Hydraulic top link issues

ovrszd · Feb 5, 2017

Good idea on the ball valves.

My 1984 Ford tractor has speed adjusters on the rear remotes and a central adjuster to slow everything down including the 3pt.

My 2012 Kubota tractor has no such adjustments anywhere.

Go figure.

olPete · Feb 5, 2017

ovrszd said:
Good idea on the ball valves.

My 1984 Ford tractor has speed adjusters on the rear remotes and a central adjuster to slow everything down including the 3pt.

My 2012 Kubota tractor has no such adjustments anywhere.

Go figure.

Haha no wonder theres a whole forum full of problems then. I guess thats progress. I have a bank set up really slow for my top link. the middle one in my picture, it takes about 11 seconds to go in from full extension in, and 14 seconds to go out. The one on the left is the easiest to adjust and has the longest lever so it's the one I use on the mower, its really responsive. And the one to the right is the one I use on the big trailer, it is at full flow and I can lock it to raise the deck by itself, or lock it in float and drive off.

ovrszd · Feb 5, 2017

olPete said:
Haha no wonder theres a whole forum full of problems then. I guess thats progress. I have a bank set up really slow for my top link. the middle one in my picture, it takes about 11 seconds to go in from full extension in, and 14 seconds to go out. The one on the left is the easiest to adjust and has the longest lever so it's the one I use on the mower, its really responsive. And the one to the right is the one I use on the big trailer, it is at full flow and I can lock it to raise the deck by itself, or lock it in float and drive off.

Yep. Rare to find a Utility class of smaller tractor with flow controls like you describe. I always run the Ford with the main valve in "rabbit" mode so the 3pt functions quickly. I then adjust either of the rear remotes to whatever speed applies at the time. I can reach all of the adjusters from the seat.

I think you have to get into larger AG class tractors to see adjusters on rear remotes. Maybe others can share their experiences differently.

olPete · Feb 5, 2017

ovrszd said:
Yep. Rare to find a Utility class of smaller tractor with flow controls like you describe. I always run the Ford with the main valve in "rabbit" mode so the 3pt functions quickly. I then adjust either of the rear remotes to whatever speed applies at the time. I can reach all of the adjusters from the seat.

I think you have to get into larger AG class tractors to see adjusters on rear remotes. Maybe others can share their experiences differently.

I have suddenly got both respect and sympathy for everyone who doesn't have them. I did wonder a little, the steering brakes thread; guys saying they don't use them as they lock wheels and rip up the grass! I guess they just don't have such progressive controls on them as what I'm accustomed to (although I still regard having two brake pedals that work as a luxury). I have operated plenty of excavators/ diggers and the smaller they are the jerkier they become. I suppose it comes down to have much oil's getting moved about as to how fine your movement is.
Maybe my old girl with 7862 hours on the clock will be getting to see a few more

ovrszd · Feb 6, 2017

olPete said:
Maybe my old girl with 7862 hours on the clock will be getting to see a few more

Having a good tractor is similar to having a good wife. Might take her for granted often, but sure would miss her if she were gone.

Kodiak45 · Feb 12, 2017

I was very excited yesterday about using the hyd top link for some box blade work only to deal with the fluttering cylinder once again. I tried to get all the air out, but it was never satisfactory and I feathered the cylinder every time. I had just finished refabbing the box blade 3pt frame which took me 2 weekends to complete. The hydraulic top link combined with quick hitch is a dream to use. I think I'm gonna try the restrictor orifices before I spend the extra money on a adjustable valve. I do believe a top and tilt kit is in the future for me.

Kodiak45 · Feb 12, 2017

ovrszd · Feb 12, 2017

Yep, I'd try a restrictor in the rod end hose first.

Kodiak45 · Feb 12, 2017

I'm doing my shopping for restrictor orifices and i saw the mini ball valve and was wondering if this could achieve the same purpose as the flow control valve? The restrictors are only $5 each and the flow controls are $50 each and the mini ball valves are $10 each.