PandDLong
Silver Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2012
- Messages
- 162
- Location
- Southern Alberta
- Tractor
- Kubota L3540, JD Z445 Mower, JD LX188 Lawn Tractor
I've recently read through many threads on top-links - the options and advantages. I have pulled together what I read into this single new thread and I am looking for more data - I hope it becomes a useful reference for those considering their options and a source of ideas for those with a hydraulic top-link.
I see 3 basic ways in which a top-link is used:
Fixed - the length is set and the intent is to have it stay at that length when using the attachment. This is the usage of the mechanical screw-type top-link. With hydraulics - a top-link with double-pilot check valves (DPCV) would work the best, a regular cylinder (without DPCV) will have some drift over time but reportedly it is minor.
Float - the length changes based upon the push-pull of the attachment during usage. A mechanical top-link can't float but operators can mimic a float in these situations by replacing the top-link with a chain. With hydraulics, a valve with a float position and a top-link cylinder without DPCV are required.
Adjustable - the length is adjusted during usage by the operator in the seat. This requires a hydraulic top-link (or a very creative hand-crank).
What follows is a list of attachments and how the top-link could best be used. Of course, practically all attachments can be used with a fixed top-link as that is the default standard typically supplied with every tractor -- the methods of usage listed below provide additional advantanges for the situation. (Of course this all just opinion).
Blade (Cutting Edge) Fixed
Blade (Back Side) Float
Boom Pole Adjustable
Bush-Hog Float
Carry-All Adjustable
Disc Harrow Float
Mower Float
Pallet Forks Adjustable
Rototiller Fixed
Snow Blower (Reg.) Fixed
Snow Blower (Drifts) Adjustable
In addition, for hook-up, Float is useful.
That's all I remember from my reading, What about:
Grader/Scaper
Land Plane
Middle-Buster
Rake
Sub-soiler
???
???
How do you use your top-link? What do you recommend against? Why and why not.
I see 3 basic ways in which a top-link is used:
Fixed - the length is set and the intent is to have it stay at that length when using the attachment. This is the usage of the mechanical screw-type top-link. With hydraulics - a top-link with double-pilot check valves (DPCV) would work the best, a regular cylinder (without DPCV) will have some drift over time but reportedly it is minor.
Float - the length changes based upon the push-pull of the attachment during usage. A mechanical top-link can't float but operators can mimic a float in these situations by replacing the top-link with a chain. With hydraulics, a valve with a float position and a top-link cylinder without DPCV are required.
Adjustable - the length is adjusted during usage by the operator in the seat. This requires a hydraulic top-link (or a very creative hand-crank).
What follows is a list of attachments and how the top-link could best be used. Of course, practically all attachments can be used with a fixed top-link as that is the default standard typically supplied with every tractor -- the methods of usage listed below provide additional advantanges for the situation. (Of course this all just opinion).
Blade (Cutting Edge) Fixed
Blade (Back Side) Float
Boom Pole Adjustable
Bush-Hog Float
Carry-All Adjustable
Disc Harrow Float
Mower Float
Pallet Forks Adjustable
Rototiller Fixed
Snow Blower (Reg.) Fixed
Snow Blower (Drifts) Adjustable
In addition, for hook-up, Float is useful.
That's all I remember from my reading, What about:
Grader/Scaper
Land Plane
Middle-Buster
Rake
Sub-soiler
???
???
How do you use your top-link? What do you recommend against? Why and why not.