HydrauLink- a self-contained air over hydraulic top link

[Villengineer]

Staying clear of the acrimony being exhibited here... I did a thread search, but my search foo must be weak today. How well does the HydrauLink retain a given setting? I'm wondering if the cylinder's seals would leak after hard use in an afternoon or if the implement is left raised off the ground for a while, causing a change in the implement's pitch? How well would this cylinder work with something like a finish mower being pulled over bumpy ground - would it result in uneven mowing due to the cylinder not expanding/contracting quickly enough or too much?

When used with a finish mower, bush hog, or any other implement that doesn't have a fixed top link connection you shouldn't notice any change during normal use. Compared to a standard top link with the same center to center distance you might find that you get a little more float if you're cresting a steep incline as the hydraulink should extend a couple inches. You'll also notice the rear of the implement will drop farther when you lift. ie you would have to raise the 3 point farther to get the tail wheel of a bush hog off the ground with a hydraulink set at the same length as you would your standard top link.

 

[Ford tractor]

You have to drop the back of the implement against something and use it's weight as the front of the implement drops, or drop the implement and back the tractor up against it to get the top link to collapse. You can not lift with this product like you can with a true hydraulic top link. It's essentially an adjustable length shock absorber. An outside force has to be used to extend or collapse this top link.

That's what I thought. Also read where the link will "cushion" and move by inches when in use.

Maybe they think that is a "feature" and a "benefit" but randomly changing the nose angle of ground engaging equipment is BAD. Using a box blade changing the nose angle by a 1/2 inch can and does make a large difference. Doing that with a bottom plow is also bad. Thanks but no thanks! I'll stick with top links that stay EXACTLY where they need to be and don't drift off and wiggle like a worm.

 

[tsteahr]

That's what I thought. Also read where the link will "cushion" and move by inches when in use.

Maybe they think that is a "feature" and a "benefit" but randomly changing the nose angle of ground engaging equipment is BAD. Using a box blade changing the nose angle by a 1/2 inch can and does make a large difference. Doing that with a bottom plow is also bad. Thanks but no thanks! I'll stick with top links that stay EXACTLY where they need to be and don't drift off and wiggle like a worm.

I'm guessing you have not used the hydraulink with a box blade?

 

[horse7]

The "shock absorption" action sounds more interesting than any other feature of the Hydraulink. Having implements attached rigidly adds stress to the tractor (I have hydraulic "shock absorption" feature on my loader, and that is a really nice (end expensive) feature. One that I can turn off, since sometimes you don't want the loader floating about at all...). Now, if just the Hydraulink "shock absorption" could be turned off, everyone would have what they want in a toplink short of a classical hydraulic toplink or shock absorbing classical hydraulic toplink-- and I've never seen one of the latter.

What I'd like to see is the Hydraulink for my tractor sidelinks (tractor is Cat II). With a heavy implement and the always present small amount of slack in the sidelinks, the implement rattles back and forth, gradually elongating holes and stressing components. With that little bit of shock absorption in a Hydraulink the stress should be reduced without affecting the efficacy of the implement. The cost may be prohibitive for SCUT and CUT, but larger tractors the cost may not be too awfully more than a replacement OE sidelink. The Hydraulink would also be easy to setup when changing implements, no brute force shoving things around to line up holes that always seem to leave more slack than I want.

Unfortunately, every tractor has different sidelinks seems like, so it would require a pair of custom modified Hydraulinks. Or maybe just one custom link, and not lock the other sidelink.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The "shock absorption" action sounds more interesting than any other feature of the Hydraulink. Having implements attached rigidly adds stress to the tractor (I have hydraulic "shock absorption" feature on my loader, and that is a really nice (end expensive) feature. One that I can turn off, since sometimes you don't want the loader floating about at all...). Now, if just the Hydraulink "shock absorption" could be turned off, everyone would have what they want in a toplink short of a classical hydraulic toplink or shock absorbing classical hydraulic toplink-- and I've never seen one of the latter.

What I'd like to see is the Hydraulink for my tractor sidelinks (tractor is Cat II). With a heavy implement and the always present small amount of slack in the sidelinks, the implement rattles back and forth, gradually elongating holes and stressing components. With that little bit of shock absorption in a Hydraulink the stress should be reduced without affecting the efficacy of the implement. The cost may be prohibitive for SCUT and CUT, but larger tractors the cost may not be too awfully more than a replacement OE sidelink. The Hydraulink would also be easy to setup when changing implements, no brute force shoving things around to line up holes that always seem to leave more slack than I want.

Unfortunately, every tractor has different sidelinks seems like, so it would require a pair of custom modified Hydraulinks. Or maybe just one custom link, and not lock the other sidelink.

Are you talking about anti sway stabilizer bars? They connect from a point on the frame or trans axle to the lower link. Side links or (lift rods ) are vertical and connect the upper and lower links.

Just trying to understand what you are asking for.

 

[HydrauLink]

The "shock absorption" action sounds more interesting than any other feature of the Hydraulink. Having implements attached rigidly adds stress to the tractor (I have hydraulic "shock absorption" feature on my loader, and that is a really nice (end expensive) feature. One that I can turn off, since sometimes you don't want the loader floating about at all...). Now, if just the Hydraulink "shock absorption" could be turned off, everyone would have what they want in a toplink short of a classical hydraulic toplink or shock absorbing classical hydraulic toplink-- and I've never seen one of the latter.

What I'd like to see is the Hydraulink for my tractor sidelinks (tractor is Cat II). With a heavy implement and the always present small amount of slack in the sidelinks, the implement rattles back and forth, gradually elongating holes and stressing components. With that little bit of shock absorption in a Hydraulink the stress should be reduced without affecting the efficacy of the implement. The cost may be prohibitive for SCUT and CUT, but larger tractors the cost may not be too awfully more than a replacement OE sidelink. The Hydraulink would also be easy to setup when changing implements, no brute force shoving things around to line up holes that always seem to leave more slack than I want.

Unfortunately, every tractor has different sidelinks seems like, so it would require a pair of custom modified Hydraulinks. Or maybe just one custom link, and not lock the other sidelink.

This is an interesting idea... I'll pass this along. Thanks.

 

[HydrauLink]

Have scanned this rather long thread...have two questions...I assume the 28" length is from pin center to pin center....is that correct?

In the winter, depending on snow depth and ground conditions I may switch from my snowblower to grader blade (and in the case of a great deal of ice accumulation my york rake to rough stuff up)....this requires shortening or lengthening the top link to fit....in Maine it will often be around 0F or lower in the morning....at these cold temps how easily can one pull or push the hydraulink to the correct length to hook up to the next implement?

Just so you know, Union Farm Earm Equipment in Union, Maine will be showcasing HydrauLink on 4-30-11. I think you'll be able to see it in action. Their website is Union Farm Equipment - About Us

 

[bennatti]

Thanks.....I'll be in Bangor that morning....perhaps I can swing southwest to Union and take the LONG way home

 

[amigauser]

I just got this sku for TSC from our distributor... Try 1018479

Went to the local TSC over the weekend and that worked. They need to order it in though as it is not a stocked item. $199 at TSC.

 

[HydrauLink]

Went to the local TSC over the weekend and that worked. They need to order it in though as it is not a stocked item. $199 at TSC.

Nice price!
Sorry they didn't have it in stock though. I know they have put some in select stores until later this summer. Glad you were able to pick one up! If you have any questions, just call or email us directly. We'll be glad to help.

By the way, are they shipping to you directly or to the store?