Top link hanger

rd_macgregor · May 4, 2010

I have a DK45SC and the top link hanger is welded to the bottom of the cab frame just below the small, bottom rear window and right of center. I just hooked new hydraulic hoses to my rear remotes to run forward under the cab and onto the FEL to power the grapple on my new Markham grapple rake.
However, when the hoses are connected to the remotes, the top link won't go into the hanger.
This isn't an issue when I have a rear implement that needs hydraulic (like my snowblower), since the top link is then in use, centered and out of the way.
Any suggestions on the best way to secure the top link when I am using the grapple but don't have a 3PH implement mounted?

BOB

Lloyd_E · May 4, 2010

Can you post a photo...

My hoses are mounted off to one side of the top link hanger.

lloyd

LaVoie Equipment · May 4, 2010

In some cases it is required to use a 90 degree elbow between the hose and quick disconnect (for the attachment), so you do not have the interference issues you are experiencing. This will also tuck your hoses down closer to the tractor. Tony

rd_macgregor · May 4, 2010

I'll try to remember to take a couple of pictures tonight. The remotes are mounted just to the right of centerline, more or less right below the hanger. When the top link is hung, the top link shaft angles right across the front of the lower of the two remotes. Even with 90 degree fittings (which I have), there still isn't enough clearance to hang the top link while the hoses are connected.
Some tractor designer at Daedong didn't think this one through all the way.
BOB

rd_macgregor · May 5, 2010

(assuming I got the picture attached correctly) You can see I come pretty close to getting the hanger attached, so I think I might be able to get enough slack by unscrewing/extending the rods another inch or two. Still, the body of the top link will lie right against the hydraulic fittings.
Another choice would be to take the top link all the way off when I'm not using it...it is pretty easy to remove.

BOB

Damifino · May 5, 2010

rd, it looks like you could move your quick disconnects over to the other openings to right of where they are now, that is if you have enough slack in your hoses.

Looks like it would be enough to clear your top link

IslandTractor · May 5, 2010

I replaced my metal toplink hanger with a crudely tied piece of webbing. Works fine.

rd_macgregor · May 6, 2010

Damifino said:
rd, it looks like you could move your quick disconnects over to the other openings to right of where they are now, that is if you have enough slack in your hoses.

Looks like it would be enough to clear your top link

If the remotes were in the right holes in the bracket they'd be just fine, but they are plumbed with metal tubing, not hoses, so I'm reluctant to try moving them.

I unscrewed the top link a bit more and managed to get it hooked in the hanger, but the link body presses against the fittings, which I don't like. I mounted a piece of pipe through the two round holes to the far right and left sides just under the cab and will try fabricating some sort of bracket or strap or something that will hold the top link securely out of the way.

Island, is your webbing setup easy to use? Could you post a picture, so I could see how to duplicate it or adapt it to my situation?

Thanks for the suggestions.
BOB

beltfed · May 6, 2010

Sorry but I thought I'd ask since I just got my Bobcat tractor a few weeks ago...

The Hydraulic fill tube with the rubber ? on the end, I read in the manual that it should be pointed up and yours is pointed down. Does it not really matter or should you twist it up?

VictorW · May 6, 2010

beltfed said:
Sorry but I thought I'd ask since I just got my Bobcat tractor a few weeks ago...

The Hydraulic fill tube with the rubber ? on the end, I read in the manual that it should be pointed up and yours is pointed down. Does it not really matter or should you twist it up?

I turn mine until it stops and the red rubber cap seals the tube. If you back it off then it won't seal and being that the cap is rubber, you might not be able to go the other way without stripping the rubber threads. There is a little breather hole in the end of the handle/tube part. I haven't had a problem in five years.