3 point boom or gin pole with hydrolic cylinder

JRP · Dec 28, 2005

When you make a hydraulic top link you want to end up with a link that has the same extracted dimensions and the same extended dimensions as your original top link. This is important.

Here is a picture of a hydraulic top link. You will need a new cylinder, two rod ends sized for Cat I top link (I think 3/4" hole), and some steel plate about 3/4 or 1" thick. I think my cylinder was 8" stroke, 3" diameter piston.

1. Adapter for the non-rod end of the cylinder:
Make a template out of plywood that will slip in the cylinder end between the ears. Drill the plywood with a 1" twist drill through the holes in the ears. You will hacve a cutting template that will be used to make a steel plate that will fit snuggly between the ears and not wobble. It should touch the cylinder end such that it will not rotate on the pin. Drill a 1" hole in the 1" steel plate. Pin the plywood to the plate with the pin that came with the cylinder. Trace the template and cut out your adapter with a fire hatchet (cutting torch). Weld on a 3/4" rod end.

2. End of cylinder rod: Cut off the standard rod end with a portaband bandsaw, leaving enough threaded end so to weld to without the weld smashing the seal to destruction. When retracted the weld must not enter the seal area. Weld on the 3/4 rod end. Be sure to protect the cylinder rod so you dont get weld spatter on it.

3. Clean up your welds, paint, and install hoses. I made a mistake and got large diameter hoses. These swell under pressure and make a little spongy top link, even with the air bled out. Small 1/4 ID hoses would be better I think.

Another easier and safer way to get a hydraulic top link is to just go buy one.

My hydraulic top link was one of the first custom items. Once installed, I think it has never been removed. You will wonder how you did without it.

JRP · Dec 28, 2005

Here is a couple of custom things you can do to a boom pole:

1. It has been adapted to fit my Speeco quick hitch. Takes 30 seconds to install.

2. Halfway up the pole is a welded plate with a 3/8 grab hook and shackel hole for lifting very heavy items and for pulling trees. Doubles lift capacity. It is between the two side braces so is hard to see.

3. At the end of the boom is a plate with keyhole for 3/8 chain. The chain is captive and can't fall out. Chain has one grab hook and one slip hook. Very fast to set up. A big hole and small hole are for shackels when using rope. A 3/8 grab hook can be used for my longer chain.

4. A 2 x 2 reciever hitch on the boom top is for my 5' stinger. This is for high lifts of lighter items like poles.

5. At the tractor end of the pole and below it is a reciever hitch welded under the thing such that I can inseert a 2" trailer ball. I can pull my trailer with the boom pole. I can stop and back up, jack knifing the trailer such that the pole end is over the load object, and with trailer still connected. After I pick up the load driving forward pulls the trailer under the laod and allowing me to put the load onto the trailer. This worked well for our community beach clean up project.

With a hydraulic top link I can almost put the boom pole end on the ground and then lift it to about 6' high. The stinger adds even more range.

Have fun, and stay out from under what ever you lift.

dennis001us · Dec 29, 2005

Please find out more information and adivse the cost and a picture or drawing if possible.

Taylortractornut · Dec 29, 2005

Dennis Ill take a picture ofTHe one my friend has for sale and It may be a few weeks before I have a another scissor type for sale. I ran out of materiales this week and the truck wont be back for another 2 weeks. My prices vary some depending on the sizes of tractor and the adjustability of the boom. Most things I build are for local use, I can send you a drawing of the booms I make for free if youd like to get one made locally.

dennis001us · Dec 30, 2005

I appreciate it very much. The pictures would be great and also the plans. This is for my dad so the picture will help greatly as I can get him involved and that will let him determine if that is what he wants. (I belive it is). He is just not much with computers is why I am doing this for him. thanks so very much. Dennis in Yazoo City/ My dad is in Liberty Mississippi. thanks again