2538 Hydraulic Top Link ???

Oledadger · Jun 6, 2017

Just rolled 200 hours on my machine and am looking to upgrade. Pat's easy change was the latest and now I am thinking hydraulic top link. I spend a fair amount of time adjusting manually and looking to make it more convenient.

I currently have a dealer installed 3rd function for the front and I ordered the machine with a backhoe so I have two female ports and one male on the rear(when BH is not installed the male plugs into one of the female ports)

Any direction someone can point me? I would like to buy general ag parts to pull this off and not sure where to start.

Neversosure · Jun 6, 2017

You can use the backhoe lines in the back or use the third function valve. Just remember...... use a valve that allows the hydraulic fluid to flow through on the backhoe lines. Google it or go to the Hydraulic section on tractorbynet and search all the info is available there. Good luck.

dickfoster · Jun 7, 2017

Oledadger said:
Just rolled 200 hours on my machine and am looking to upgrade. Pat's easy change was the latest and now I am thinking hydraulic top link. I spend a fair amount of time adjusting manually and looking to make it more convenient.

I currently have a dealer installed 3rd function for the front and I ordered the machine with a backhoe so I have two female ports and one male on the rear(when BH is not installed the male plugs into one of the female ports)

Any direction someone can point me? I would like to buy general ag parts to pull this off and not sure where to start.

One is the low pressure return line, another is the power beyond and the other is high pressure. You have to install the line loop when the hoe is off to prevent dead heading your hydraulic pump.

Oledadger · Jun 7, 2017

Thanks DF-- I am sourcing a 3 valve stack with open center and matching quick disconnects. I should be able to use the two that are connected together when hoe is off, plug them into my valve stack and run the valves off of it. Sounds bout right?

Zyvek · Jun 19, 2019

Did you ever complete your project? I have a 2638 and I'm looking to do the same.

Oledadger · Jun 19, 2019

Zyvek said:
Did you ever complete your project? I have a 2638 and I'm looking to do the same.

Yes-- just wrapped it up last week actually. Worth it's weight in gold. I would get a quick hitch and a metered top and tilt cylinder (so the rams move slowly)