HydrauLink Top Link

[nckennedy]

HI Folks,
Just saw an add for the "HydrauLink". It replaces the traditional top link I guess, but I am not sure the advantage of it? I doesn't operate off the tractor hydraulics!
So is it basically a hand jack fixed to the top link to adjust the length? Just wondering if anyone has experience with one.
Thanks,
Craig

 

[phiferpharm]

I have one and it really wasn't an improvement over the standard screw-type adjustment. If you can, just bite the bullet and get a hydraulic top link. I did and it has been a really nice addition for me. In the meantime, I do have a hydraulink for my next yard sale! :thumbsup:

 

[Jim Timber]

Another vote for the hydraulic top link. If you can weld, you can make your own a lot cheaper than you can buy one.

 

[Neil L]

Top link is great!!!. I am looking for a side link for my NH 1925. Any one got a good source. Thanks,
Neil

 

[jeff9366]

I have a Hydraulink Top Link. Very useful when using a Box Blade. Easy adjustment and reduces "hobby-horsing."

Helpful when using a Landscape Rake.

Good for reducing shock to the frame of a light tractor from pulled implements in general.

 

[powerscol]

I think Brian with Fit Rite Hydraulics can help you out, he is and advertiser here.

 

[Fallon]

I think Brian with Fit Rite Hydraulics can help you out, he is and advertiser here.

I 2nd that. Good gear & good support.

He goes by MtnViewRanch on here or Fit Rite Hydraulics - fitritehydraulics.com

 

[LD1]

I have been contemplating a hydralink myself. Seems easier to adjust than fiddling with the screw type. Seems I always have to adjust a turn or two, then raise or lower the hitch a bit, get a few more turns, adjust hitch again, few more turns, etc. Might just be able to muscle it with lighter implements, but a 700# blade and 1100# bushhog you have to find the sweet spot.

I have to crank my toplink pretty short to get stuff on the trailer, or get more lift height out of the blade for clearance. But then need to lengthen it quite a bit to level the hog or blade. So I am fiddling with it more than I would like.

I cannot justify several hundred bucks for remotes just for toplink adjustment. I have nothing else that would use them. So the options would be stick with my screw type, or spend $1000+ for a TNT. A hydralink seems to be a nice in-between

 

[Xfaxman]

I have been contemplating a hydralink myself. Seems easier to adjust than fiddling with the screw type. Seems I always have to adjust a turn or two, then raise or lower the hitch a bit, get a few more turns, adjust hitch again, few more turns, etc. Might just be able to muscle it with lighter implements, but a 700# blade and 1100# bushhog you have to find the sweet spot.

I have to crank my toplink pretty short to get stuff on the trailer, or get more lift height out of the blade for clearance. But then need to lengthen it quite a bit to level the hog or blade. So I am fiddling with it more than I would like.

I cannot justify several hundred bucks for remotes just for toplink adjustment. I have nothing else that would use them. So the options would be stick with my screw type, or spend $1000+ for a TNT. A hydralink seems to be a nice in-between

You need what I have been looking for, a ratcheting top link.

S.15297 Ratchet Link Assembly with Double Ball End (Cat. 1)

 

[/pine]

I don't think this can be said enough times...
IMO...If you have a tractor that has hydraulics...and you do any type of earth work /grading...(tilling included)...a (true) hydraulic top link is the absolute best (equipment improving) investment an operator can make...a side link is second only because I am addressing a thread about top links...
...in a lot of conditions (IMO) a hydraulic side link is even more an improvement...when it comes to being able to use attachments and end up with professional looking results in a relative time frame...!

 

[powerscol]

You need what I have been looking for, a ratcheting top link.

View attachment 421025
S.15297 Ratchet Link Assembly with Double Ball End (Cat. 1)

How do you keep the handle from getting tangled in the lift arms/PTO or poking into the back of the tractor at full lift. Looks like a great solution if the handle could come off possibly, but then it is something else to loose or fall off in use.

Just curious if anyone has this?

 

[Coyote machine]

Is it available in the US?

 

[Jim Timber]

I wouldn't want to use a ratchet binder for a top link. But if you're that interested, you could probably assemble one yourself.

Towing Load Binders + Binder Chains | Trailers + Towing | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[spitter]

Just a heads up about chain binders if u buy the ratcheting type don't buy them at tsc !!!:thumbdown:I bought a pair in emergency and the 1s't time I used it the whole inside mech is twisted.1 totally shot other on it's way out.Put them side by side with a set I had for years and it's not near the same quality.Just glad it seized up and didn't let go.:drink:

 

[Xfaxman]

How do you keep the handle from getting tangled in the lift arms/PTO or poking into the back of the tractor at full lift. Looks like a great solution if the handle could come off possibly, but then it is something else to loose or fall off in use.

Just curious if anyone has this?

It looks like part of the handle will come of, but there is still a lot sticking out.

Is it available in the US?

Evidently not, at least I haven't found one.

Many years ago I had a Hydraulink and it worked alright. I put a hydraulic toplink on the next tractor and that is much better.

If I modify a ratchet binder, I would use one of this type.

I wanted one to make it easier to hook up the 8' box blade that sets out on the ground. If you do the top link first, you can use it to push or pull, moving the bottom holes where they need to be.

 

[JKR]

I want to get a hydraulic top link. My question I have a 3 svc to plug it into. But this 3 svc will run my plow or grapple. So if I have my grapple running and a box blade in the rear will the top link drop the box blade when I disconnect the hydraulic lines to connect the grapple.
Do I need a 4th svc to run both at the same time.

 

[Fallon]

I want to get a hydraulic top link. My question I have a 3 svc to plug it into. But this 3 svc will run my plow or grapple. So if I have my grapple running and a box blade in the rear will the top link drop the box blade when I disconnect the hydraulic lines to connect the grapple.
Do I need a 4th svc to run both at the same time.

A side link & top link each take a scv. So 2 scvs + whoever else you need. You can unplug the TnT cylinders & they will stay put if you need the scv temporarily for something else.

 

[fried1765]

You need what I have been looking for, a ratcheting top link.

View attachment 421025
S.15297 Ratchet Link Assembly with Double Ball End (Cat. 1)

Where have you been looking for the ratcheting top link?
I have not been able to find any Sparex dealer in the USA that could, or would, get them for me.
I bought a Cat II ratchet with clevis ends, cut them off, and welded on Cat I ball ends.
You can get the clevis end type from Agri Supply.
Please advise if you can find these as shown.

I have two brand new Hydraulinks.....have never used either.
I use my modified clevis type ratchet top link for everything.

I have a friend who lives in England each summer. I may ask him to ship me one.

 

[fried1765]

How do you keep the handle from getting tangled in the lift arms/PTO or poking into the back of the tractor at full lift. Looks like a great solution if the handle could come off possibly, but then it is something else to loose or fall off in use.

Just curious if anyone has this?

If you look at post #9, you will see that the handle does come off.

 

[Xfaxman]

Where have you been looking for the ratcheting top link?
I have not been able to find any Sparex dealer in the USA that could, or would, get them for me.
I bought a Cat II ratchet with clevis ends, cut them off, and welded on Cat I ball ends.
You can get the clevis end type from Agri Supply.
Please advise if you can find these as shown.

-----------------------------------

I wanted the ratcheting top link to make it easier to attach the lower lift arms when the box blade was sitting on the ground.

I quit looking after I put the box blade on a dolly:

Now I can easily move the BB, pin the lower links and then connect the top link. :thumbsup: