Trying to add hydraulic top link

Jbsims · Dec 18, 2022

Hello folks,

Well we're trying to switch over from small square bales to large round bales. Part of the switch involves figuring out how to handle the larger bales. I'm leaning towards a scissor lift with a bale spear. I'd like to add a hydraulic top link to my tractor. It's a Case 380/David Brown 885. I've never worked on hydraulic systems before at all so I'm not fluent with the concepts or terminology. My tractor currently has a front end loader, the spool valve is a Qcc/duke 1681. The lines start at the tractor, what my manual calls the control valve or 3-way valve, go to the rear of the tractor to some kind of quick release connector, then wrap back around to the front of the tractor to the spool valves for the front end loader. My plan is to interrupt this system with a new spool valve near the top link, where the quick release connectors are now. I am imagining the fluid would flow from the tractor to the new spool valve, on to the existing FEL spool valve, and then back to the tractor. I am imagining using something like this. I think I just need the new valve and new hoses to get from the tractor to the new valve and then from the new valve to the existing FEL spool valve. And of course the hydraulic top link and its plumbing to & from its valve. Any and all comments/advice are sincerely appreciated. I don't have anyone locally to lean on for advice with this one.

Xfaxman · Dec 18, 2022

Jbsims said:
Well we're trying to switch over from small square bales to large round bales. Part of the switch involves figuring out how to handle the larger bales. I'm leaning towards a scissor lift with a bale spear. I'd like to add a hydraulic top link to my tractor

A scissor lift will not work with a hydraulic top link.

zzvyb6 · Dec 18, 2022

Since the OP is a question about a hydraulic top link, consider this: I just installed a Summit diverter valve equipped with their momentary push button to give me angle control with a snow plow. Push the button, get the 3rd function running off of 1 or 2 (as you choose which 1 is to be 'diverted'. Plugs into current couplers, add the 3 circuit (could be even 1 way cylinder) and you are off to the races. Seems to me that bale retrieval is a 'momentary' process anyways, no need to have continuous control. I'd try that route before opening up the stuff in those pictures ( ! ).
The Summit kit came with 4 couplers, fittings, plugs & shields, wiring, and a push-button switch.

Jbsims · Dec 18, 2022

Thank you for replying to my post. Why won't a hydraulic top link work with a scissor lift? Here's one in action. It's got to have some kind of top link, right? What is it about scissor lifts that demand a non-hydraulic top link?

Xfaxman · Dec 18, 2022

Jbsims said:
Thank you for replying to my post. Why won't a hydraulic top link work with a scissor lift? Here's one in action.

That one has a hydraulic cylinder attached from the scissor lift to the bale spear:

Like this one:

Jbsims said:
It's got to have some kind of top link, right? What is it about scissor lifts that demand a non-hydraulic top link?

The scissor lift has to attach to the tractor where the top link or hydraulic top link attaches.

With longer hoses the hydraulic top link could be moved out like the pictures above.

zzvyb6 · Dec 18, 2022

In that video, the top link is actually the main swing arm arc controller: I sets the bottom side forks in a very shallow arc, giving you high lift without a lot of fore-aft movement. If the bales are sticky, then the hydraulic cylinder tips the faceplate & spear. Looks like a takeoff of a self-leveling loader bucket. Now THAT kind of mechanism would be really cool to weld up. You might have some other issues, though.

Anyways, in order to mimic this really cool device, sure, you can level with your proposed hydraulic top link. But, you still would need the upper cylinder to help withdraw the spear, etc parts.. That sounds like 2 sets of outlets are now needed.