Toplink hydraulic -cheaper to make than buy?

[andrewj]

I'm sure it is cheaper to make, just wondering if it is incredibly cheaper, or just a little? I'm sure there are other variables like my mediocre welding...haha. Anyoen gone through this analysis before?

 

[MadReferee]

Plenty of people have made their own hydraulic top link. All you have to do is get a cylinder and change the ends to match what fits your tractor. A good welder who knows the pitfalls of welding cylinders can do it without any problems. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy one already made up. Keep an eye on what Surplus Center has. They recently had some cylinders that would make perfect HTL's and they already had the correct ends.

Now adding double pilot operated check valves is another issue altogether. In this case it is cheaper to buy the cylinder already made up.

 

[HayDR]

Plenty of people have made their own hydraulic top link. All you have to do is get a cylinder and change the ends to match what fits your tractor. A good welder who knows the pitfalls of welding cylinders can do it without any problems. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy one already made up. Keep an eye on what Surplus Center has. They recently had some cylinders that would make perfect HTL's and they already had the correct ends.

Now adding double pilot operated check valves is another issue altogether. In this case it is cheaper to buy the cylinder already made up.

Surplus Center has good deals from time to time and we too purchase items from them. When choosing a hydraulic cylinder to be used for a toplink you will want one with the ram rod hardened and chromed. It is important to have both properties because of the way this cylinder is used. Chromed rods do not pit or rust like the non-chromed rods. Since you will be exposing a hydraulic top link to the weather outside, being chromed is a must.
Having the rod hardened will give you a rigid ram rod that will not be as susceptible to bending. Even a slight bending of the rod will cause seals to fail prematurely. Cylinders that use Vitom, Teflon or manolic packing will stand up to the heat and commercial use while many standard imported O Ring packings will need to be replaced very quickly. It cost the same to weld the ends on a good hydraulic cylinder as it does a poor quality cylinder. Cylinders rated for 2000-2500 PSI often have cast glands and pistons. The 3000 PSI & above cylinders usually have steel pistons and glands. The steel components tend to have a much longer life.
All industrial equipment made in the last 15 years have piloted check valves for safety reasons. Having a double piloted check valve on a top link cylinder has duel purposes: safety and anti-creep.