Electric top n tilt or lift actuator?

[hz293]

About 10 years ago I had a grey market Misubishi that had an ELECTRIC top n tilt that worked great. Since I just bought my new Kubota B7510 and use my box blade alot, I'd like to see if it's possible to install something like this on the tractor. I'm recently retired and paying $900 or more for a hydraulic unit and a remote is out of the question. Not to mention, I'll never get the vote from "she who handles the finances".

Any info that you can give me about a project like this will be appreciated.

BTW... it doesn't have to tilt. With my bad back, it's tougher to be turning the screw on the top link and all I care about is to move the top link in and out automatically.

BTW 2... Is there any other options available for automating the up and down movement of a top link without spending a fortune. winch, ratchet, etc?
I'm getting old and love low tech.

Harris

 

[MadReferee]

I'm recently retired and paying $900 or more for a hydraulic unit and a remote is out of the question. Not to mention, I'll never get the vote from "she who handles the finances".

A single spool valve with cylinder and hoses should run you about $400 with you doing the installation. This will not be the factory valve but it will work just fine. The B7510 can use a single spool Eaton-Cessna valve with power beyond for $180 from Surplus Center. You will need hoses fittings and a cylinder that meets your top lins specs. Total will be around $400 for everything.

I don't believe that an electric linear actuator will not be strong enough.

Is there any other options available for automating the up and down movement of a top link without spending a fortune. winch, ratchet, etc?
I'm getting old and love low tech.

There was a post not long ago where someone used a ratchet style top link. Do a search and you will find it.

 

[Pooh_Bear]

I have been wondering the same thing.
I have a 49 8N. So no remote hydraulics.
But I get tired of turning the top link to adjust it.
And electric actuator sure would be a lot better.
I'm sure it can be done, but would it be strong enough.

Pooh Bear

 

[texbaylea]

I have been wondering the same thing.
I have a 49 8N. So no remote hydraulics.
But I get tired of turning the top link to adjust it.
And electric actuator sure would be a lot better.
I'm sure it can be done, but would it be strong enough.

Pooh Bear

Goto Bear Linear LLC, Kodiak™ Electric Actuators "Bear Rugged, Mobile Tough" and look for Kodiak K2 Actuators. They may be strong enough but may not be available with large enough holes for a top link application. They have others.

Vernon

P.S. Johnny Products For Bolens, Simplicitys and More has a couple available at around $200.

 

[jmc]

Another possibility is an electric over hydraulic cylinder. These are a hyd. cyl. with its own tiny pump and reservoir attached to it. Contol is via an electric switch that turns the pump in one direction for extension and the opposite direction for retraction. I think some power tilt mechanisms on boat motors use these. I've seen compact units from Japan that might fit in the top link area. It also had a relief valve in case your back blade hung up on something.

John

 

[john_bud]

Tex,

Interesting. I wonder what the shock load capacity is of them? When you hit a root or big ol rock and the tractor stops dead, that's a bit of a load!!

jb

 

[texbaylea]

jb

I really don't know the answer. It depends on the constuction, nut material, etc. It would be a good question to put to the manufacturer.

I got interested in linear actuators to put one on the dump bed of my EZ-GO Workhorse 1200. It is too much to handle manually. The factory kit runs around $600, way out of line.

Vernon

 

[mchasal]

I've been trying to think of a way to electrically spin the collar on my existing toplink. That way you don't have to worry about load or anything like that since the toplink carries all of that, you just need a way to move it. I haven't really figured anything practical out yet. ;(

Mike

 

[Bedlam]

I have to agree with mchasal
There have been posts before. and it seem that a company could make some type of gear drive that would use 12 volts to turn the stock link. But I haven't seen one yet. Maybe because there wouldn't be many people buy the hydraulic ones.
I once thought of a HF 49 dollar winch, maybe it could be modified to work. But I just went with a homemade hydraulic one myself.
Just short of any mechanized way to turn it, Lots of grease helps. I still use my stock one sometimes. And the grease really helps it.
I hope someone comes up with a link to an electric one. If the poster had one years ago, Id think it would still be avail today.
Goos luck
Allan

 

[3RRL]

I've been trying to think of a way to electrically spin the collar on my existing toplink. That way you don't have to worry about load or anything like that since the toplink carries all of that, you just need a way to move it. I haven't really figured anything practical out yet.

I thought about that exact same thing. After realizing the amount of torque needed to turn the turnbuckle when it was under load, I opted to go hydraulic. I think an electric motor of some sort to spin the turnbuckle would require quite a bit of gearing to overcome the load imposed while engaged in dirt. Then I thought about a hydraulic motor but that was even more expensive and bulky than just adding hydraulic cylinders.