$100 Hydraulic Top Link

Eagleview · Jun 4, 2018

All good .
Something to keep in mind when you check the height limit. If the blade rides up on a log etc while you are pushing, the blade and linkage can be lifted by it, a lot higher than the limiter setting .

Lowrider2120 · Jun 4, 2018

That does happen also. I think I'll grind away some material from between the ears of the yoke and give it some more clearance. It is a 4" wide by 1/2" steel so it shouldn't weaken anything to any great extent if I take out some.

erkme73 · Jul 21, 2018

huffman102833 said:
Thanks to everyone for the advice. The parts arrived and the install was straight forward. There is a restriction orifice built into the link so adding one is unnecessary. The range is great and movement is slow and steady. I attached the parts list below. $181.29 shipped.

View attachment 535055 View attachment 535053 View attachment 535054

Thanks for the pics and parts list. Ordered that verbatim and installed it yesterday. I've never had a hydraulic top link before, so I'm probably showing my noob-ness, but what do you do with it when you're not using it or have it hooked to an implement? My stock one would flip up and hang on the hanger. This new one is too heavy and won't quite go vertical (due to the hoses) to snap into the holder. Do you just let it hang?

Also, my remote is neutral in the middle, and then a forward/backward position. It rockets in either direction. If careful, I can inch it in/out with the lever, but it's very finicky.

/pine · Jul 21, 2018

To slow down the cylinder action add a simple restricted orifice fitting...they are available at TSC etc...

newbury · Jul 21, 2018

erkme73 said:
<snip>
Also, my remote is neutral in the middle, and then a forward/backward position. It rockets in either direction. If careful, I can inch it in/out with the lever, but it's very finicky.

I've read of people using bungee cords and/or rubber straps

erkme73 · Jul 21, 2018

/pine said:
To slow down the cylinder action add a simple restricted orifice fitting...they are available at TSC etc...

Guess I'll go tinkering. I assume they make them in various orifice sizes? And I need only one, since the fluid in has to match fluid out, correct? Thx for the suggestion.

I did see a previous poster claim it was already included with the cylinder. When I started putting mine together, I had to remove two steel plugs from the ports on the cylinder - but I didn't see any additional items. Is it possible I accidentally dumped mine? I did spill some fluid...

/pine · Jul 21, 2018

erkme73 said:
Guess I'll go tinkering. I assume they make them in various orifice sizes? And I need only one, since the fluid in has to match fluid out, correct? Thx for the suggestion.

I did see a previous poster claim it was already included with the cylinder. When I started putting mine together, I had to remove two steel plugs from the ports on the cylinder - but I didn't see any additional items. Is it possible I accidentally dumped mine? I did spill some fluid...

Yes only one is required...Here is a link to one of several older threads on the subject...

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/154578-hydraulic-restrictor-orifice.html

erkme73 · Jul 21, 2018

Oh, that's priceless - thanks. I should have considered searching first. I definitely did not have that as part of the cylinder. And the two SAE 90° fittings that I ordered along with the cylinder apparently don't have it either. This gets me in the right direction. Thanks!

Threepoint · Jul 22, 2018

erkme73 said:
Oh, that's priceless - thanks. I should have considered searching first. I definitely did not have that as part of the cylinder. And the two SAE 90ｰ fittings that I ordered along with the cylinder apparently don't have it either. This gets me in the right direction. Thanks!

As /Pine says, TSC sells the fixed-orifice flow-restrictor adapters. But whether what you want will be in stock is hit or miss, as TSC's restocking procedures are a bit odd. Unfortunately, I don't have their item number(s) to give you so you can call ahead. And finding the restrictors with a search on the TSC website without a number is virtually impossible (I just tried again). If there is a TSC very near you, it's worth a visit to check in person.

But here's another current source, with pics: Shop Flow Restrictor Adapters - Quality Farm Supply I'm no expert, but for your Grizzly cylinder, which is a 2" bore, I think you'll want the restrictor that is 1/2" Swivel with a 1/32" orifice (rather than the 1/16" orifice). Then, in the unlikely event it turns out that dampens the response time too much, you can always drill the orifice out a bit more.

erkme73 · Jul 22, 2018

Thanks 3pt... I can't seem to find the orifice on TSC's website, but have it on my shopping list for when I go into town. I did find the QFS site, which has a very attractive per-unit price (<$4). But with a minimum of 5 pcs, and a $9 shipping charge, it's enough to make me wait for the TSC trip.

I have settled on the 1/2" NPT (m/f) with the 1/32" (0.031) orifice. I can make it work without (I actually bushogged today) and if I'm very careful I can ease the toplink to the needed length. I've never had the stock link as short as this cylinder can go, and when up all the way, I think the tail wheel of the BH was probably 4' off the ground. Very neat.