Hydraulic Top Link Stroke & Closed Length

[coolnature]

I just purchased a new 8' Gannon box blade and am now in need of a hydraulic top link. With the front horizontal beam of the box blade level on the ground, the length of my manual OEM top link, using the lower of (2) positions, is 26-1/4". If I use the upper position on the tractor, the length of the OEM top link is about 27". I am not sure what the length of the hydraulic top link needs to be closed or fully extended but assume 22" closed and 32" extended. Thanks in advance.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Typically I would try to provide between 1/2" and 1" more retraction than extension from your 27" operating position, but that may not be found from a std top link selection.

 

[LD1]

I found when doing my Hydraulic toplink that I wanted more extension than what a 8 or 10" cylinder would offer me, without sacrificing travel range. I like to tilt down to bushhog over the edge of banks and ponds.

What I ended up with was a 3x12 cylinder that gives me a ~22"-34" range of travel.

I have found that I can do everything I need without wishing for more range. It retracts sufficiently enough to pitch the tail-end of any implement I own plenty high to load onto a deck over trailer, and I have plenty of extension to mow over pond banks, ease hook-up of certain things, etc.

Assuming this is the 95HP NH, If it were mine I'd consider a 3.5" cylinder

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Typically I would try to provide between 1/2" and 1" more retraction than extension from your 27" operating position, but that may not be found from a std top link selection.

Brian,
How much stroke can you get out of a Cat1 top link? 2" cylinder with say a 21" retracted length. More than 11"?
Thanks

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Brian,
How much stroke can you get out of a Cat1 top link? 2" cylinder with say a 21" retracted length. More than 11"?
Thanks

The way that I build them, a 21" retracted length would get you a 10" stroke, so 21"-31". My std working length for 10" stroke units is 21 1/4"- 31 1/4".

Now if you want to start messing with things I can get a 12" stroke in the 21" dimension, but it causes other concerns that are not favorable.

One of the problems with the ready made units that most places sell is that the base end is not long enough and you can end up being able to typically use the top pin location only. And that is fine for many people, but not everyone.

When you mention 11" stroke, are you looking at the 20 7/8"-31 7/8" units?

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

When you mention 11" stroke, are you looking at the 20 7/8"-31 7/8" units?

Yes sir, that is what I'm currently using. Working ok for me. I do occasionally get some shudder when first extended from fully retracted. :confused3:

 

[LD1]

I had to custom Taylor my 12" stroke cylinder to MY tractor to get 22-34 range. It's close using the bottom hole. No room for error and no guarantee it would work on any other machine. I wanted full 12" range, but as short overall as I could get.

I'd imagine to get 12" range that would clear all possible tractors, you'd want another inch or two to spare.

 

[coolnature]

Typically I would try to provide between 1/2" and 1" more retraction than extension from your 27" operating position, but that may not be found from a std top link selection.

Brian

I am aware that your lead time for a top link is about 3mos. + another week for shipping. I need to use my box blade well before then. That is why I was trying to come up with an alternative. I don't doubt your product is tailor fitted, well made and will perform, I just need to speed things up on the delivery side. If I am unable to find a suitable unit rather quickly, I will have to wait.

Thanks

John

 

[ovrszd]

Here's a link to a thread about my homemade top link if interested.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/273331-hydraulic-top-link-homemade.html?highlight=

Great addition. Then you'll want a tilt link, especially when using a BB.

 

[coolnature]

Here's a link to a thread about my homemade top link if interested.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/273331-hydraulic-top-link-homemade.html?highlight=

Great addition. Then you'll want a tilt link, especially when using a BB.

Thanks Richard!

I will check it out.