New Hydraulic top link build

bubbacuse77 · Oct 15, 2012

I thought I would post some images of the Hydraulic top link I made from a 9.75" x 2.5" cylinder I bought from surplus center for cheap. I figure I saved at least $200 dollars because I almost bought one but figured I couldn't live with myself after I spent all this money on welders and metal working equipment. Here is what I have in it.

Cylinder-$82 w/shipping
Cat 1 weld on ends-$21
hydraulic fittings and hose-$36
dust caps-$18 (JD- this is why they are so expensive but I can't find 1/4" caps anywhere else)

Total- $157
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bubbacuse77 · Oct 15, 2012

Sorry for the small pictures, l sent them from my phone to my computer and it looks like it auto re sized them.

bubbacuse77 · Oct 15, 2012

fixed the pictures

Bob77064 · Oct 15, 2012

Good job.

jbwilson · Oct 15, 2012

Looks impressive. Is it a replacement for a turn buckle top link? I'm new to tractors and so on a steep learning curve.

texasjohn · Oct 15, 2012

great job...for others who might want to copy your approach...might comment on how you decided what length to use, expanded and compressed.

bubbacuse77 · Oct 16, 2012

texasjohn said:
great job...for others who might want to copy your approach...might comment on how you decided what length to use, expanded and compressed.

I picked a length that as closely mimicked the size of my factory top link in the full open and closed position. I just need to install a hanger for when it is not attached to anything.

bubbacuse77 · Oct 16, 2012

Here is the link to the cylinder I used from surplus center.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-9876&catname=hydraulic

texasjohn · Oct 16, 2012

good info, thanks...I might add that if someone is adding a Pat's system at the same time, likely the hydraulic cylinder would need to be somewhat longer than the current manual top link...at least consider that need.

bubbacuse77 · Oct 16, 2012

It will be, because it is hard to find a cylinder that is 2.5" and that short. Mine is about an inch longer all retracted than my factory screw type toplink.