hydraulic top link for a JD 4310

[rmonio]

Thanks, Jeff. I know how the holiday's can be a blur - for sure.

Based on the pictures, I should be able to have something like this retrofitted on my 4600. Question - do you use it for any other options rather than just the "in/out" tilt on the forks? Is it usuable for running a log splitter, for example, etc.?

Also - do you use an i-Match with it? and lastly, do you have any idea on price the dealer charged for it to be put on?

Thanks for your help. I know it's alot of questions - but I'm curious on other uses. Thanks!

-Bob

 

[jeffinsgf]

The 3rd SCV can be used with any hydraulic implement that needs a control. Most log splitters have their own control, so you would use the Power Beyond connection (has no control -- just ties the implement into the hydraulic system) instead of a controlled connection (SCV). I have used it to run a grapple (ran flex hoses to the front). As I said in an earlier post, I really like it for box blade and landscape rake use.

I don't see why you couldn't use an iMatch with a hydraulic top link. My personal experience with iMatch was less than wonderful, so I don't.

I don't remember what I paid for it. I do remember that the splitter -- which gives you two more circuits, controlled by the joystick (with a selector switch) was A LOT more. I can't imagine a tractor without at least one rear hydro hook up and power beyond. That's what I would do in your shoes to get good flexibility on what you do and how you do it. Get the 3rd SCV and power beyond.

 

[B8FISH]

Jeff--can you tell me which length top link you have. I am looking for one to fit a 3320, and CCM has an 18 1/2" to 26 1/2" model. The JD spec looks like it is 19.2" with a 5.9" stoke. Any other 3320 owners that have put a hydraulic top link on that care to share open/closed lengths?
Thanks

 

[rmonio]

Jeff -

I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience with your i-Match. It's been wonderful for me - so I guess your mileage may vary.

Two other items - first, echoing B8FISH's question... do you find the length of the hydraulic top-link to be an issue at all? and second, did the "Power Beyond" connection come with your third SCV and do you disable the control for the SCV that was installed (when the PB connection is in use)?

Thanks!

-Bob

 

[jeffinsgf]

Jeff -

I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience with your i-Match. It's been wonderful for me - so I guess your mileage may vary.

As long as you don't mind buying just JD or Frontier implements, its fine. If you buy anything else you have the choice of taking the iMatch off or modifying the implement.

Two other items - first, echoing B8FISH's question... do you find the length of the hydraulic top-link to be an issue at all? and second, did the "Power Beyond" connection come with your third SCV and do you disable the control for the SCV that was installed (when the PB connection is in use)?

As seen in my photos, since I am lifting the rear end off the ground, obviously the cylinder has more stroke than you'll ever need. It also contracts a little shorter than the manual top link that came with the tractor, so the overall range is greater in both directions.
The Power Beyond is separate from the third SCV. It has no effect on the 3rd SCV. When you connect an implement, you have the option of locking out the rockshaft (as in hooking up a backhoe) or keeping the rockshaft functional (splitter).

 

[rmonio]

Jeff -

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to look into it on my 4600.

Final note on the i-Match. I agree on the caveats concerning non-JD (or Frontier) equipment. For me the benefits of modifying my 3rd party Buhler FM was worth the investment (very minimal). For others, certainly that might be different and as they say... your mileage may vary.

Thanks again for the information.

-Bob