Hydraulic Top Link for a BX 2230

[HarleyScooter]

I have wanted a Hyd top link for some time but every top link you can buy is to long for the BX. The stock top link is around 14" closed. I purchased a 2"X5" cylinder and two ball ends and made one, its closed lenght is 13-1/2". It seems to work very good, so far it shows no signs of movement on its own (since there are no check valves). It makes hooking up attachments much easier.

 

[HarleyScooter]

I have wanted a Hyd top link for some time but every top link you can buy is to long for the BX. The stock top link is around 14" closed. I purchased a 2"X5" cylinder and two ball ends and made one, its closed lenght is 13-1/2". It seems to work very good, so far it shows no signs of movement on its own (since there are no check valves). It makes hooking up attachments much easier.

 

[wushaw]

Good job /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[wushaw]

Good job /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[sailnseagulls]

Harley...

I've read with interest some of your other projects. I have had the same problem trying to locate a top link for my bx23. Unfortunately, I don't have a welder or any experience with one. I also have been stymied over the check valve and don't see how it's even an option. CCM doesn't have any in stock and even if they did, don't have a top link sized for the BX. And from what I've read here there are no other dealers.
Therefore, it looks like your solution is the only option. Could you tell me where you bought the cylinder, model, etc? And the ends?
Have you given any thought to a tilt/hydraulic side link? I wonder if there is anyplace both these cylinders could be custom made? Thanks for your help.
Larry

 

[sailnseagulls]

Harley...

I've read with interest some of your other projects. I have had the same problem trying to locate a top link for my bx23. Unfortunately, I don't have a welder or any experience with one. I also have been stymied over the check valve and don't see how it's even an option. CCM doesn't have any in stock and even if they did, don't have a top link sized for the BX. And from what I've read here there are no other dealers.
Therefore, it looks like your solution is the only option. Could you tell me where you bought the cylinder, model, etc? And the ends?
Have you given any thought to a tilt/hydraulic side link? I wonder if there is anyplace both these cylinders could be custom made? Thanks for your help.
Larry

 

[HarleyScooter]

Larry, I purchased the 2"X5" cylinder from Surplus Center part number 9-6816 for $77 delivered and the ball ends can be purchased at Rural King or TSC for around $7 each. I really have not found any need for the Hyd side link so far, I plan on using the second remote valve for the angle on the back blade or the cylinder for the dump trailer. The other option I was thinking about was to get the CCM 16 closed top link and add 2" to the lower 3 point arms, or you could add the Pat's lower connectors as someone suggested to me. But I have been waiting for a long time for CCM to get their top links in and I gave up and made the top link cyl. I really didn't like the idea of adding to the lower arms so for now I am happy with the setup I have. If you were closer I would just weld the cylinder for you, maybe someone from this forum that is closer to you could help out.
Good luck
Scott

 

[HarleyScooter]

Larry, I purchased the 2"X5" cylinder from Surplus Center part number 9-6816 for $77 delivered and the ball ends can be purchased at Rural King or TSC for around $7 each. I really have not found any need for the Hyd side link so far, I plan on using the second remote valve for the angle on the back blade or the cylinder for the dump trailer. The other option I was thinking about was to get the CCM 16 closed top link and add 2" to the lower 3 point arms, or you could add the Pat's lower connectors as someone suggested to me. But I have been waiting for a long time for CCM to get their top links in and I gave up and made the top link cyl. I really didn't like the idea of adding to the lower arms so for now I am happy with the setup I have. If you were closer I would just weld the cylinder for you, maybe someone from this forum that is closer to you could help out.
Good luck
Scott

 

[sailnseagulls]

Scott,

Thanks for the info on the cylinder. I also thought about the Pats route but I actually haven't had any problems changing implements and am not sure the Pats system would work with all my attachments. I'd be buying it not because I really need the system, but so I can use the top link. Then, like you have said, CCM haven't been able to get the cylinders anyway.
I appreciate your offer to help. So far I've just lived without it, but it sure would be nice. The side link I thought would be a great addition to use with the box blade when I try to crown the road some.
Larry

 

[sailnseagulls]

Scott,

Thanks for the info on the cylinder. I also thought about the Pats route but I actually haven't had any problems changing implements and am not sure the Pats system would work with all my attachments. I'd be buying it not because I really need the system, but so I can use the top link. Then, like you have said, CCM haven't been able to get the cylinders anyway.
I appreciate your offer to help. So far I've just lived without it, but it sure would be nice. The side link I thought would be a great addition to use with the box blade when I try to crown the road some.
Larry