Hydraulic top link?!?

[Fuddy1952]

Curious who has installed a hydraulic top link? It seems like it would be handy. Right now I've been using a boom and chain to pull T posts. It works ok except I have to adjust link at times.
What's involved, where best to put control, etc. Thanks!

 

[prof fate]

First choice for post pulling a simple chain and the loader.
Second choice is the 3pt with a 'receiver' hitch ($60 or so) or a quick hitch - something to attach to. gin pole seems the hard way to me.

I don't think a hyd top link would do you any good for that.

To use one it has to be the right size (length, diam) and you need a rear remote to operate it. Call your dealer about the rear remote, be sitting down when they tell you the cost. Not sure about aftermarket options.

I pulled with the reciever on my L175 and now have a titan qtach plate with a chain slot that I put on in place of the bucket. I've pulled 4x4, 4x6 posts and T-posts (TSC sells a plate for that, $10). Harbor freight has the chain for $20.

 

[RNeumann]

I’d have a very hard time giving up my hydraulic top and tilt links! Do it!

 

[oosik]

I have pulled a lot of T-133 fence posts and this and that. I've always used the FEL and a chain. Never even thought of using my hydraulic top link. You will have to have something connected to the 3- point to pull from the rear.

If I had a jin pole on the 3-point - - I would pull with the 3-point hydraulics not the hydraulics on the top link. The 3-point will lift/pull a greater distance than the top link - I think. My 3-point can be adjusted to raise faster that the hydraulics on the top link.

The hydraulic top link is not designed to pull posts - although, I don't think using it that way with something like a jin pole or rear blade would hurt anything. At least, based upon the size of the hydraulic top link I have - it certainly shouldn't.

Installing the hydraulic top link is nothing. Two pins and two hydraulic hoses. However it does require that you have the hydraulic control system (scv) on your tractor. Mine came with one SCV.

For sure - have a firm grip on something when you ask your dealer for the price on a SCV remote control. I would hazard a guess - - $850 to $1000 - possibly even more. Depends upon many factors.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Curious who has installed a hydraulic top link? It seems like it would be handy. Right now I've been using a boom and chain to pull T posts. It works ok except I have to adjust link at times.
What's involved, where best to put control, etc. Thanks!

If you really want to go this way, best place for the additional SCVs is your dealer or an internet dealer. They have an SCV kit for your tractor. :thumbsup:

 

[Jchonline]

FEL with a bolt on hooks will give you the most flexibility if you dont have a grapple or a BH with a thumb. I would skip the 3pt for this function.

 

[ovrszd]

Does your tractor have a hydraulic rear remote?

 

[Fuddy1952]

Thanks guys!
I'll post pictures which may be better that explaining.
I have lots of attachments already, and yes the fel/chain is easy enough, I guess I'm thinking versatility. The 3pt boom I could angle, as well as other attachments.
There's a really good hydraulic supply place about 40m. here. Tractor Supply and others sell the hyd. top link. I plumbed in for a grapple so I have a joystick with solenoid button. I have front and rear hydraulics.
I was thinking it was just a simple matter of using a valve like my other tractor has, up-down lever (orange picture).