Toplink hydraulic top link

kully · Apr 19, 2005

this question is for the people who have a hydraulic top link . i am thinking of putting a hydraulic top link on my tractor ,looks very handy. but my question is about implements where different lengths are used. you just can not pull out the cylinder for 1 in longer if needed I guess , so you have to move it hydraulically. does it move fast and is it a pain in the neck to line up the top link pin. thanks kully

Bob_Skurka · Apr 19, 2005

I got about 5 hours of tractor time in today and LOVE the hydraulic top link. Today was the first day that I actually got a good amount of time using it, I had used it before but not really swapping implements or doing much work before today. Today I had 4 different implement on & off the tractor and some extensive use of the 3pt mounted pallet forks (amazingly easy to use with the hydraulic top link and a HUGE PITA to use with a standard manually adjustable top link). The landscape rake was also much easier to get adjusted the way I needed it with the hydraulic top link. Like I said, today was my first real day working it and I worked it pretty good. I will be installing one on my other tractor too!!!

Hooking up implements was also easy.

MadReferee · Apr 19, 2005

You need a rear remote (aux hydraulics) to operate the hydraulic top link. This is an option on most tractors. All you do is activate the remote and the cylinder will move. I have no problem at all feathering it to line up with the top link pin on implements. If you feel it moves too fast you can either add an inline flow restrictor or go to the next size smaller hose.

Having a cylinder with pilot operated check valves will elininate any cylinder drift.

kully · Apr 19, 2005

thanks for the info ,I guess I will be ordering one ,and yes I have 2 sets of remotes one which has float. but last question is my manuel top link is 19.5 retracted length and also cat 2 . I check with green and prince both run 1.5 to 2 inches longer does anybody make a 19.5 cat 2 top link thanks kully

Bird · Apr 19, 2005

When I first installed my hydraulic top 'n tilt, I had a little problem with the cylinders moving too fast, but it didn't take long to learn to feather it. And hooking up implements was much easier with the hydraulic link than with the manual link.

MadReferee · Apr 19, 2005

You best bet, and least expensive, is to get a Cat 1 top link from CCM and a set of Cat 2 to Cat 1 bushings and top link pins from TSC. This will give you the best setup since the CCM cylinders have the pilot operated check valves.

Choose the size that comes closest to your manual link's retracted and extended lengths. The hydraulic cylinder doesn't have to be exactly the same as you manual link but close enough will be good enough.

kully · Apr 19, 2005

thanks everbody for the advise ,but as mad said use bushings , but how do you bush down if implements are cat 2 and top link is cat 1

MadReferee · Apr 19, 2005

Cat 2 top link holes are 1" diameter. Cat 1 top link holes are 3/4" diameter. You get pair of Cat 2 to Cat 1 bushings and a Cat 1 top link pin and use the bushings in the existing Cat 2 holes in the implement.

These bushings are cheap. Agri-Supply sells them for 69 cents each. Part # 11958. I am sure TSC has them too.

bigtractor · Apr 19, 2005

Make sure you get the ck. valves.

Have a cust. that got others from who knows where then bought a new tract. from me with hyd. top and tilt with checks and am now equiping the old tract. with the new cyl.

PineRidge · Apr 20, 2005

I'll second that!

I think if you ask most folks that didn't get the double piloted check valves the first time around will tell you that they were sorry and added them or a new cylinder at a later point in time.

The savings without them isn't practical for what you give up in quality. Cylinders easily drift without them.