HydrauLink- a self-contained air over hydraulic top link

HydrauLink · Jun 9, 2010

Jaylegger said:
How does one push the toplink to close the cylinder with an implement hanging off it? I've likely missed an important feature of easily closing the cylinder without the use of blocks or removing the toplink pin but from what I've seen the marketing concentrates solely on one half of the adjustments, that is lengthening the toplink. Lengthening the link appears to very convenient with this product but if the other half of the required adjustments (shortening the link) requires removing the toplink from the implement or some other apparatus involvement then I would consider the product, for my purposes, a net gain of zero.

Sorry... that may be an issue we need to address in our next video demonstration. I've had to address this a few times. Take a look at the second video on the website. It's a bit longer but it does demonstrate how to raise the implement. Because these were not professional videos, we were trying to keep the noise levels low in order to hear the speaker and we tried to keep the tractor off as much as possible. Shortening the top link is done by opening the valve, lowering the 3pt and the implement is pushed into place. You do not need any special surface, blocks or otherwise to make it happen either. The top link does NOT need to be removed or anything like that... we're serious we we say 'easier'.

HydrauLink is now available through Agri Supply http://www.agrisupply.com/product.asp?pn=76380&sid=&eid=

eternalwolf777 · Jun 10, 2010

Hey! I just saw that you guys are advertising here. I saw a demo you did last month and it was impressive. I kicked it around for a couple of weeks and finally got one for my Kubota. This thing is sweet although a bit pricey (I paid full retail -Doh!). I'm definately a novice when it comes to tractors, but this thing made box blading much easier since I didn't have to keep adjusting it. Just my two cents. :thumbsup:

J_J · Jun 10, 2010

I see no problem with retracting the cyl, which will change the tilt. Just lower the implement , and if that is not enough, drive fwd a little, and the implement will push on the cyl and then you tighten the valve.

It appears to be another addition to make life a little easier doing tractor work.

Spudland_Dave · Jun 10, 2010

You lost me with the "safety" feature, I dont see that as a feature at all....I cant stand it when I get air into my HTL...same thing happens....actually I hate it so much I put the good ol fashioned screw type back on because its solid.

A "Small" amount 1/2"-1" of movement at the HTL usually means 2"-4" of change at the cutting edge of a BB...Perfect for making washboard roads, not so good for smooth roads.

IslandTractor · Jun 10, 2010

J_J said:
It appears to be another addition to make life a little easier doing tractor work.

I agree though it doesn't have real advantages over and is not a substitute for a hydraulic toplink. However is seems to me it is clearly easier and more flexible than a screw top link but at a price.

I don't see the need to drop the implement down in order to shorten the toplink to be such a big deal. On the otherhand, I cannot come close to reaching the midpoint of my toplink from the operator station of my 40hp machine despite having long arms. This may work best on smaller shorter tractors until they sort out a bullet proof remote control system.

HydrauLink · Jun 10, 2010

Spudland_Dave said:
You lost me with the "safety" feature, I dont see that as a feature at all....I cant stand it when I get air into my HTL...same thing happens....actually I hate it so much I put the good ol fashioned screw type back on because its solid.

A "Small" amount 1/2"-1" of movement at the HTL usually means 2"-4" of change at the cutting edge of a BB...Perfect for making washboard roads, not so good for smooth roads.

You're right. In a typical ram, air in the lines is bad.... very bad. That's why HydrauLink uses a patented design that prevents any sort of "washboard" effect. Check out our videos online and you'll see some examples of a boxblade being used to smooth out a gravel road. (sorry for the volume during the grading)

Try not to think of HydrauLink as the typical hydraulic top link... it's different. It operates differently... delivers better results... and requires that it be used differently. There's a reason it was voted #1 new product & technology at the AgConnect 2010 show and it's not because it's like every other top link out there.

foggy1111 · Jun 10, 2010

I think this is a pretty clever concept....and hope it becomes even more refined over time. I can see this meeting some peoples needs very nicely. It will prove interesting to watch some user responses over time.

Some of us are trying hard to compare it to a hydraulic top link...which it's not. But then too....the way it's currently marketed suggests that it compares to a hydraulic top link.....no?

Having been down this new product path quite a few times.....I empathize with your new product introduction....and wish you every success!

Bedlam · Jun 10, 2010

Well the self contained and the reference to hydraulics caught me as it was a hydraulic and had the pump etc built into it. Possible run bu electric. So as you see we can all take a different approach to it

beenthere · Jun 10, 2010

HydrauLink said:
You're right. In a typical ram, air in the lines is bad.... very bad. That's why HydrauLink uses a patented design that prevents any sort of "washboard" effect. Check out our videos online and you'll see some examples of a boxblade being used to smooth out a gravel road. (sorry for the volume during the grading)

Try not to think of HydrauLink as the typical hydraulic top link... it's different. It operates differently... delivers better results... and requires that it be used differently. There's a reason it was voted #1 new product & technology at the AgConnect 2010 show and it's not because it's like every other top link out there.

The videos show the "washboard" effect happening when the "give and take" is pointed out in the top arm. Trying to show that this cushion effect is good (for the operator) is one thing, but every move in and out creates the "washboard" effect on the ground.

Don't think you can pull the wool over enough eyes to compare this to a hydraulic top link. It is a great and clever replacement for the screw-type link, but at a hydraulic top link price.
I see it wrong to imply in the advertising that it is a substitute for a hydraulic top link.
It is a handier replacement for the screw-type (for some applications, but not all).
That is my only bone to pick.

IslandTractor · Jun 10, 2010

beenthere said:
It is a great and clever replacement for the screw-type link, but at a hydraulic top link price.

To be fair I don't think they sell them for quite that much. Hydraulic top links are about $350 if memory serves. This thing can be bought from AgriSupply for about $225 so more than a few cents less. Of course it really is more a convenience substitute for the screw type which only costs about $35 bucks. Is it worth almost $200 extra??? It would be nice to change the toplink length without needing a wrench to secure the setting. I personally hate the screw types so it might be worth it if I was using a boxblade a lot. For mowing probably not such a big deal as I don't change heights that often. I've already got the hydraulic top link so moot point now but I might have been tempted earlier.