Hydraulic Top Link? Moving Hay~UPDATE! Problem Solved!

[rockinbbar]

I've been cussing CNH products for years for not making a 3 point hitch system that comes up high enough to move hay bales reliably.

The issue is I can't adjust the top link to lift the bale high enough if the bale isn't really firm, or had a somewhat wallowed out center from being moved.

Here's an example. This is as much lift as I can get without cranking on the manual toplink after I've speared the bale...

If I leave the manual top link adjusted to lift higher, the angle of the spear is too severe to run into the bale.

A hydraulic top link ought to solve this, shouldn't it?

Have any of you used a hydraulic top link to get the 3 pt hitch load higher?

Just seeking input before I order a new hydraulic top link. Preferred manufacturer?

Thanks!

 

[bdhsfz6]

Yes, I use a hyd top link to raise many of my implements. I wouldn't be without one.

Make sure you order the right length. You also need to decide whether to get a cat 1 or cat 2.

Check with Brian at Fit Rite Hydraulics:

Fit Rite Hydraulics - fitritehydraulics.com

Manufacturers of tractor 3 point hitch top and tilt hydraulic kits, hydraulic top links and hydraulic side links.

www.fitritehydraulics.com

 

[oldnslo]

Can you get a spear with two prongs vs single? That is what I had and very little problem with bales tipping and sagging.

 

[rockinbbar]

Yes, I use a hyd top link to raise many of my implements. I wouldn't be without one.

Make sure you order the right length. You also need to decide whether to get a cat 1 or cat 2.

Check with Brian at Fit Rite Hydraulics:

Fit Rite Hydraulics - fitritehydraulics.com

Manufacturers of tractor 3 point hitch top and tilt hydraulic kits, hydraulic top links and hydraulic side links.

www.fitritehydraulics.com

Thanks for the link!

Yeah, both my tractors are Cat 2, so that is one question solved. I'll get out and measure the 75hp toplink for ordering the hydraulic replacement. The toplinks on it and my 120hp are similar in length, so if I need it on the 120, it should pin right up and work okay.

 

[rockinbbar]

Can you get a spear with two prongs vs single? That is what I had and very little problem with bales tipping and sagging.

I hear ya, but the Case and New Holland tractors don't have as much lift height as some others.

My Mahindra 6075, that I no longer have, would lift much higher on the 3pt, and I never had an issue. Used that tractor for moving hay a LOT.

But since I've gone all Blue, I'm hoping that hydraulic top link will solve the problem.

 

[zzvyb6]

Sure you have the right lower links ? If they were longer, the rate of change of angle as you lift would be less. But from the looks of it, your top link is way too long. Plus the top link hole position isn't shown, but that also affects the rate of angle change. It's just a simple 4-bar linkage....

 

[LouNY]

Yes, it will make it handier.

 

[rockinbbar]

Sure you have the right lower links ? If they were longer, the rate of change of angle as you lift would be less. But from the looks of it, your top link is way too long. Plus the top link hole position isn't shown, but that also affects the rate of angle change. It's just a simple 4-bar linkage....

I'm pretty sure I have everything set up to get maximum lift.

Aside from the 3pt hitch itself, there's a knob that allows some adjustment on hydraulic lift with the lifting arms which link to the lower arms.

Yeah, you are right, The toplink is extended because when I retract it, the point of the spear is tilted WAY upward, and won't stick into the bale right.

 

[pmsmechanic]

It\s hard to see on your picture but if the bale fork has a hole above what you are using now use it. Usually there are three holes for the top link on the tractor. Make sure the top link is in the bottom hole. Setting up the top link like that will tip the bale fork forward as you lift which might be enough to solve your problem.

 

[rockinbbar]

It\s hard to see on your picture but if the bale fork has a hole above what you are using now use it. Usually there are three holes for the top link on the tractor. Make sure the top link is in the bottom hole. Setting up the top link like that will tip the bale fork forward as you lift which might be enough to solve your problem.

Toplink mount has 3 hole settings. I'm in the bottom one.

The bale spear itself is for Cat 1 or Cat 2 either one. The pins are on top of each other where the top of the toplink mounts. I can use either, but either one doesn't make a perceptible difference in lift height.

For some reason, in my experience, anyway... CHN tractors keep the implement level when raising. My old Mahindra would tilt upward when lifted, but CNH 3 point hitches maintain the same pitch throughout the lift. (That's probably desirable in the world of ground engaging implements, but the only thing I use a 3pt hitch for is hay moving and occasionally my gopher machine and rarely a post hole auger.)

I ordered a hydraulic top link this morning. We'll see if that fixes things a bit.