HydrauLink- a self-contained air over hydraulic top link

[Jaylegger]

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 Hydraulink Self Contained Top Link

The second video clearly shows the toplink under compression from the weight of the implement against it (how long did it take to found boxblade that doesn't lie flat on the ground, the unit depicted pretty much duplicates putting a piece of wood under the back edge as I mentioned earlier). Under these conditions it's not surprising the cylinder would collapse when when air/liquid is allowed to escape from the cylinder. Is is correct to conclude the toplink has very little or no lifting capabilities on it's own? At what point in the stroke are the opposing pressures at equilibrium?

I'm not knocking the product just trying to determine it's capabilities.

 

[HydrauLink]

The second video clearly shows the toplink under compression from the weight of the implement against it (how long did it take to found boxblade that doesn't lie flat on the ground, the unit depicted pretty much duplicates putting a piece of wood under the back edge as I mentioned earlier). Under these conditions it's not surprising the cylinder would collapse when when air/liquid is allowed to escape from the cylinder. Is is correct to conclude the toplink has very little or no lifting capabilities on it's own? At what point in the stroke are the opposing pressures at equilibrium?

I'm not knocking the product just trying to determine it's capabilities.

Jaylegger... you are right in part. I was present on the day of the shooting of the first video. The reason that boxblade is cocked is not for HydrauLink's sake but because that Kubota tractors (or at least this one) have two lifting arms (for the 3pt) that make it impossible to slip the retaining pin into toplink unless you raise them up. It was done so that you could see the connection without having to have the tractor running (it gets noisy).

But you made an excellent point! To be very clear, HydrauLink does NOT lift at all. The laws of physics are in full play here. You can't get something for nothing. HydrauLink holds pressure without letting the implement sink or drift down. That's why we say HydrauLink requires you operate a little differently. Open the valve to lower the implement into the desired position. To raise it, simply open the valve and lower the 3pt letting gravity and the ground push it into the desired position. Then close the valve and it stays put. You don't need blocks or a hard surface to do it either. It's NOT a typical hydraulic top link... it is it's own creature altogether. No need for hoses or pumps or anything else.

I hope that answered your question. Let me know if I can help further. I will be somewhat out of touch over the weekend but I'll check in from time to time.

 

[montejw]

Not sure where you guys are getting your hydraulic top links, but CCM has them for $185 and a hose kit with couplers for $45,:thumbsup: and Dalton has std hydraulic top links for $150.

How much is the control valve and all the associated work to hook that stuff up? The HydrauLink is a hydraulic cylinder with a crossover connection, a valve, and some air, maybe some other "trade secret" stuff, same thing as a CCM Hydraulic Top Link without the rest of the parts.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

How much is the control valve and all the associated work to hook that stuff up? The HydrauLink is a hydraulic cylinder with a crossover connection, a valve, and some air, maybe some other "trade secret" stuff, same thing as a CCM Hydraulic Top Link without the rest of the parts.

Monte, all the associated stuff is a lot more $$$ if your tractor does not already have it, how much $$$ can vary with each machine. But many, many tractors come std with rear remotes, and for those tractors that already have rear remotes, they might as well get a true hydraulic top link for about the same $$$.

Just my opinion, and I am sure that the Hydraulink will work fine for those that choose to purchase it.

 

[westbrooklawn]

Sounds like you may be using a category 2 tractor... is that right?

No it is a cat 1... Kubota L3400. Pat's easy hitch adds length to your lower arms which puts your implement farther back... that's why I had to go with a longer toplink.

 

[Jaylegger]

Jaylegger... you are right in part. I was present on the day of the shooting of the first video. The reason that boxblade is cocked is not for HydrauLink's sake but because that Kubota tractors (or at least this one) have two lifting arms (for the 3pt) that make it impossible to slip the retaining pin into toplink unless you raise them up. It was done so that you could see the connection without having to have the tractor running (it gets noisy).

But you made an excellent point! To be very clear, HydrauLink does NOT lift at all. The laws of physics are in full play here. You can't get something for nothing. HydrauLink holds pressure without letting the implement sink or drift down. That's why we say HydrauLink requires you operate a little differently. Open the valve to lower the implement into the desired position. To raise it, simply open the valve and lower the 3pt letting gravity and the ground push it into the desired position. Then close the valve and it stays put. You don't need blocks or a hard surface to do it either. It's NOT a typical hydraulic top link... it is it's own creature altogether. No need for hoses or pumps or anything else.

I hope that answered your question. Let me know if I can help further. I will be somewhat out of touch over the weekend but I'll check in from time to time.

Thanks for the reply, that clears things up nicely. I was getting the impression your product could somehow magically angle an implement forward while also suspending it's weight.

JJ suggested earlier that perhaps dragging the blade would provide the necessary forward pressure to shorten the link and therefore angle the box forward. I was a little skeptical but yesterday did a little experiment dragging the boxblade without the teeth down (how I smooth out and would like a method of easier fine adjustment) and without the toplink attached. No forward pressure is applied or no propensity of the boxblade to angle forward on it's own in that scenario.

 

[DanD78]

I think you could buy a top link cylinder from CCM or Surplus Center, install a ball valve between the two ports, fill with fluid and have the same think if you really needed one. I use a home made device just like this but on a smaller scale to lower my band saw. You are simpley blocking hydraulic fluid with a valve to lock the cylinder. It would be handy on a tractor with no rear remotes.

The sales phrase "Air over hydraulic" is kind of miss leading. In the industrial world this means a air controled hydraulics where a remote air valve operates another hydraulic valve that controls the movement of fluid.

Dan

 

[Bedlam]

To be very clear, HydrauLink does NOT lift at all. The laws of physics are in full play here. You can't get something for nothing. HydrauLink holds pressure without letting the implement sink or drift down. That's why we say HydrauLink requires you operate a little differently. Open the valve to lower the implement into the desired position.


THIS is where I meant the blocks or obstacle would be handy. If the rake lets say, were lowered with the furthest point on a block and the valve opened the cylinder would then get fully compressed and leave the rake with a different angle. I understand just down to the ground would re-set it but this method would reset it to completely closed position.
I have down this often with the stock screw link.The added pressure makes the link easy to turn.

 

[HydrauLink]

I think you could buy a top link cylinder from CCM or Surplus Center, install a ball valve between the two ports, fill with fluid and have the same think if you really needed one. I use a home made device just like this but on a smaller scale to lower my band saw. You are simpley blocking hydraulic fluid with a valve to lock the cylinder. It would be handy on a tractor with no rear remotes.

The sales phrase "Air over hydraulic" is kind of miss leading. In the industrial world this means a air controled hydraulics where a remote air valve operates another hydraulic valve that controls the movement of fluid.

Dan

I see what you're saying but the 'air over hydraulic' is still very accurate. Our HydrauLink uses a mix of both air and hydraulic fluid to maintain pressure as well as providing some of the other benefits it offers (see website for details). It would be misleading if we didn't mention it.

Yes you're right, HydrauLink is a perfect fit for those that do not have rear remotes already BUT don't forget that HydrauLink also offers features that even a standard HTL doesn't offer. So it still has a lot to offer to those tractors that do. It depends on the application.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I see what you're saying but the 'air over hydraulic' is still very accurate. Our HydrauLink uses a mix of both air and hydraulic fluid to maintain pressure as well as providing some of the other benefits it offers (see website for details). It would be misleading if we didn't mention it.

Yes you're right, HydrauLink is a perfect fit for those that do not have rear remotes already BUT don't forget that HydrauLink also offers features that even a standard HTL doesn't offer. So it still has a lot to offer to those tractors that do. It depends on the application.

What ever features that you think the HydrauLink may have vs a std hydraulic top link, :confused3: in no way does it have all the benefits of having a true hydraulic top link.