Hydraulic top link length

Dex · Jul 13, 2006

I have added a JD factory hydraulic top link to my machine. I now do not have the desired extension that I would like. My BB gets to just past level but contracts to point to the sky. Has anyone else faced this situation. My plan is to have the 3/4" plate that is welded to the part of the cylinder that attaches to the rear end of the tractor cut and extended threee inches. Any other ideas welcome.

minimax · Jul 13, 2006

I would not cut the factory top link for resale,warrenty,etc.
I think I would make a adapter that fits in 2 of the holes on the tractor where the top link hooks in made out of 3/4" or 1" steel plate and then and weld 2 pieces of steel flat bar to the front edges of the 3/4" or 1" plate.View attachment drawing -1.bmp#1 is what goes to the tractor. #2 is where the top link hooks in. Good luck, minimax.

Bedlam · Jul 13, 2006

I like that idea of the top link adapter. I'm sure it would be a great thing for people who have the Pats quick hitch as well. Seems they find the top link to be too short.I m curious if there is one available..Im sure it would be inexpensive to be made also.
Allan

Dex · Jul 13, 2006

I like the idea of the adaptor. I had not thought about that one. I will measure and draw that one up and find some material. I will still like to entertain some other ideas if someone has them.

TKS

SPYDERLK · Jul 13, 2006

The idea is a clever work around. I am concerned tho, that this method changes the relation between top link and lift link pivot points on the tractor as set up by the factory. This will change lift characteristic thruout the lift range. Extending the hyd top link itself to match the capability of the std link would not present this situation. I would either return the JD link andbuy one that covers the whole range (they should not be compromising their clientele), or I would make one that covers the range, or extend the JD link as you originally proposed. I am troubled to hear of this shortcoming in JD sponsored aftermarket.
Larry

MidGALandscaper · Jul 13, 2006

Dex, could you possibly post a picture with the BB in the furthest tilt position. I have a factory top link and haven't had that problem. I have a RO-720 rollover blade and can tilt it pretty much like I want.

RogerH · Jul 13, 2006

Which hole at the tractor is your top link attached to? If it is in the top hole, then I think you may find improvement by moving the top link to the bottom hole.

Dex · Jul 13, 2006

It is in the lowest hole now. It was in the middle and I dropped it low to attempt to gain the length that I wanted. I will get some pics over the weekend and post them in the extended and retracted position. I will also attempt to draw up the adaptor that I have in mind. It shoud not change the relation of pivot I don't believe. Also if I do the adaptor it is not a permanant alteration. I can remove it and make the change on the cylinder if needed. My only concern with the adaptor is getting the strenght that is required. Should be okay if I use wide enought plate material.

Dex · Jul 16, 2006

Okay here are the pictures of my situation. As you see in the extended position of the cylinder I have the box positioned just past level. For some of the things that I do I would like the box to be tilted back further to level and compress material. In the extended position of the cylinder you can see the box is pointing up to the sky. I can drop the scarfiers to compensate for this. The plan is to either cut and extend the support of the cylinder where it attaches to the tractor. Or make a adaptor that attaches to the tractor to make up the distance. I attempted to make a template of a 3" adaptor yesterday but there was not enough room to weld the plates and get the room required for play in the ball joints. I am going to look at making a 4" one today.

joes_427_vette · Jul 17, 2006

I had the same problem on my new holland tc 45 d in mounting a 3 bottom plow. The tip and tilt unit was 3-4 inches short. I found a top link from my d-17 which extended the distance I needed to get the plow in the ground. Little disappointing for a thousand dollar set up from the nh dealer. For that kind of money one would think they would have a cylinder that would extend for every situation.