Hydraulic top link questions

Rowski · Apr 22, 2003

I have a few questions regarding the hydraulic top link. I have read about as much as my mind can take /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. Some of the older threads don't seem to work. I'm sure my searching DID NOT get all the related threads to hydraulic top link.

Hydraulic Top Link=HTL

Are there any benifits from having a longer or shorter HTL? Seem a shorter HTL would be better

Over all lenght->If a cylinder is shorter retracted position than it will also be shorter in the extended position?

For the posters who use a cat II HTL on a cat I tractor, what do you do with the reducer bushings? Most of my implements have a hole for both cat II and cat I. So I could get a new pin for cat II and just use a bushing on the tractor side of the HTL. I also notice the cat II holes sit behind the cat I hole. So if I go this route then a longer cylinder would be better?

Where is the best place to buy? Most of the searched threads I found are older. I didn't know if there are any new places. I remember reading Midwest is working on a prototype? I would rather buy a HTL rather than making it. But I have the tools and skills to do it. I just would like to avoid the hassel provided it is cost effective /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.

I do have remotes already installed in my tractor.

Hoses are not a problem. The part store here make many hoses for the farmers and construction crews. They may even let me make them myself.

Any other advise for the HTL?

Thanks for your help.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 22, 2003

Rowski,
Jay Peak? Know any Luciers up there?? My gggrandfathers' old farm faces the peak. What I would give to get back up north.
Regarding htl; Prince makes a catII top link cylinder. I don't know how to post a link but just punch in Prince Direct.
I emailed them about a catI top link cylinder. They were back the next day and said they didn't presently make one but quoted me a good price on a weld end cylinder. Fastest response I've seen from a mfr.
Hope this helps.
DaveL

Rowski · Apr 22, 2003

The east or west side of Jay Peak? I do know some lussiers.

I've looked a Prince quickly with the cat II HTL. Haven't looked at the welded cylinders yet.

DocHeb · Apr 23, 2003

( Where is the best place to buy? )

Green Manufacturing makes a Category II hydraulic top cylinder that they sell for ~$100, including shipping. They will also make any other size you desire - but at a much higher price.

Rowski · Apr 23, 2003

( ...they sell for ~$100, including shipping. )

Sounds pretty reasonable.

Thanks

Anonymous Poster · Apr 24, 2003

Rowski,
Southeast, I guess, just a mile or so up the road from the Jay town office. We were up last September and stayed in North Troy. Just about bought 15 acres but the article 250 restrictions made it too expensive to build on. One of these days..................................
DaveL

Rowski · Apr 24, 2003

Small world! Let me know next time when you come up. Lots of stuff for sale in Montgomery area (othe side of the mountain). All the Canadians' are pulling out.

Rowski · Apr 24, 2003

Another question....

Is the bore what the fluid is acting on inside the cylinder?

Anonymous Poster · Apr 24, 2003

I purchased the Green Mfg. Cat 2 top link several months ago and the price was $138.00 plus shipping. It is still a good deal and the unit is built well. Spend the extra on right angle swivels for your hydraulic connections. The hydraulic lines really bend and shift when using the cylinder.

DFB · Apr 24, 2003

Derek,

The inside dia. of the cylinder tube is the bore. See the attachment. The outer diameter of the cylinder will be larger.

The Green cylinder certainly has a good purchase price provided the overall dia. along with the compressed and extended dimensions will work for you. Seems to be similar in size to the Prince HTL. Some have spent considerably more for HTL cylinders to get an overall shorter length that more closely matched up to their original toplink's compressed length . +/- an inch or so should work ok.

I have a Tisco HTL cylinder for my JD 4100. About $185.00 delivered. Meets my needs well. Overall closed length dimensions are very similar to the original topink. It has a 2" bore. The OD on the cylinder is 2 3/8". There is a crossbrace between the fenders on the JD. This leaves only a 1/2" of clearance between the bar and the cylinder when the lift arms are raised. A larger dia. cylinder obviously would hit the bar in the full up position, limiting upward travel. More info on that cylinder can be found here.

The cat. 2 Chief cylinders from Baileynet.com are 2.5" bore. One is a tierod cylinder, the other is a welded cylinder. Overall closed lengths on both are longer though.

DFB