Hydraulic Top Link Questions

[MikeR 2018]

I am a new owner of a Kioti 2610 with grapple, box blade and rotary cutter. After struggling with bb adjustments, I want to add a Hydraulic Top Link. Since I dont want to wait 20 weeks, Ill get the local dealer to install it under my direction. I have a couple questions.

Since I will not use the grapple at the same time as the bb, can I connect the HTL to the unused grapple connection? Then, I could control the top link with the grapple switches on my joystick.

If I can use the grapple lines, then how does the HTL cylinder act when it is disconnected? I usually keep the bb on the tractor for ballast when I am grappling. Will the bb stay in the last set position when the hydraulic hoses are disconnected or flop fully extended.

I understand what float is and Id like to use it with the cutter. However, I dont understand what makes a cylinder float. Is that capability built into the cylinder or is it in the controller (like my joystick) or both? If I need a controller with float detent then I cant use the grapple switches - right?

Thanks

 

[Industrial Toys]

Float is in the valve. Your electric circuit will not have a float.

I have had big issues with top links not staying in position. Major annoyance. Some cylinders come with a check valve, in case your tractor valves leak slightly. I think, my problem might be air in the hydraulic system, although it does not seem to affect anything else.

I thought my smaller Top Link was not up to the task of hanging a Harley Rake on there and bought (had made) this rather larger cylinder but I have the same issue. So, I probably wasted my money!

 

[MikeR 2018]

Float is in the valve. Your electric circuit will not have a float.

I have had big issues with top links not staying in position. Major annoyance. Some cylinders come with a check valve, in case your tractor valves leak slightly. I think, my problem might be air in the hydraulic system, although it does not seem to affect anything else.

Well that settles that. Ill use a separate remote.

The problem with a check valve is no float, although I don't really need it. Im considering a restrictor valve so I may not need a check valve.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I once tried to make a float for a spring tooth rake by simply having a ball valve from one side of the cylinder to the other. I had not considered the displacement difference and of course it did not work!

If you have trailing wheels on your implement, float can be a nice option.

I should say. I can probably get by without a top link, but where it shines is with a quick hitch, especially on an immovable implement. You grab it by the top point and pull the two sides into position, by retracting the top link. It makes a 3ph (almost) bearable!

 

[Rock Crawler]

If disconnected, the cylinder will bleed down over time. Time would be based on the sealing ability or lack thereof of your piston.

I'm in a similar thought process as you are, I have a 3rd function for a grapple added to my machine and thought about running lines back and doing a hydraulic top link powered from the front grapple lines. I could mount the long lines permanently and if I need the grapple, toss a solid top link bar back on (2 pins and 30 seconds) and quick disconnect my long lines going to the rear and then snap the grapple lines on. Boom. Money! Best of both worlds.

I would not have float to the rear, as that is a function of the valve.

 

[MikeR 2018]

I have a QH too. That is another reason to want HTL.

 

[MikeR 2018]

If disconnected, the cylinder will bleed down over time. Time would be based on the sealing ability or lack thereof of your piston.

I'm in a similar thought process as you are, I have a 3rd function for a grapple added to my machine and thought about running lines back and doing a hydraulic top link powered from the front grapple lines. I could mount the long lines permanently and if I need the grapple, toss a solid top link bar back on (2 pins and 30 seconds) and quick disconnect my long lines going to the rear and then snap the grapple lines on. Boom. Money! Best of both worlds.

I would not have float to the rear, as that is a function of the valve.

That is mostly my thought process. It would be satisfactory if the bleed down is very slow. In that case I would not swap the link. If the bb ballast does not drop to the ground for a day that would work.

I dont really need float - just a nice to have for mowing over banks.

 

[TractorNH]

My first thought to your question, is your 3rd function the type with a rocker switch on the joystick or is it a diverter valve with a push button where you hold the button and use the loader curl function? A rocker switch 3rd function give on or off hydraulic flow, no feathering. This wouldn't be ideal for a top link where you want to make fine adjustments unless you add flow restrictors to the lines to slow it down.

 

[MikeR 2018]

My first thought to your question, is your 3rd function the type with a rocker switch on the joystick or is it a diverter valve with a push button where you hold the button and use the loader curl function? A rocker switch 3rd function give on or off hydraulic flow, no feathering. This wouldn't be ideal for a top link where you want to make fine adjustments unless you add flow restrictors to the lines to slow it down.

It is the electric rocker switch. I would need restrictors.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I can adjust the speed of my remote. Unfortunately it works both ways, in that it is then ALWAYS too slow. So, fortunately, I can feather the control (When I remember) so the implement doesn't shoot off the ground.

This would be a hassle with an electric circuit.