Hydraulic Top Link Recommendations Wanted

[Pecosbill7]

John Deere 5320. I’ve been threatening to get a hydraulic top link for many years but never think about it unless I’m turning and turning the existing manual link. I want to know which links you all favor and which ones you think are junk, as I only want to do this once (well, twice since I have two tractors). I see that Tractor Supply carries some but I haven’t been overly fond of other parts I’ve gotten there over the years, so I’m looking for recommendations and why you like what you like. Thanks.
Bill

 

[LouNY]

Are you looking for a cat 1 or cat 2?
What ever you end up with it should have the locking valves on it.
Then you have to decide what length you want, the following page has cat 1 ones,
Category 1 Hydraulic Top Links

Mine is a cat 2 and this is the style that I use;

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Look at the following link. Get the asked-for dimension. That should be what your mid-stroke dimension would be, plus or minus.

Top link

Manufacturers of tractor 3 point hitch top and tilt hydraulic kits, hydraulic top links and hydraulic side links.

fitritehydraulics.com

I normally recommend a 3" dia cylinder with a 1 1/2" dia rod having a working length of 19 1/4"- 27 1/4". This seems to work well for this application.

Typically the 5000 series JD tractors do not have poor-quality control valves for the rear remotes (SCV in JD lingo), so a check valve is most likely not needed, but can be provided if requested.

 

[Pecosbill7]

“Are you looking for a cat 1 or cat 2?

Thanks. Most of my implements are cat 1 but I do have a few that are cat 2. I’ve been able to get away with a cat 1 top link with a bushing inserted in the top link insert in the tool.

 

[BackRoad]

100% positive getting my hydraulic Top and Tilt from Brian at FitRite...(a.k.a. MtnViewRanch on TBN)!

He can hook you up with the right size and configuration based on your tractor, plus he supports his products.

 

[dlctcg]

I too highly recommend Brian at FitRite...(a.k.a. MtnViewRanch on TBN)... Class act & incredible quality...

 

[oosik]

I've had a Fit Rite hydraulic top link for ten years. A fantastic product.

 

[Pecosbill7]

Thanks, guys. I’m going to give Brian a call. I appreciate y’all’s input and advice.

 

[mikester]

https://www.princessauto.com/en/top-link-cylinders/product/PA1000000426?skuId=8699456

CDN$199

If you can wait they always go on sale

 

[Pecosbill7]

I emailed Brian and he returned emailed me this morning. Not cheap but I'm going to run with it. Thanks again for your help everyone.

 

[Mud2Money]

Will not be disappointed. I went full top and tilt on my ls 573. Worth every penny from Brian. I run some big implements and they don’t sweat it. Paired with a box blade it’s a sweet grading setup.

 

[ZiggyD]

Are you looking for a cat 1 or cat 2?
What ever you end up with it should have the locking valves on it.
Then you have to decide what length you want, the following page has cat 1 ones,
Category 1 Hydraulic Top Links

Mine is a cat 2 and this is the style that I use;
View attachment 1057207

Hey LouNY. I was just looking at the same website and saw another model for about half the price. What size tractor are you using this on? I need something for a 50hp compact tractor

 

[LouNY]

I'm using it on the Branson 8050, so engine 80 hp/ pto 65 hp and on heavy cat 2 implements.
If you are looking for cat 1 they should be a bit less.
Also you may like to look here;
Security Measure

No idea why it says security measure, it's an E bay store.

 

[ZiggyD]

Thanks. Looks like I’ll be fine with the smaller cat2 they sell. Did yours come with hoses or are those purchased separately?

 

[LouNY]

I believe they came with it, but it's been a few years.

 

[Cycledude]

I have hydraulic top link, my dealer made it for me when I bought the tractor back in 2020, works excellent very thankful I bought it, tractor came from factory with 3 sets of rear remotes.
Fit Rite Hydraulics welded Euro Hooks onto my 3 point arms, they work excellent and make hooking up and unhooking heavy equipment much easier. Dealing with Brian was very easy, just UPSed the arms out to Brian in California and he welded on the Euro Hooks, had them back and working in less than 2 weeks, he definitely does high quality work at reasonable price, I highly recommend him.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I have one from Agristore on my 4820 Branson. Great unit... I think $200 and some change with hoses. Great quality and fitment, made in Italy.

 

[Mud2Money]

Brian was top notch to deal with. I added and changed some thing in my order. Give Him a reach at fit rite. Well worth it. Very robust cylinders and ends.

 

[ZiggyD]

Brian was top notch to deal with. I added and changed some thing in my order. Give Him a reach at fit rite. Well worth it. Very robust cylinders and ends.

I did. He was very prompt and the price is higher but not outrageously so. However he’s backed up for at least two and a half months. I’m not sure I can wait because the work needs to be done for winter

 

[Mud2Money]

I did. He was very prompt and the price is higher but not outrageously so. However he’s backed up for at least two and a half months. I’m not sure I can wait because the work needs to be done for winter

Yeah I feel you. I had to wait about 9 months when I had ordered mine. But it was worth it. I do a lot of grading and it comes in very handy with my vegetable farming implements. Very smooth control with the restrictors and the cylinder ends were a dead match to the factory.

I am in need of another for a more recent tractor I acquired. A lot of people did opt for fast local routes.