Fit Rite vs HayTools Hydraulic Top Links

[MtnViewRanch]

Brian, what is your "std retainer"?

Simply a hose clamp with the band covered in heat shrink wrap holding 2 links of chain. The chain typically will hook onto most std top link retainers. This does not work for some of the bigger tractors that actually have a rod that latches from the top link back onto the tractor. But could easily accommodate hooking a rubber strap from the tractor to the cylinder on those tractors that have the rod that I had mentioned.

 

[Fallon]

Brian, what is your "std retainer"?

Some kind of clamp (hose clamp maybe) with some chain on it. I debated even putting it on as it's useless to me because the Quick Hitch means the cylinder is never unmounted on 1 end. Seemed solid enough so I attached it anyway rather than find it on s shelf in a few years with no clue what for.

Clock is there in the photo as I was measuring how fast the Kubota rear valves leaked down (an inch an hour or more on the sidelink now after their 3rd repair). Leakdown is not from Brian's TnT cylinders at all. The cylinders took forever to get but were worth it. My 1st set along with valves & other plumbing from Fit Rite ran off with the old L3200.

 

[oosik]

I purchased my Fit Rite top link six years ago. I NEVER have a naked 3-point. However, when going from where I drop the rear blade to attaching the chipper - I simply rope the top link up to the brace on the rear of the seat. BTW - my Fit Rite hydraulic top link is one of few attachments that I would rate - 100%.

 

[orangetree]

Are you saying that the cylinders from Fit Rite are better quality than those from Haytools?





How important is it to be able to float a three-point attachment? I can't float with my current top link and can't recall an occasion when I might have benefited from it. My tractor does have draft control at the lifting arms though.

EDIT: I just read Brian's tutorials regarding float and check valves and can see that float could be a pretty good thing and check valves may not be necessary at all.

I can't for the life of me find said tutorial either here on TBN or in a google.

Could you share a link or something more specific I should search for? Thanks!

(PS mods: if @MtnViewRanch wrote a valve tutorial/faq, can it be stickied on the hydraulics forum?)

 

[MtnViewRanch]

It's on the Fit Rite website.

Float function

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

www.fitritehydraulics.com

 

[jyoutz]

I put some sturdy cable ties arund the top cylinder and two more in a loop that sticks up. I hook the factory top link holder on the loop to hold the cylinder. It was a quick hack but it's still working so I have not made a more permanant solution. That'll probably be the same idea with stronger materials.

Stainless steel cable ties.