Top Link questions

[kerlingb]

I don't "think" i have float function. Would there be a switch or selector somewhere to turn float on/off? I am not aware of any such switch. I could not find anything in the manual about float function (the manual, however, is almost worthless)

Also any guess on the quick connect fitting, i cant find it anywhere in the manual either (and the tractor is currently an hour away) (my understanding is that montanas are re-branded LS, so my guess would be the same fittings that LS uses.

 

[RNeumann]

What are you using float for? Serious question BTW. 99% of folks have a rigid top link so implements that need some movement (like a brush hog) have that built into the implement. The 3 points I've seen don't have down pressure- meaning they move up and back to the position it was set at.

 

[LD1]

Float would be built into the valve. If you move it one direction, the lever will hit a hard stop. Move it the other, it will either hit a hard stop....or hit a soft stop, then can keep going and detent into a 4th position. That would be float.

 

[kerlingb]

Float would be built into the valve. If you move it one direction, the lever will hit a hard stop. Move it the other, it will either hit a hard stop....or hit a soft stop, then can keep going and detent into a 4th position. That would be float.

That makes sense. Thanks. I'm pretty sure mine is just a normal non float. I'll try the lever again next time I'm there to make sure now that I know what I'm looking for.

 

[RNeumann]

Float would be built into the valve. If you move it one direction, the lever will hit a hard stop. Move it the other, it will either hit a hard stop....or hit a soft stop, then can keep going and detent into a 4th position. That would be float.

I understand what it is. I'm wondering what task/implement you or anyone else is using it for.

 

[LD1]

I understand what it is. I'm wondering what task/implement you or anyone else is using it for.

That reply was for the OP to help him know weather he has one or not.

As far as tasks.....bushhogging. Alot of old bushhogs have rigid links. And even those that dont like my woods.....There is a limit to how far it will float "down" yet still have enough lift to clear something unseen that got run over and is banging around. Also, when mowing (backing) over my pond bank, its nice to just leave it in float and let the tail wheels do their thing.

 

[Rustyiron]

What implements do you want to use? I've found for my needs I wanted my top link with only a inches from shortest possible when level.

For bush hogging, I like to be able to raise the rear of the mower up real high (for the big stuff that you shouldn't really be mowing ) backing into your work, lowering, then pulling out, therefore wanting the t/l the opposite of your situation. Like you said, what implements will be used.

 

[ovrszd]

Two ways around that "drift" is to either put shutoff valves on the remote. I use these: 1/2 NPT 15 GPM PRINCE WFC-8 IN-LINE FLOW CONTROL where you can simple shut off that cylinder.

Other people just unhook the hoses to accomplish the same thing.

For me, I would not want to give up float. But if the valve dont even have float, you would be fine

Ya never miss what ya don't have (float).

 

[RNeumann]

That reply was for the OP to help him know weather he has one or not.

As far as tasks.....bushhogging. Alot of old bushhogs have rigid links. And even those that dont like my woods.....There is a limit to how far it will float "down" yet still have enough lift to clear something unseen that got run over and is banging around. Also, when mowing (backing) over my pond bank, its nice to just leave it in float and let the tail wheels do their thing.

Makes sense. I've never brush hogged but I've had hydraulic TnT for 20 plus years. All I could think of is trying to lift the box scraper to reset and this wet noodle behind me is just flopping around. I guess with the wheel behind the mower deck and no float built into the Implement float would be a must.

 

[ovrszd]

I want my hydraulic top link in the center of it's throw when on level ground. I want the ability to lengthen and allow my attachment to droop as much as possible. I also want the ability to shorten and allow my attachment to raise as much as possible. Not sure why I would want the cylinder to be near the end or it's stroke either way when operating under normal conditions?