electric top link

[Oldstuff]

Is there such a thing as an electric top link? By this I mean one that is electric (12 volt DC) only or an electric motor driven hydraulic cylinder? Would be helpful on a tractor that has no rear hydraulics.

Thanks,
Oldstuff

 

[IndyIan]

Isn't this a good application for the hydraulink? From what I saw on the demo video the only thing it can't do is raise the back edge up on something like a box blade when you are on level ground.

 

[Code54]

Is there such a thing as an electric top link? By this I mean one that is electric (12 volt DC) only or an electric motor driven hydraulic cylinder? Would be helpful on a tractor that has no rear hydraulics.

Thanks,
Oldstuff

Sort of like a electric screw jack? Several manufactures offer them for lifting smaller dump trailers (like ATV style) - I don't know if they would be strong enough to work as a Top Link but it maybe interesting to look in to if you have the need.
Good luck

 

[Willl]

Is there such a thing as an electric top link?

No...

 

[Martian]

I don't know of any but even if there were they wouldn't seem very industrial to me. I would get a remote kit, no more than a couple hundred and then get the real thing:thumbsup:

 

[chopped]

electric screw jack. Thats a great idea. I never thought of that but imagined a motor that would turn the top link screw.Almost seesm like to would be too easy.Maybe a good idea. The 'screw' part would have to be heavy to ahndle the loads ..
Closest I cam ewas thinking of using the standard top link and somehow mount a cheap electric winch to it. maybe a small sprocket onthe shaft and a chain..Seems as though it would work with plenty of oil on the threads..even if the implimen thad to be placed on the ground to take up some of the weight..

 

[Code54]

I do think the idea could work, may take a little fabricating of course but don't see why it could not be done. The real problem is I can see it becoming difficult to have a good working system that would be inexpensive unless you could find some of the parts free or greatly reduced. Granted if you had an old screw jack laying around and a old top link you could chop the ends off, don't see why you may not be able to make one? I would also think it would work better on a small machine than a larger one (Cat 0/1 maybe a great test bed)

Found this on the Joyce site -
"Joyce electric cylinders lift and precisely position up to 20 tons, achieve travel speeds up to 546 inches per minute, and raise loads up to 100 inches. They are well suited for industrial environments where protection of the lifting screw mechanism is critical and low maintenance is desired. Requiring only electric power, Joyce electric cylinders may also be used in place of hydraulic cylinders, eliminating the cost and potential for leaks associated with hydraulic systems."

 

[Oldstuff]

Thanks to All for replies. I had thought of this because I am assuming to go hydraulic would be complicated or not even possible. My tractor is a 1963 Ford model 2000 and only has the original 3 point lift. Not sure if possible to tap into the existing hydraulic system to add a hydraulic top lift?

 

[SSdoxie]

Thanks to All for replies. I had thought of this because I am assuming to go hydraulic would be complicated or not even possible. My tractor is a 1963 Ford model 2000 and only has the original 3 point lift. Not sure if possible to tap into the existing hydraulic system to add a hydraulic top lift?

If anybody would know what it takes to add rear remotes to that tractor would Soundguy. PM him or post question in Ford section.

 

[jinman]

Is there such a thing as an electric top link? By this I mean one that is electric (12 volt DC) only or an electric motor driven hydraulic cylinder? Would be helpful on a tractor that has no rear hydraulics.

Thanks,
Oldstuff

Yes, these are exactly what you need for power. These units are not as big as they look in the brochure and have 3000-5000 lb thrust. The relatively slow speed is precisely what you need for a toplink. They would need to be adapted, but that would not be all that hard. I have one running the bedlift on my Kawasaki Mule and can dump rounded up beds of dirt with it. They can be bought for around $385 complete. With a few more dollars for a directional switch and mounting, they are far cheaper than buying hydraulic remotes and then a toplink to boot. The fact that they run off of 12VDC, makes them very portable. You have to have room for the unit, but you have to have room for hydraulic lines on a regular toplink. This one you only need a wire.

 

[Oldstuff]

Thanks to All and especially Jinman- looks like it should work.

Oldstuff

 

[jwmsjwms]

tried the link but get an error. do you remember the manufacture/model info?

 

[pwright]

Try this:

Industrial Hydraulics | CMC Marine

 

[suburbanfarmer]

Any one else try this theory yet?

 

[t2krookie]

Well despite the OLD thread, the same options for an electrical top link seem to be available and I'm looking through them. My only question is, would they stand up to pressures since hydraulics can compress a bit when extended (for good reason). Also would hate to miss out on a hydraulic solution with float valves on my 3 point. Its awesome on the FEL.

 

[orezok]

You might consider using a modified trailer electric tongue jack. Lifts 4000# but not sure about tension. Relatively inexpensive.

 

[foggy1111]

I saw a YouTube video just last night of a grapple with an electric operated cylinder to close the "lid". Lots of extreme forces on that top link application tho. dunno of any.

 

[ptsg]

I don't know about an electric top link and doubt a simple actuator would be up to the task, however, there is something called Hydraulink.

It's basically an hydraulic top link that doesn't use any remotes. It allows you to adjust the length by simply opening a valve up top, pull or push the rod to the desired length and lock the valve. It stays in the position. It also has the ability to flow if one leaves the valve open.

Hydraulink Category 1 Toplink | Tractor Top Link Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Hydraulink Category 1 Toplink, Tractor Top Link Hydraulic Cylinders, HYDRAULINK CATEGORY 1 TOPLINK, HYDRAULINK TOP LINK CYLINDER Brand new,Hydraulink,HL101,

www.surpluscenter.com

 

[jmc]

it's been awhile but a grapple manufacturer was offering an electric version to avoid hydraulics. Might be worth looking at their actuator.

Edit: oops, foggy beat me to it.

 

[SPYDERLK]

The forces on a toplink of even a CUT can be huge. It must endure jerking, vibration and dust. A manual toplink is simple and robust. An electric would be cumbersome, slow, fragile and weak.