Got the itch for a hydraulic top link

[MrChris]

I am curious on how you hook up the top link.. so school me some.. Isnt the hydraulic top link going to drop down and point toward the ground, due to its weight, just like the screw jack does? and how do you hold it up to point to the attachment point while going around the right tire to get to the hydraulic control. to extend or retract the cylinder rod to make the length correct to get hooked up.. My arm is not that long.. I can see it if you could reach the control valve lever and hold the cylinder up with your left hand, But I cannot envision on how to do this the way my control lever is set up from the factory.:confused3:

James K0UA

I can easily reach both my 3pt and TnT control levers while at the rear of the tractor. They are both mounted up high between my seat and the right fender.

 

[shortthrow50]

I thought about this dilemma as well. However, I checked and I can easily reach the lever that controls the hydraulic valve so this shouldn't be a problem for me. Maybe some of you HTL users can weigh in.

bungy cord

 

[gwdixon]

I use a piece of nylon webbing (like on a backpack) tied in a loop to hold the top link in place. It is looped around the top link and the old top link bracket on the tractor. That way it can be left on when hooked up - just let it hang by slipping it off the bracket.

Bungee cords have to be unhooked and stretch too much. They can't really be just left to hang very easily.

For hooking up the top link I extend the top link all the way. Then rest it on the saddle on the implement. Slowly retract the top link as it rests on the saddle and when it looks about right just slide in the pin. Usually an implement has a little bit of give if the holes don't line up exactly.

Be sure to get a little longer top link to make up for the increased distance the Pat's causes (4" or thereabouts). If you have the slide-in Pat's there is no increase in distance.

A hydraulic top link is essential for tractor happiness. It could be lived without but why be miserable. Life is too short for that.

 

[k0ua]

I use a piece of nylon webbing (like on a backpack) tied in a loop to hold the top link in place. It is looped around the top link and the old top link bracket on the tractor. That way it can be left on when hooked up - just let it hang by slipping it off the bracket.

Bungee cords have to be unhooked and stretch too much. They can't really be just left to hang very easily.

For hooking up the top link I extend the top link all the way. Then rest it on the saddle on the implement. Slowly retract the top link as it rests on the saddle and when it looks about right just slide in the pin. Usually an implement has a little bit of give if the holes don't line up exactly.

Be sure to get a little longer top link to make up for the increased distance the Pat's causes (4" or thereabouts). If you have the slide-in Pat's there is no increase in distance.

A hydraulic top link is essential for tractor happiness. It could be lived without but why be miserable. Life is too short for that.

Thanks, that seems like it could work for me. My control is below the Joystick control on the front edge of the seat platform. I will check into the sight lines and such. Again thanks to all that replied.

James K0UA

James K0UA

 

[shortthrow50]

Bungee cords have to be unhooked and stretch too much. They can't really be just left to hang very easily.
.

while changing implements so a bungy cord works for this procedure. You can use anything to hold up a top link during swap outs. Even an old pair of underwear that might have a poop stain in them. Simple as that. :thumbsup:

 

[magicheater]

A Hydraulic Top-link is a very necessary addition for me, as is a steering wheel spinner. I prefer to route my remotes through a joystick type control as this gives me one place for my hand when I want the extra functions. A foot pedal is a useful addition when third function on the loader is needed. Any extra hydraulic function added to your tractor adds a value in diversity of use and time saved. It can be somewhat costly and confusing, but it is a one time event, and then you have it and all the options it allows.

 

[SSdoxie]

I am curious on how you hook up the top link.. so school me some.. Isnt the hydraulic top link going to drop down and point toward the ground, due to its weight, just like the screw jack does? and how do you hold it up to point to the attachment point while going around the right tire to get to the hydraulic control. to extend or retract the cylinder rod to make the length correct to get hooked up.. My arm is not that long.. I can see it if you could reach the control valve lever and hold the cylinder up with your left hand, But I cannot envision on how to do this the way my control lever is set up from the factory.:confused3:

James K0UA

A piece of steel rod with a T handle welded on one end and a hollow tube welded at 90 degrees on the other to slip over the rear remote lever would solve the reaching the lever issue.

 

[Zebrafive]

Any of you guys using a hydraulic toplink with a quick hitch? Seems like then hooking up the toplink would be a one time deal.

 

[k0ua]

Any of you guys using a hydraulic toplink with a quick hitch? Seems like then hooking up the toplink would be a one time deal.

True, but then the Hydraulic top link would be used for its original function which is to adjust the angle of attack of the implement or to raise an implement higher for transport like a rotary cutter. It does not matter that it is attached to a QH, it would still work for that.

James K0UA

 

[Mike9]

Old thread I know, but I use Pat's QH on my Kubota. I had to buy a TL with a 20" tube because the hook up point is further from the original. I'm guessing I'd need a longer HTL then too.