Top Link idea....

[RadarTech]

Hey folks,
I am looking into a hydralic top link.. But the budget is just not there right now..
So I was over at Northern tool today and ran across this:

Northern Industrial Heavy-Duty Ratchet Jack, Model# 2608S000 | Hydraulic Accessories | Northern Tool + Equipment

And it gave me an idea...
I searched the threads and saw one where this was asked, but kinda meandered off...

If the clevis ends could we swapped out for the eye bolt ends, then this would really make the top link changes easier...
Anyone tried this?
Gotchas?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[horse7]

Think I'd rather use it for a side link.

Never tried anything like this, seems like the biggest issue would be that the handle's going to want to always point downward from vibration, and might interfere with something and get bent. Perhaps a couple of bungees to keep the handle pointing up (bungees one to each side, or maybe just one to the top of the ROPS) would help.

Other than that, the ratchet gadget should be easier to adjust than a conventional top link when the link is loaded.

 

[anojones]

I've been toying with trying something like this as well, a ratchet for the top link sure would be nice. There was someone on this board who drilled out the pins on a ratchet load binder and added the ratchet to their toplink, not sure how well it worked. I have a load binder and can't get the pins out with the tools I have (need to borrow a drill press) so I can give it a try. There is a company who makes a ratcheting toplink as well, it was about $100 I think.

 

[JoeL4330]

seems like the biggest issue would be that the handle's going to want to always point downward from vibration, and might interfere with something and get bent. .

handle is detachable

 

[charliepff]

Let me know what you come up with. I would be willing to try that with my 2350.

 

[RadarTech]

This thing is $30...
I think I am going to go give it a try..
I'll post my results...
This may take a bit as I have to travel for work almost all week...

Jim

 

[jmfox]

If your're going to buy a cylinder why not buy a new top linkop for $100

jmf

Surplus Center

 

[RadarTech]

If your're going to buy a cylinder why not buy a new top linkop for $100

jmf

Surplus Center

Ok..
Looks good, but what other parts would I need to make it work?
$100 for this an then $100 for the spool, add hoses, and then ???

I really need a simple and cheap solution for now, but I will keep this on the list...

Jim

 

[RalphVa]

I vaguely remember something similar at the local TSC without the long handle.

You might want to take a look.

Ralph

 

[Ray2210]

I made one exactly like you are wanting to do. The problems I have with it are that it will actually shorten up a little too short and can cause some small issues that are easy to deal with. I added some stops to solve the problem. The big problem is that it will not stay adjusted and loading your implement causes the screw to creep. If you could find an acme thread nut that fits to use as a jamb nut you'd be laughing. I plan on cutting an end off adding the nut and welding the end back on. I bought a cheap top link and used the ends off of it. It was cheaper than buying weld on ends. I've had no issues with the handle socket when hanging down as it always does.

 

[RobJ]

Other than that, the ratchet gadget should be easier to adjust than a conventional top link when the link is loaded.

I have a regular type and if I ever need to adjust it I can raise or lower the lift arms to take the load off the top link to adjust. This can be a real expensive upgrade if you don't have any remotes.

 

[PBinWA]

I have the Northern Tool one - the handle comes off. The biggest problem with it is that it doesn't have a balls at the ends so it doesn't fit right on the implements.

I actually bought a ratcheting binder and welded the balls joints (or whatever they are called) onto both ends. It works great for cranking my heavy rear blade up and down. I only use it with non PTO-powered implements so I just let the handle dangle.

 

[okie350]

My neighbor down the road modifyed a hydraulic bottle jack for the top link. I have been meaning to make me one. I will have to look at it more as i can not remeber which way he had to lay it, since they will not work in all positions

Mark

 

[MJPetersen]

My neighbor down the road modifyed a hydraulic bottle jack for the top link. I have been meaning to make me one. I will have to look at it more as i can not remeber which way he had to lay it, since they will not work in all positions

All the bottle jacks that I have had or seen worked in one direction, that is lift. They are in effect one way cylinders and you can easily just pull the the ram out by hand to the end of the travel. That would not work for a toplink. Maybe he had a cylinder with a remote power pump,but those are also one way. hmmmm?

As far as getting it to extend with the "pump" --the pump has to be on the bottom side so that it gets oil.

Mike

 

[3RRL]

Radar,
At one time I thought about making the top link easier to adjust like you. Even thought about using one of those cranking side links like mentioned above. One problem I encountered, especially with my heavy boxblade, is that the link was super hard to turn with the implement off the ground. So it always had to be off the ground and not only that, but no pressure on the top link ... which is not always the case, (depending on what kind of tilt I had it on). Sometimes it turned easily. Sometimes I'd have to use a prybar to get enough leverage to adjust it. Anyway, the point is a manual adjustment became a PITA. I was constantly getting on and off the tractor to get the adjustment right especially when smoothing. It actually became a hindrance because I would tend to say that it was "good enough" just to avoid adjusting again.

If your Kubota has rear remotes on it, you'd be better off getting a hydraulic top link. I know you don't want to hear that, but the difference in ease of adjustment is night and day. Even for hooking up, it's a snap. You'll be a happier tractor dude and life will be a lot easier every single time you need to adjust the top link.
If you don't have rear remotes then RobJ is right. It will be an expensive add on, but still worth it IMHO.

 

[daBear]

TSC has a better looking ratchet jack for less than $20. I have been using it for a year for my toplink until I break down and install TNT. The one from TSC works great and even my Kubota dealer says it's great.