Made a hydraulic top link extension

[High Compression]

So I guess this is a common problem. I posted another blog for ideas for a solution. Thought I'd share what I ended up doing. Extended from center of pin to center of pin 4.125", which is how much my Pat's Easy Change lengthened my draft arms.

A little cutting with the plasma, drilling, welding and Voila!
View attachment 261440

A little Kubota grey paint.
View attachment 261441

 

[Zebrafive]

Looks like the rectangle tubing was perfect fit. :thumbsup:

 

[mjncad]

I like the concept; but I'm concerned there isn't enough material overlap that the welds may fail.

 

[High Compression]

Looks like the rectangle tubing was perfect fit. :thumbsup:

About a .125 gap left between the tube and the ears. So, pretty good fit. Not perfect, but it was what I had that fit the best.

 

[High Compression]

I like the concept; but I'm concerned there isn't enough material overlap that the welds may fail.

Yeah... Pic isn't a very good angle. It does look shy. There is just a little more than .25" overlap. Agreed, not ideal, but all 4 welds are 5" long on .375" thick steel (which is the factory thickness). With the tensional load that is placed on the top link, I don't see them failing all at once. Since the lower draft arms carry all the weight, and the top link mainly stabilizes, I think it will be just at good as butt or tee welded joint. As long as I don't get carried away. We'll see. I'm not too proud to admit and show failure. As long as no one gets hurt, if anything breaks, I'll be sure to post it, so we all can learn from my mistake. :thumbsup:

 

[teg]

Very cleaver... :thumbsup: I like the design.

 

[Freakingstang]

how long is the stroke on the toplink cylinder? I've got a 1 1/4"-10" cylinder kicking around and thinking about making a hyd toplink for my little Beaver....

 

[mjncad]

Thanks for posting additional info on the steel thickness, weld length, etc.

 

[JoeL4330]

not sure if this would have helped but, when necessary, I lengthen my hydraulic top link at the other end with the HF "swinging toplink" ...as shown

 

[Leejohn]

Do you have to move the top link in or out to get full travel of the 3pt.?
The top link pivot should be in line with the lower link pivot.

 

[JoeL4330]

if you were asking me, the answer is not exactly...I get full motion of the 3ph no matter, however:

I have a hydraulic toplink and, yes, I move it in or out as required ...usually to get the implement up high for carry (perhaps that is what you meant?) ...other answer: it depends on the implement both my rotary and finish mowers, themselves, have swinging toplinks...on my rear blade, which does not usually come w. such, I use it to provide "compliance"...i.e., to accommodate the hydraulic tail wheel it has so I can separately adjust the angle of attack of the blade and it also allows the blade to kick up if/when it meets that old immovable object.

 

[jinman]

I like the concept; but I'm concerned there isn't enough material overlap that the welds may fail.

Except in transport, the toplink deals mostly with compression force. However, if transporting a heavy rotary cutter, your comment is absolutely valid.

 

[Leejohn]

Sorry I didn't say who my ? was for. It was for High Compression.
Joe yours wouldn't do what I was asking.

 

[High Compression]

Very cleaver... :thumbsup: I like the design.

Thanks, but I can't take full credit. I got the idea from another TBN'r.

 

[High Compression]

how long is the stroke on the toplink cylinder? I've got a 1 1/4"-10" cylinder kicking around and thinking about making a hyd toplink for my little Beaver....

Mine is a 15" stroke 3" bore. It's the Kubota top n tilt.

 

[High Compression]

Thanks for posting additional info on the steel thickness, weld length, etc.

Your welcome.

 

[High Compression]

not sure if this would have helped but, when necessary, I lengthen my hydraulic top link at the other end with the HF "swinging toplink" ...as shown

No, that wouldn't help, because I need to be rigid. For example my box blade, If I want to make the bite less aggressive, I extend (push out) the top link.

 

[High Compression]

Do you have to move the top link in or out to get full travel of the 3pt.?
The top link pivot should be in line with the lower link pivot.

I guess the Kubota Engineers didn't get the memo. Because the draft arm pivots are a good 8"-10" forward of the top link pivot on an L5740. But to answer you question, no. I have full range of motion regardless of top link length. :thumbsup:

 

[High Compression]

Except in transport, the toplink deals mostly with compression force. However, if transporting a heavy rotary cutter, your comment is absolutely valid.

Yes, you are absolutely correct. I should have been more clear. I assumed that they were worried about the tension loads vs. the compression loads.

 

[JoeL4330]

No, that wouldn't help, because I need to be rigid. For example my box blade, If I want to make the bite less aggressive, I extend (push out) the top link.

as do I with my RB