Adding a hydraulic top link..what size hose?

[DawgDr]

Hi folks, I am going to add a hydraulic top link to my Kubota M6060 and I am not sure what size hose 3/8, 1/2?, fittings, and quick couplers to get for my application? Dealer is no help and local agrisupply has no idea either. Spoke to another hydraulic top link dealer, but a 20 week wait is more than I can stand. Planning to use the Agrisupply inexpensive option.

thanks for any help you have give.

 

[LouNY]

Most standard ag quick couplers are 1/2",
as far as the hoses 3/8" will work fine.https://ph.parker.com/us/en/quick-couplings-hydraulic-up-to-3000-psi-iso-5675

 

[npalen]

1/4" hose will work also and is more flexible. Very small amount of flow capacity is needed for top&tilt.

Edit: I used 3/8" size quick couplers so they could be plumbed directly into the valve ports. The type of valve you're using and the outside diameter of the quick couplers will determine if this is possible in your application. 1/4" couplers might be even better because of their small size but not sure.

 

[kennyd]

I like using 1/4” for its flexibility and easy routing. Most common though is probably 3/8”, your crazy if you even think about using 1/2”.

 

[RickB]

1/4 inch hose and 1/2 inch male ISO coupler tips.

 

[DawgDr]

I like using 1/4” for its flexibility and easy routing. Most common though is probably 3/8”, your crazy if you even think about using 1/2”.

Just spoke to another owner and he said he bought a M7060 with a factory hydraulic TL and they used 1/2 hose. Why would you not recommend 1/2?

 

[CADplans]

Just spoke to another owner and he said he bought a M7060 with a factory hydraulic TL and they used 1/2 hose. Why would you not recommend 1/2?

1/2 is harder to bend, and more expensive,,

If you like to work hard,, and spend money,, use 1/2"

 

[John_Mc]

1/2 is harder to bend, and more expensive,,

If you like to work hard,, and spend money,, use 1/2"

Plus, the flow rate needed for a top link is very small. Many people end up putting flow restricters in their top link to slow down the movement.

 

[ruffdog]

My grapple uses 1/4" hoses and I run that full stroke much more than a top link would run. The larger the hose, the wall thickness has to be MUCH thicker too because of the increase of internal surface area. Why would you need 1/2" hoses when people use a 1/16" orifice to slow the TL down?

 

[RickB]

Just spoke to another owner and he said he bought a M7060 with a factory hydraulic TL and they used 1/2 hose. Why would you not recommend 1/2?

Cost, flexibility, unnecessary flow characteristics.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I would go as small as possible. Only you might need more adapters to go back up to 1/2" npt. Having short heavy hose on your top link cylinder is a bit of a pain, although I find them handy to carry my cylinder.

 

[DawgDr]

That's what I needed to know, thanks everyone!

 

[ericm979]

Use 1/2" for the lines from the tractor to and from the control valve, if you are adding one. You don't want to restrict the system flow. For the lines to the top link use 1/4". I'd use 1/2" ag couplers as they are the standard should you ever want to connect something else to them, and the smaller sizes cost more.

 

[wagne223]

Just spoke to another owner and he said he bought a M7060 with a factory hydraulic TL and they used 1/2 hose. Why would you not recommend 1/2?

Maybe he confusing ID and OD?

A 1/4" ID hose would look like a 1/2" if just looking at the outside.

1/2" ID hose looks like a large diameter garden hose.