Conversion of toplink

[ptsg]

The point of a board like this is to discuss things and provide information on how to use items, not to say 'Go Fish'.

Just saying 'Go Fish' kind of defeats the need for discussion boards and help forums. Is anybody willing to explain how this Hydraulink thing works, here, on this board, in detail, without just saying 'go to another site'?

You have a hydraulic cylinder, both sides full with hydraulic oil. Both ports are then connected to each other with a valve in the middle. If the valve is closed, the cylinder is locked. If the valve is open, the cylinder will either extend or retract depending on what you need. Then you close the valve to lock the cylinder and your top link is adjusted where you need it to be.

Here is the fish for you. :laughing:

 

[Gee Ray]

Why not buy a second top link and adjust it for the mower? Then leave it with the mower. A dedicated top link for 30-40 dollars vs $1000 plus to add remotes and $250 for a hydro top link.

There are also ratchet top links that would work.

 

[ovrszd]

You have a hydraulic cylinder, both sides full with hydraulic oil. Both ports are then connected to each other with a valve in the middle. If the valve is closed, the cylinder is locked. If the valve is open, the cylinder will either extend or retract depending on what you need. Then you close the valve to lock the cylinder and your top link is adjusted where you need it to be.

Here is the fish for you. :laughing:

Good explanation Pedro.

 

[ovrszd]

Why not buy a second top link and adjust it for the mower? Then leave it with the mower. A dedicated top link for 30-40 dollars vs $1000 plus to add remotes and $250 for a hydro top link.

There are also ratchet top links that would work.

I added a hydraulic top link to my M9540 in 2012. It's not been removed since.

If you ever have one you'll not want to be without it.

 

[fried1765]

What about this one?

Category 1 Hydraulic Top Link 20 7/8" - 31 7/8" Amazon.com: Category 1 Hydraulic Top Link 2 7/8" - 31 7/8": Home Improvement

Yup,..... that is a good choice, and maybe better than the "HydrauLink" that I suggested, because it is Cat I.
The "HydrauLink" is Cat II, and the ends need bushings for Cat I use.
Being Cat II, it is also quite heavy,....I think about 26 lbs.

 

[Gee Ray]

I added a hydraulic top link to my M9540 in 2012. It's not been removed since.

If you ever have one you'll not want to be without it.

I do not think I want to be with out mine either but your tractor being that big came with remotes. And I am going to guess you are using it to make money. I was trying to give alternatives that are a little cheaper.

 

[ovrszd]

Yup,..... that is a good choice, and maybe better than the "HydrauLink" that I suggested, because it is Cat I.
The "HydrauLink" is Cat II, and the ends need bushings for Cat I use.
Being Cat II, it is also quite heavy,....I think about 26 lbs.

Actually that one is simply a hydraulic cylinder with double pilot check valves. It still requires rear remotes to utilize.

 

[ovrszd]

I do not think I want to be with out mine either but your tractor being that big came with remotes. And I am going to guess you are using it to make money. I was trying to give alternatives that are a little cheaper.

No money making here. Just farm use.

Yes, I have 3 sets of rear remotes.

If you don't have rear remotes you are very limited in your choices. Only one so far would be the hydraulink suggested by "fried".

 

[fried1765]

The point of a board like this is to discuss things and provide information on how to use items, not to say 'Go Fish'.

Just saying 'Go Fish' kind of defeats the need for discussion boards and help forums. Is anybody willing to explain how this Hydraulink thing works, here, on this board, in detail, without just saying 'go to another site'?

I do not understand why you object to going to another site for information that you claim to want.
People post reference suggestions here on TBN every day,.... to offer assistance to others.

The Northern Tool website has a very clear description (with sketches) of exactly how the "HydrauLink" works.

You want someone to explain it to you, rather than see the in detail description yourself?

Seems like it would require only a minor effort on your part to access the NT "HydrauLink" information, to learn how the item works.
The HydrauLink - Northern Tool

HydrauLink empolys a rather unique concept, that few have ever considered.

 

[ruffdog]

Hydraulink video.....watch someone use one!

 

[RjCorazza]

I have a 2011 Kubota B3300 and use a LandPride 6' flail to mow my 4 acre Connecticut field. When attaching the flail, I find that adjusting the toplink to get the righ height of cut is a tedious process and am wondering if one can convert a manual toplink to a hydraulic one. Are there conversion kits and how difficult is it to connect with the rear end hydraulics if it possible at all?

Sfabern

I'll likely restate some things that have already been mentioned. If you have rear remotes, a hydraulic toplink is plug and play. I currently use one for everything except when using my snow blower (need both remotes to operate chute).
Prior to getting the hydraulic toplink, I dedicated an adjusted manual toplink to my most frequently used implements. They're pretty cheap at farm type stores.

 

[ericm979]

I do not think I want to be with out mine either but your tractor being that big came with remotes. And I am going to guess you are using it to make money. I was trying to give alternatives that are a little cheaper.

If you can do a little fab work for brackets you can install your own remotes for $300 or so.

 

[jgedmond]

What about this one?

Category 1 Hydraulic Top Link 20 7/8" - 31 7/8" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EMH0HA/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_2nYcEbT5Q18HC

Thanks, yep, I saw that one too. Actually a little cheaper directly from Agristore. Also, looking at FitRight's offerings.

 

[jgedmond]

I'll likely restate some things that have already been mentioned. If you have rear remotes, a hydraulic toplink is plug and play. I currently use one for everything except when using my snow blower (need both remotes to operate chute).
Prior to getting the hydraulic toplink, I dedicated an adjusted manual toplink to my most frequently used implements. They're pretty cheap at farm type stores.

The use of multiple manual toplinks for each implement is a great idea for those without remotes. Since I have 3 remotes on my NX and like the ease of use of the hydraulics, as you said that is the way to go. Another plus is that the hydraulic remote will work on both of my tractors!

 

[cjoffutt]

Thanks, yep, I saw that one too. Actually a little cheaper directly from Agristore. Also, looking at FitRight's offerings.

Correct on being slightly cheaper from AgriStore directly. But at least with Amazon it's free shipping and easy return.

FiteRite's stuff looks really nice, but the 12+ week leadtime is damper for me.

 

[jgedmond]

Correct on being slightly cheaper from AgriStore directly. But at least with Amazon it's free shipping and easy return.

FiteRite's stuff looks really nice, but the 12+ week leadtime is damper for me.

Agristore is also free shipping with more than $100 order. As you say, Amazon returns are typically very easy and hassle-free, don't know about Agristore.

I was quoted 20 weeks delivery from FitRite, so that was definitely a turn-off. On the other hand, FitRite offers a beefier cylinder with flow restrictors and a limited lifetime warranty and Agristore only has a one year warranty.

 

[Diggin It]

At the prices I'm seeing, I could buy four or five top links to leave with the implements and still be ahead. I can see the hydraulic versions being useful for situations where you have to raise, lower or adjust on the fly, but I don't do that.

 

[4570Man]

Hydraulink video.....watch someone use one!

He’s scared of videos. That’s a pretty nice piece though.

 

[oosik]

For me - it is not mandatory that I have a hydraulic top link. It's a matter of convenience - plain and simple. The hydraulic top link makes any and all uses of a top link much easier & quicker. Attachment & implement adjustment are easier and quicker. And I can make infinite adjustment to any implement on-the-fly. I do not have to be satisfied with - "it looks pretty good". I can tweak until it's exactly the way I want it. For that convenience, I gladly pay the price.

Besides - its a legitimate use for the rear remote that came with the tractor.

 

[K5lwq]

I bought the top and side links from FitRite for my Kioti. I am very happy with the quality and fit. The wait time IMO is worth getting a quality product. I will be ordering a set for the Branson soon.

I really like the convenience of adjusting without getting off the tractor.