hydralic toplink

[case685]

Hello
I was wondering if anyone can offer any advice on buying a cylinder for use as a hydralic toplink. My tractor is 60hp and cat. 2.
I was told by a local supplier that excessive pressures can build up in cylinders under load causing seals to rupture and that there would be side load problems also. Obviously though, plenty of people are using them so I'm assuming it must be a case of getting the right size and style of cylinder for my application.
Any thoughts or insights on this greatly appreciated. Thanks. Gerry

 

[MadReferee]

The absolute best place to buy your HTL is from CCM. They have cat 1 and cat 2 with the double pilot operated check valves. Call and ask for Mark. He posts here under the screen name CCI.

I have never heard of any of the concerns your dealer is talking about. Maybe Mark can give you some of his expert insight into any issues there may be (if any at all).

You can also take a look at their FAQ as it will answer many of your questions.

Carter & Carter Machinery top links

 

[n8wrl]

Does anyone know if CCM has them in stock yet? I thought Feb was the time...

-Brian

 

[m7040]

He always had cat 2 in stock

 

[3RRL]

Hello
I was wondering if anyone can offer any advice on buying a cylinder for use as a hydralic toplink. My tractor is 60hp and cat. 2.
I was told by a local supplier that excessive pressures can build up in cylinders under load causing seals to rupture and that there would be side load problems also. Obviously though, plenty of people are using them so I'm assuming it must be a case of getting the right size and style of cylinder for my application.
Any thoughts or insights on this greatly appreciated. Thanks. Gerry

Hi Gerry,
I bought my top link from CCM with the DPOCV and it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Many guys also buy their own cylinders and don't have the DPOCV on them without problems. So it is very doable.
I think your dealer who told you that stuff is full of BS.

 

[m7040]

Mine is the CCM as well Cat2. Works very well. Be sure to use 1/4 inch hose to slow it down a little, makes it more controlable. Only had one load where the cylinder would not lift with perhaps 3 to 4,000 lbs and some overhang. No damage at all just would not lift

 

[n8wrl]

He always had cat 2 in stock

Hmm. I traded emails with him in early Jan and he said call in Feb.

 

[case685]

Hi Guys Thanks for all the info. Sounds like CCM is the place to go. Getting a hydralic toplink is the first step in my plan to build a quick attach for my 3ph. Now that I'm getting a little older my back is forcing me to use what brains I have attach stuff to the tractor instead of trying to manhandle them into place. Thanks again. Gerry

 

[mscheer772]

Does anyone know when the Cat 1 top links will be in at CCM?

 

[40Kchicks]

I called them to get a CAT II link this last winter and was told they didn't have them and didn't have any idea when their supplier would come through on their order. I found it strange that they didn't put notice on their website about not having inventory.

Eric

 

[MadReferee]

Does anyone know when the Cat 1 top links will be in at CCM?

Did you call them and ask for Mark? Did you send Mark Carter an email or a PM thru TBN (his screen name is CCI)?

You will only get a valid answer from them. Anything else is just hearsay.

 

[mscheer772]

I spoke to Mark early today and was told, "next week maybe,give me a call." I'm concerned about the maybe part.From previous posts and no prior experience I'm not confident with "Maybe next weekmaybe,give me a call." I was hoping to get someone elses experince with them. Any thoughts?

On another note,I did buy the grapple from Joe at Millonzi,will be giving it a minor workout this wee-end


Thanks,

-Mike-

 

[MadReferee]

Several years ago I waited over 3 months for their shipment of toplinks to come in. The end product was worth every minute of the wait.

I have also purchased other large pieces of equipment from CCM with no issues at all.

 

[texasjohn]

I already had a couple of cylinders laying around unemployed, so created adapters for each end to make one the right length, hooked up hydraulics for one and tried it out. Works fine for me, no drift down after 2 years of occasional use. Really dandy implement.






No doubt the CCM works well. It has great reviews from TBM members. However, I avoided the cost of a cylinder since I already had it.

 

[mboulais]

I bought a cylinder from surpluscenter.com last week and had it in 5 business days. no piloted checkvalve. The CCM website would have you believe you are required to buy those by OSHA. OSHA only has authority in the workplace. They can't tell homeowners how to do anything. The piloted check valve will prevent implements from dropping if a hose breaks though. The one I bought should work for you.I used mine on a cat I and put bushings in swivel eyes.


Surplus Center Item Detail

 

[mboulais]

This is the cylinder I bought installed. 2" bore, 10" stroke.

 

[JerryG]

The CCM website would have you believe you are required to buy those by OSHA. OSHA only has authority in the workplace. They can't tell homeowners how to do anything.

This is what CCM said about their cylinders.

Why does CCM sell hydraulic toplinks with check valves?
Safety first is the main reason. OSHA and the EC require piloted check valves as a safety on agricultural and industrial equipment when an object is lifted with a hydraulic cylinder and has no mechanical safety catch.

How do you get that CCM is trying to have homeowners believe that their DPOCV cylinders are required by OSHA? No where do they say that. What they do say is that they are safer and that is why OSHA and the EC require them if no mechanical safety catch is provided on the equipment.

 

[JerryG]

I used mine on a cat I and put bushings in swivel eyes.

I don't know what bushing you used but Surplus Center has a perfect bushing for those cylinder. I installed two of them in my cylinder that I got from Surplus Center. They are driven in and stay in place. If anyone else does get a cylinder from SC, get the bushings from them also.
Surplus Center Item Detail
I would have much preferred to have a cylinder from CCM, but they didn't ever seem to have them in stock and I need a third arm now.

 

[slowrev]

I just figured out the other day thay my old IH 2444 has a bi-directional check valve already on it for the rear remote. All I need is to rig up a cylinder.
Ben

 

[mboulais]

I don't know what bushing you used but Surplus Center has a perfect bushing for those cylinder. I installed two of them in my cylinder that I got from Surplus Center. They are driven in and stay in place. If anyone else does get a cylinder from SC, get the bushings from them also.
Surplus Center Item Detail
I would have much preferred to have a cylinder from CCM, but they didn't ever seem to have them in stock and I need a third arm now.

I wasn't trying to start an argument, I just wanted to make sure everyone reading the thread was aware that there is no requirement for homeowners to install them. I haven't read the OSHA reg's word for word, but I think they are misqouting a section about equipment that employees are required to go under or into to perform tasks, otherwise we would see the same hydraulic circuits on all tractor loaders and forklifts. I have never seen a loader with that circuit and I doubt forktrucks have it since I have heard of more than one incident in industry where a mechanic was crushed under the forks of the fork truck he was working on. I do not advocate working under a suspended load, including one suspended from a three point hitch. I wouldn't feel completely safe working under either cylinder with a load on it.

I agree about the bushing too. Mine were just Cat II to Cat I top link bushings from Tractor supply. They fit nicely, but do not stay in as well as those must. Had I seen those on Surplus Center I would have bought them.