Adding a Hydraulice toplink

[richl56]

Hi Everyone
I have a 2013 B3300su tractor. I want to add a hydraulic top link. Kubota is very proud $$$ of their offering. So I am looking for something a little more down to earth price wise.

I found this control valve: 2 function for future growth

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200638935_200638935

Hydraulic cylinder:
Amazon.com: Maxim WSB Swivel Ball Welded Cylinder: 2 Bore x 1 Stroke - 1.25 Rod Dia., 4513: Industrial & Scientific
I know I will need some hoses and fittings but it should be far less than the $1021 Kubota dealer quoted (minus labor). Am I on the right track?
Where do I tap into the tractors hydraulic system?

Thanks
Rich

 

[JRobyn]

Welcome aboard! :welcome: Search around some on here for similar threads on "remotes" to get a solid idea of what you are getting into to understand the true final cost. Be sure to consider fabricating a mount for your valve(s) where you can readily get to them and be able to plumb both in and out hydraulic lines. Are you interested in having the valve control levers in the factory "slots"? On many (most?) tractors, you'll want to tap into hydraulic ports somewhere on the tractor housing. That will take either a factory take-off or some precision fabrication. Remember a solid mount (bulkhead) for the rear remote quick-connects and all the fittings.

I'll attach a pic or two later today of what the complete Kubota factory setup looks like for mine.

Here's the whole assembly on the bench before installation. These valves all have "float", hence the cylindrical float detent assemblies on the bottom of each valve. The three valves stack with o-rings between them, and a cast iron/milled termination block on the outside so that hydraulic pressure gets routed back down the return line. You can see the hydraulic takeoff block for a Kubota L4330 at the end of the hard hydraulic lines opposite the valves (block with 3 bolts). The lowest line is the low pressure hydraulic return. The rear bulkhead/mount and the matching bulkhead quick-connects are on the left.



And the cylinders (supplied by Fit-Rite) custom-fabricated for a Kubota L4330. I know you are intending just top and not tilt, but be aware if you decide to add tilt that the tilt cylinder will need a "yoke" like this on the lift arm end to fit your tractor.

 

[newbury]

Check with Brian, he's VERY helpful. website

 

[ovrszd]

So the tractor has not rear remote currently?

 

[richl56]

Hi Ovrszd
My tractor did not have the rear remote when I bought it new in 2013. That's why I was looking at the 2 port unit at Northern Tool. I was thinking for no more work why not have the option to expand to use the second port if the need arises.

Rich

 

[richl56]

Hi Newbury

I looked earlier at fitritehydraulics and the price is pretty close to the Kubota offering. Since I am buying this out of my allowance I am looking for ways to save.

Rich

 

[teg]

...That's why I was looking at the 2 port unit at Northern Tool. I was thinking for no more work why not have the option to expand to use the second port...

That's how I ended up with three but wish I had a forth one! Gotta stop some where. I couldn't get your Northern Tool link to work... was this one it?

Prince Hydraulic Control Valve 8 GPM, 2-Spool, Model# MB21BB5C1

 

[Xfaxman]

That cylinder has 1" pin holes, cat1 is 3/4".

 

[richl56]

I fixed the Northern tool link for the control valve

 

[teg]

That one would work, just not as good as one that's more matched with your machine's flow. Your tractor Pump flow is 6.7 gpm and that valve is good for 12 gpm. The one I listed is for 8 gpm. I can not tell if the power beyond plug comes with either valve or if you need to buy that separately.

Factory installed is very clean looking, it fits into a tight, out of the way, space. Has all the mounting hardware and brackets (you'll have to build those) to mount the valve and the quick disconnects to.

 

[Fallon]

Hi Newbury

I looked earlier at fitritehydraulics and the price is pretty close to the Kubota offering. Since I am buying this out of my allowance I am looking for ways to save.

Rich

My TnT kit & valves from FitRite on my old L3200 blow my OEM Kubota solution (OEM valves at least). Dealer is getting new cylinders & will look at the valves leaking down in an hour or so once we stop hydraulic fluid oozing out.

I'm wishing I'd gone with FitRite rather than Kubota this 2nd go around. You won't find better quality. Not the fastest turn around, but he's honest about the lead times & worth the wait.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/375146-sad-story-kubota-tnt.html

 

[Lockport]

Late chiming in here but you might want to consider a toplink with a checkvalve
Agristore USA | Replacement Parts | Cat. 1: 18 1/8" - 26 3/8"

 

[Fallon]

Late chiming in here but you might want to consider a toplink with a checkvalve
Agristore USA | Replacement Parts | Cat. 1: 18 1/8" - 26 3/8"

A check valve eliminates the ability to use float. I love float, it's really handy. Also check valves are generally a bandaid for crappy valves or other issues. They work, but cut your options.

 

[TMGT]

I used this one Surplus Center on my B2620, the tractor side mount will need to be narrowed up a bit to fit in the bracket on the tractor. They also make a longer one with an 11 in stroke.

I personally prefer the check valve for my uses, I don't have a need for float and it prevent cylinder drift.

I prefer the prince wolverine valves to the northern valves, northern valves seemed a little less well built when I was looking.