Hydraulic Top link

[BufordBoone]

Used my Landscape Rake to bring gravel back into the wheel lines on my driveway this weekend. With the adjustment on the fly of the top and tilt, I got a better job done in 1 pass than I used to get in 3-4 passes.

I expect efficiency will improve with practice. This is going to make a big difference in my productivity.

Yes, I know, a driveway with "gravel tracks" may not be the best but it is one mile long. Would take a lot of gravel to do the whole thing.

 

[dragoneggs]

Buford, how about some pics if you can? I'm impatiently waiting for my Fit Rite TnT.

 

[Fallon]

Buford, how about some pics if you can? I'm impatiently waiting for my Fit Rite TnT.

Gonna be a long wait I expect. But based on my 2 waits it's worth it. If I end up with a 3rd machine at some point I'll happily do it again.

 

[dragoneggs]

Gonna be a long wait I expect. But based on my 2 waits it's worth it. If I end up with a 3rd machine at some point I'll happily do it again.

Yeah I will just live vicariously through you lucky ones until then. The remotes will come soon but the TNT not til spring I’m figuring.

 

[BufordBoone]

Pics would not be much different than what he has on his website. I'll try to remember to take a couple and post them up, though.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Yeah I will just live vicariously through you lucky ones until then. The remotes will come soon but the TNT not til spring I’m figuring.

Valves ship tomorrow. :thumbsup:

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

It will if you do a lot of blade work, I love mine and wouldn't be without hyd. side link again.

I do need to add a lock valve as mine does leak down a little quicker then I'd like with a heavy load.

Please explain a lock valve. Leak down is a problem with my HTL.

 

[TMGT]

Please explain a lock valve. Leak down is a problem with my HTL.

It's just a double pilot operated lock valve that goes between the cylinder and directional valve, it stays in the closed position until a certain pressure is applied to one of the ports on the valve (usually a couple hundred psi, that is the pilot pressure) which allows the valve to open and operate. It's very simple, 2 ports in and 2 ports out.

It's the little square looking block that's barely visible on my top link.

 

[dragoneggs]

Valves ship tomorrow. :thumbsup:

 

[sdef]

I also have a Surplus Center top link and it works well. Could not do without T-N-T: 2x11x1.18 Category 1 Hydraulic Double Acting Top Link Cylinder | Tractor Top Link Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

It's just a double pilot operated lock valve that goes between the cylinder and directional valve, it stays in the closed position until a certain pressure is applied to one of the ports on the valve (usually a couple hundred psi, that is the pilot pressure) which allows the valve to open and operate. It's very simple, 2 ports in and 2 ports out.

It's the little square looking block that's barely visible on my top link.
View attachment 577135

Does it solve the leak down problem?
Are they fairly easy to install?
Where do you get one?

 

[TMGT]

Does it solve the leak down problem?
Are they fairly easy to install?
Where do you get one?

If the leak down is in the control valve then yes it will prevent the cylinder from moving.

They can be easy to install, just needs to be inline with the hoses so the 2 hoses from control valve go to lock valve, then 2 hoses from lock valve go to the cylinder.

My top link came with the lock valve installed, but you can buy them from Surplus Center, this one uses npt ports but is rather large https://www.surpluscenter.com/Hydra...k-Valve-1-2-NPT-25-GPM-3000-PSI-9-5606-50.axd

This is the same valve that comes with the surplus center cat. 1 top links
https://www.surpluscenter.com/Hydra...Kit-For-AMA-Top-Link-Cylinders-9-7682-KIT.axd

Just requires some creativity to adapt it to other cylinders as it uses some metric fittings and tubing sizes on the outlets.