Hydraulic top link question

rasorbackq · Jan 27, 2017

So with some Xmas money I decided to get a hydraulic top link. Seems to work great rather then having to manually adjust the top link to fit 5 implements.
So yesterday I used my fire wood splitter. This was the first time I required to disconnect the top link from single remote on the back of tractor.

So I backed into position splitter is on a 24" high roll able cradle . Hook up get things where they attach . lift the splitter and play around with the top link.
and off I go.
Get to the pile of wood Disconnect the top link hook up the splitter . Split my wood . Finish head back to the garage to drop off the splitter.
When I get there I can't get the top link to attach to the fittings as its under pressure from the weight of the splitter.
I took the hose and pressed the end button to remove the pressure it blasted fluid out all over the ceiling and my face . Second time in 50 years I was glad to where glasses. The splitter dropped an inch or two and still had lots of pressure.
So what I did was lifter the splitter with the 3pth rested it on the cradle and removed the pressure again so the hoses could be hooked up.

So is there a way to attach a pressurized hose to a coupler ? Or what is a better way to do what I have to do.
Yes I realize a second remote is the way to go .

My other implement is a wood chipper that will require a top link hose removal. Because that rests on the ground there shouldn't be a problem to relive pressure in the hose.
I guess if I get longer hoses then the splitter could be lowered to the ground also.

LD1 · Jan 27, 2017

They do make some connect under pressure versions of different fittings, but they are expensive, and I dont think they come in "AG" style.

Easiest would be to get longer hoses for the logsplitter, so you can sit it on the ground when done and then reconnect the toplink.

Shaneard · Jan 27, 2017

No more then you will be having to disconnect/reconnect just turn the tractor off, cycle the remote valve to relieve pressure then disconnect/reconnect your hose for whatever your hooking up. That is what I always did on our skidsteer when hooking the grapple bucket or backhoe so there wouldn't be pressure, I have been sprayed before too and it isn't fun.

RNeumann · Jan 27, 2017

A "poor man's" approach to expensive QDs would be to add some ball valves on the cylinder side of the top link. Close the valves when the link is under no pressure and DC. The second option would be to rig up a chain or something that you could attach to the tractor and the Implement so the top link doesn't have weight on it.

scdeerslayer · Jan 27, 2017

Seems like the simplest solution would be to use the regular top link. You could also get a diverter setup like used to add 3rd function to loaders to add a second set of remotes.

I saw an add on craigslist recently that was a 3pt log splitter mounted to a trailer. You could get one of those cheap trailer kits from Harbor Freight and do that. Same operation, easier hookup and dropoff.

Why do you need to hookup the toplink to drop off the splitter?

teg · Jan 27, 2017

{Edit Darn I'm a slow typist ^^^ yea, what he said}

Use the old screw type top link for the splitter... it's not like you need to adjust it a whole lot. There's somethings that are not better with the hydraulic top link. When I mow with my finishing mower, I remove the top link.

rasorbackq · Jan 27, 2017

Shaneard said:
just turn the tractor off, cycle the remote valve to relieve pressure then disconnect/reconnect your hose for whatever your hooking up. .

The down ward weight of the splitter causes the hose pressure.

rasorbackq · Jan 27, 2017

RNeumann said:
A "poor man's" approach to expensive QDs would be to add some ball valves on the cylinder side of the top link. Close the valves when the link is under no pressure and DC. The second option would be to rig up a chain or something that you could attach to the tractor and the Implement so the top link doesn't have weight on it.

I like the idea of a chain to support the weight .

pmsmechanic · Jan 27, 2017

You've just been splitting wood. So just grab a piece and set it up so that you can rest the rear of the splitter on it. Remove your hoses and continue on your way.