marking hydraulic side link cylinder

[/pine]

I am getting ready to add a hydraulic side link on my 3PH...

For reference, I have always used a tape measure to bring the (manually) adjustable link back into symmetry with the solid link on the other side...

Is there a way to permanently mark the cylinder rod?...

is there any other way to know (without measuring or gauging) when the hydraulic side link is exactly the same length as the non-hydraulic side...when in the nominal position? (solid link will be replaced with manually adjustable)

I can usually tell within a few fractions by eye-balling it but that requires getting off the machine etc... which for anyone with arthritis knows that can be as painful as adjusting a manual side link...

 

[beenthere]

I think you will find that more precision than what you get from the tractor seat isn't necessary.

You will adjust it depending on how the attachment is cutting or riding on the 3 ph or with respect to the ground.

I don't think you want to score the hyd. ram rod, and just marking it will be fruitless.

 

[/pine]

I don't think you want to score the hyd. ram rod, and just marking it will be fruitless.

roger on that...pretty much what I figured...It's just nice to know starting out on something that the implement is square on that plane...

I'm sure I will be able to get it close once I have zero'ed it out a few times and I get a good idea of how much exposed rod there is at that point...

 

[beenthere]

You for sure will enjoy the convenience. I have the top link hyd, but not the tilt link. For my uses, not really that necessary to move away from straight (even for the rotary cutter, ballast box, carry-all, forks, rotary tiller). But the rear blade is a different story.

 

[CharlieS]

Just drop the impliment (box blade for example) down so its an inch or so above a flat surface. then adjust so its parallel to the ground.

 

[AKKAMAAN]

Is there a way to permanently mark the cylinder rod?...

You can clamp a thin 1/4" steel rod to the rod clevis, make proper markings on the cylinder with tape, sharpie etc.....

 

[kennyd]

You could make a gauge attached to the rod end pivot that overlaps the cylinder body, then reference marks could be made on each. Look at my VERY crude drawing below:

 

[kennyd]

You can clamp a thin 1/4" steel rod to the rod clevis, make proper markings on the cylinder with tape, sharpie etc.....

Great minds think alike! But you sure draw better than me:ashamed::laughing:

 

[AKKAMAAN]

You could make a gauge attached to the rod end pivot that overlaps the cylinder body, then reference marks could be made on each. Look at my VERY crude drawing below:

Oh darn....you beat me with a minute.....hahahhahah:laughing:

 

[/pine]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions...

I was really hoping for something that would possibly stain the rod...rather than a mechanical indicator...

Honestly, I think it would be almost as easy to incorporate a magnetic or laser type switch/sensor connected to a (single response) beeper... as it would be a visual caliper type indicator....

perhaps one day cylinder technology will permit an economical type switch/valve that will return a cylinder to an assigned spot in the stroke...?

 

[mjncad]

Honestly, I think it would be almost as easy to incorporate a magnetic or laser type switch/sensor connected to a (single response) beeper... as it would be a visual caliper type indicator....

You could always modify the AKKAMAAN/KENNYD design to incorporate some sort of sequential LED indicator system that allows you to set tilt from the tractor seat.

 

[J_J]

Position sensors.

Something like this would be ideal, but this one device is only made for cyl 3 in and greater. They are not cheap. Plunger and a Hall effect device.

Hall effect devices when appropriately packaged are immune to dust, dirt, mud, and water. These characteristics make Hall effect devices better for position sensing than alternative means such as optical and electromechanical sensing.

Position Sensor is designed for hydraulic cylinders., Control Products, Inc.

Sensors

 

[AKKAMAAN]

You could always modify the AKKAMAAN/KENNYD design to incorporate some sort of sequential LED indicator system that allows you to set tilt from the tractor seat.

A mechanical system is the easiest and most reliable....you can change the "stiff" indicator rod to a cable rod in a casing, and let the wire end end up in the cab so you can see it.....
Using electric/electronic transducers.......you are hitting high 3 digit $$ numbers pretty quick, at no more gain.....these mechanical indicators are used all the time on heavy equipment.....remember that you are not looking for motion control, just a position setting.......

 

[jimgerken]

Electrical sensors and feedback (on a hydraulic cylinder) was apparently accomplished long ago. I remember having a couple different cyls on the farm when I was a kid 30 years ago, they were Oliver brand, if I am not mistaken, and had an adjustable electrical deal on there that had a pin that would be actuated by the clevis end, and a special electrical connector hanging off it. They must have worked with an Oliver 1955 tractor originally (or possible an 1800 Oliver). Maybe my post will jog some other people's memories to add detail, 'cause that's all I know about the cylinders.

 

[3RRL]

I made a top link indicator years ago.
I only used it for a little while until I got a "feel" for where to set the cylinder. Also marked my FEL indicator but same thing...after a while you get a feel for that too and you don't really need one. Pictures below are of the top link indicator and the fel marked shaft. The indicator is much like the drawings you guys posted.
Rob-

 

[AKKAMAAN]

I made a top link indicator years ago.
I only used it for a little while until I got a "feel" for where to set the cylinder. Also marked my FEL indicator but same thing...after a while you get a feel for that too and you don't really need one. Pictures below are of the top link indicator and the fel marked shaft. The indicator is much like the drawings you guys posted.
Rob-

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[wdchyd]

I made a top link indicator years ago.
I only used it for a little while until I got a "feel" for where to set the cylinder. Also marked my FEL indicator but same thing...after a while you get a feel for that too and you don't really need one. Pictures below are of the top link indicator and the fel marked shaft. The indicator is much like the drawings you guys posted.
Rob-

Now there's Pride in your work......Nice 3RRL !

 

[mjncad]

Rob:

Those are pretty indicators!

 

[3RRL]

Thanks for the compliments guys,
I thought I'd posted a thread about making the one for the top link, but I couldn't find it?
Anyway, those indicators are now under a bench somewhere in my barn because I really don't use them anymore. Some of the old pros here were right when I made mine, that sooner or later you will get a "feel" for when your implement (or fel bucket) is set right. Plus, with the hydraulic top link, it's sooo easy to re-adjust on the fly until you get the desired results.