How many "TnT" owners

[jenkinsph]

Reggie, I don't seem to have any problems with my "TnT" sets not having any check valves, but then I guess that I am one of the few.

I haven't had problems either.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Steve, some say that we don't have problems because of our larger diameter cylinders, but that theory doesn't hold up. My 3215 has 2" cylinders. So why is it that we don't have the leak down problem that so many seem to have?

 

[jenkinsph]

I looked at your pics and at least your tilt cylinder appears to be the same as mine. Might be a difference in the quality of the cylinders. Not trying to flame anyone either.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The one on your 4520 looks different to me, but who knows?

 

[dcyrilc]

Steve, some say that we don't have problems because of our larger diameter cylinders, but that theory doesn't hold up. My 3215 has 2" cylinders. So why is it that we don't have the leak down problem that so many seem to have?

I looked at your pics and at least your tilt cylinder appears to be the same as mine. Might be a difference in the quality of the cylinders. Not trying to flame anyone either.

I was contemplating the same thing earlier, and had the same thought as to possibly being an issue of the quality of the cylinder or seals.

 

[DK35vince]

Might be a difference in the quality of the cylinders.

I used cheeper tie rod cylinders for my first set that leaked down.
Better quality cylinders without check valves may have worked better without leakdown. I don't know.
I do like having the check valves though.

 

[kruszert]

Thanks for all the responses - - - I have to admit that I am unsure of what to do at this point. The second set of remotes are on the way - - $234 for my Kioti DK35.

Bailey's sells a ready made top link cylinder with the same dimensions as my adjustable link - - 2 1/2" cylinder, no check valve, $138. Bailey's does not have a side link cylinder and it doesn't look that easy to adapt one of their cylinders without disassembly and welding. I could do it but it would be a mess.

CCM sells a top link with check valves for $195 (2" cylinder) - - not too bad since a check valve assembly will cost you $40 plus you will have to make it an add on with tubing etc.

CCM also makes a custom side link with check valve for $250. This seems a little too expensive but I can't find anyone else on the internet that sells something similar or something that seems readily adaptable (guess that's why they can get $250).

This is going to be an $800 + project by the time I buy hoses and quick connects, etc. Better get my taxes done and the return on the way!

I am still pondering those check valves - - if the cylinder leaks by the piston a check valve will not help but if the valve leaks back, quick connect seals leak or a hose breaks the check valve will come into play. Not sure what to do.

Any other places to buy side sink cylinders?

Reggie

 

[firefighter9208]

My neighbor has a Kubota L5030 with TNT. His does not have check valves and he is constantly having to re-adjust the side link with heavy implements. I would definately buy the cylinders with the check valves for a few dollars more.

Chris

 

[jinman]

Thanks for all the responses - - - I have to admit that I am unsure of what to do at this point. The second set of remotes are on the way - - $234 for my Kioti DK35.

Bailey's sells a ready made top link cylinder with the same dimensions as my adjustable link - - 2 1/2" cylinder, no check valve, $138. Bailey's does not have a side link cylinder and it doesn't look that easy to adapt one of their cylinders without disassembly and welding. I could do it but it would be a mess.

CCM sells a top link with check valves for $195 (2" cylinder) - - not too bad since a check valve assembly will cost you $40 plus you will have to make it an add on with tubing etc.

CCM also makes a custom side link with check valve for $250. This seems a little too expensive but I can't find anyone else on the internet that sells something similar or something that seems readily adaptable (guess that's why they can get $250).

This is going to be an $800 + project by the time I buy hoses and quick connects, etc. Better get my taxes done and the return on the way!

I am still pondering those check valves - - if the cylinder leaks by the piston a check valve will not help but if the valve leaks back, quick connect seals leak or a hose breaks the check valve will come into play. Not sure what to do.

Any other places to buy side sink cylinders?

Reggie

Reggie, I bought the Bailey toplink several years ago and leakdown was no problem whatsoever. What was a problem was the "sponginess" of the cylinder. I made the mistake of using 1/2" hoses about 4' long. Because the cylinder needs so little fluid movement to create 3/4" of rod movement, my cylinder would move 3/4" back and forth as I changed directions while boxblading. It was not air in the lines but rather the lines themselves actually ballooned and allowed the cylinder to move. I could have reduced this problem by going to 1/4" lines as short as possible, but I chose to buy a CCM toplink with the DPOCV. What you will notice immediately with the CCM toplink or the Surplus Center toplink is that the lines from the DPOCV to each end of the cylinder are rigid tubing. That tubing being rigid and sealed to perfection ensures the cylinder rod is rigid and unmovable wherever you put it. It doesn't matter what size hoses you have or if your remote valve leaks a bit. Once you remove pressure, the DPOCV provides a perfect hydraulic lock and the cylinder acts like a solid steel toplink/sidelink.

In my opinion, the sidelink being rigid is not as important as the toplink. The 3PH doesn't have downpressure and can always float upwards. As long as your sidelink doesn't bleed down, you are good to go. On my tractor while mowing, I may have to adjust the sidelink once an hour, but no more than that. When I'm boxblading, I seem to adjust the sidelink a lot due to cutting at an angle and changing directions anyhow. I don't need consistency there.

So, I think the DPOCV on the CCM style toplink cylinders is worth the extra cost. I also know that you should buy top grade hoses and fittings and make sure they are leak free and as short as possible. All these things will add up to making you very happy with your TnT.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Not sure what to do.

Any other places to buy side sink cylinders?

Reggie

For a good hydraulic side link, your going to have to pay $200-$250. Anything else and you might as well build it yourself. That meaning anything else is most likely going to have to be reworked to fit your tractor.