finish of the cylinder rod, thus leading to leaks.

 

[kennyd]

A metal hook could damage the finish of the cylinder rod, thus leading to leaks.

The hook would hold the body of the cylinder, not the rod.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

A metal hook could damage the finish of the cylinder rod, thus leading to leaks.

Why or how is a metal hook ever going to touch the rod? I know on my retaining hooks that they hook on the cylinder and it is impossible to even touch the ram.

 

[jon edwards]

What should I expect to pay for a HTL? My tractor is pretty small, so I don't need a real big setup.

 

[greg_g]

Depends upon whether or not your tractor is equpped with a set of hydraulic remotes and a controller. If yes, Cat 1 cylinders probably start as low as $150 or so. If no, it's a potentially expensive proposition. For example; I think someone here once mentioned Kubota wanted around $1500 to add the hydraulics. Kinda silly when you consider it's so that you can plug in a $150 cylinder.

//greg//