Electric Top Link

   / Electric Top Link #1  

Hayloft

Bronze Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2015
Messages
56
Location
Western Wash
Tractor
3520HST
Anybody install an actuator for adjusting tractor top Link ?
 
   / Electric Top Link #2  
I don't think that they are anywhere near tough enough for that use.
 
   / Electric Top Link #3  
Here is a link to another thread discussing this....
 
   / Electric Top Link
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Yeah, well I don't know much about selecting the right actuator for this job but there are some pretty hefty heavy duty actuators out there, from hundred lbs force up to more than 1,000 lbs force. When using a manual top link cylinder it doesn't take that much force for sure. Seems the rod ends would likely need to be modified to fit the cat 1. Still looking.
 
   / Electric Top Link #5  
When using a manual top link cylinder it doesn't take that much force for sure.
Simply adjusting the length is not the load that I'd worry about.
It's the 6' - 7' wide implement and the shock loads, picture a box scraper backing up doing a little grading/pushing backwards and you "catch" a rock or stump bringing the tractor to an immediate stop, or driving the tractor back to the house after bush hogging in a higher gear and you cross that little bump or groundhog hole and that you forgot about and the heavy mower gets thrown up and down pretty violently....
They don't use 3/4" or bigger acme threaded rod if it weren't a necessary. 👍 minimum.
 
   / Electric Top Link #6  
A linear actuator with sufficient load rating is gonna cost you maybe 3 times what a cylinder will, and then you'll have to modify the ends because none of them come with the ends that will fit a top link.

Been running large farm tractors with many, many rear mounted implements for the last 35 years and I've never felt the need for a TNT.
 
   / Electric Top Link
  • Thread Starter
#7  
A linear actuator with sufficient load rating is gonna cost you maybe 3 times what a cylinder will, and then you'll have to modify the ends because none of them come with the ends that will fit a top link.

Been running large farm tractors with many, many rear mounted implements for the last 35 years and I've never felt the need for a TNT.
All good points. And I guess if electric top links was a good idea there would already be a ton of products on the market! Thanks for the discussion !
 
   / Electric Top Link #8  
I never had a hyd top link until I bought my last tractor. One of the best things I ever bought. I just put an Ag South el cheapo on it.
 
   / Electric Top Link #9  
There was an electric over hydraulic top link posted here on TBN a while back. Need to find it again as I don't remember the details. It might be the answer for someone who doesn't have and doesn't want to add rear remotes.
 
   / Electric Top Link #10  
Hayloft now you've reminded me that there is a hydraulically adjustable top link that's self contained. You can't adjust it from the seat but.... I'll look for a link or name.
 

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