HydrauLink- a self-contained air over hydraulic top link

[Cooldmax]

A HTL is rigid. A manual top link is rigid. From what I have seen in the videos the hydraulink is not rigid. It allows a small amount of compression of the air in the cylinder which in turn gives a small amount of float to the implement. This would allow the front tires to go over a small object without gouging the implement into the ground. I'm sure I could try to explain until I am blue in the face and fingers cramped but until it is seen in person, there will always be skeptics.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I don't understand why everyone is getting so defensive about their hydraulic top links. If they work for you then great. If you like keeping your hand on the hydraulic lever and constantly adjusting then good for you. It works, no need to defend it. If you tried this product out I'm sure you would see the benefits. Also if your used to a HTL then your probably going to see nothing but faults with this. I do not have a hydraulink yet but I see the benefits of it and I am pinching my pennies to get one. I can see where it will adjust and allow the front wheels to go over small objects without affecting the 3ph where you would need to adjust a HTL to compensate. Also, isn't the weight of the implement doing most of the work? Your not lifting the tractor off the ground with a HTL, really all you want to do is keep the implement at a certain angle. I can see this will do that and require very little input from the operator. Sorry if I come off as rude or offend anyone. I just don't see why everyone needs to tear this product apart.

Cooldmax, I personally don't really care one way or another. What I have works great for me. My gripe is that they are pushing their HydrauLink as an equal or an (instead of a) hydraulic top link, IT IS NOT an equal. New tractor people come on here all the time, looking for information to help them out with their new machine. Many of these people know next to nothing when it comes to their tractor and what is available for it to make and accomplish certain jobs easier. Lets say that a person has purchased a tractor that already has rear remotes, that person is not going to save any money by purchasing a HydrauLink over a hydraulic top link & hoses and they would have purchased a product that has fewer over all uses. For the people that have no rear remotes and do not see any other reason to get them, then the HydrauLink is a viable option for them.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

A HTL is rigid. A manual top link is rigid. From what I have seen in the videos the hydraulink is not rigid. It allows a small amount of compression of the air in the cylinder which in turn gives a small amount of float to the implement. This would allow the front tires to go over a small object without gouging the implement into the ground. I'm sure I could try to explain until I am blue in the face and fingers cramped but until it is seen in person, there will always be skeptics.

I think that pretty much every 3 point hitch floats up and down on its own, not much of a reason to have the top link floating too. Hope that you can save your money quickly so that you are able to purchase your HydrauLink soon. We need some hands on experience here.

 

[carpenter383]

Regardless of what we all think we need to give him credit for answering and taking our criticism. Not many would do that they would post the ad and leave it at that..

I agree, this guy is obviously very profesional, not getting overly defensive or angry with the questions and criticism:thumbsup:
Looks like a quality product, and would be very benificial to those without rear remotes.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I agree, this guy is obviously very profesional, not getting overly defensive or angry with the questions and criticism:thumbsup:
Looks like a quality product,and would be very benificial to those without rear remotes.

Exactly :thumbsup:

 

[Cooldmax]

Well I'm not going to argue anymore but for my application, and most SCUT without remotes on the back, this is perfect. While the prices may be about the same, adding rear remotes will tack on a significant amount of money and blow the budget.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Well I'm not going to argue anymore but for my application, and most SCUT without remotes on the back, this is perfect. While the prices may be about the same, adding rear remotes will tack on a significant amount of money and blow the budget.

Well Cooldmax, we agree on on this, that is for sure. :laughing: As I had said in post #19,

Just my opinion here, but it looks like it is just an alternative type of top link. Might be considered easier to adjust than the std screw type top link, but there is no way that it could be considered an option of equal value-use to the std hydraulic top link. My thinking is that it would be used the most on SCUTs.

 

[sodamo]

Maybe we need a TBN field trial? Company can send out about 50 (one per state?) in exchange for a 50 hour trial. This should cover most all impliments, weather conditions, soil conditions and a wide variety of situations. I know in my case, use would be primarily with my flail mower and rototiller, once comfortable I'd tackle some box blade projects. During the trial time I'd also have opportunity to use my PHD and land rake. Others would use snowblower, blade, various mowers, etc. TBN users could have a realtime forum to report use, ask questions, resolve issues. Users would provide usage reports and perhaps even some video of their work. For completing the trial, the company lets users keep the unit. So, assuming a unit costs $100 each, for $5000 the company gets 2500+ hours of real, in field use/testing that documented. I'm sure we TBNers would provide a could maintenance perspective as well. If the product is as warranted, I'd say that experience could be PRICELESS.

 

[Bedlam]

Sodamo,It might not be a free trial but if purchased through Agri supply you have this guarantee
'When you have a problem with a product from Ari Supply, we will either fix it for you, replace it for you, or refund your money back to you... no questions asked'
Now I'm not sure thats as general a satisfaction as you get from sear and wal mart or not but Seems if you were that displeased with it could be returned.
I just had my first look at the ad in Agi Supply today and was startled to see this
'HYDRAULINK - NO Pumps! NO Hoses! A Self-Contained Hydraulic Top Link:' In my opinion this is surely pressing the limits to making it appear to be more hydraulic.NO DOUBT.It is Buyer beware I understand but this is surely some tricky advertising.
The definition includes .'In fluid power, hydraulics is used for the generation, control, and transmission of power by the use of pressurized liquids.'
It I assume does create pressure on the oil inside when used. but does not have the oil pressurized for the movement. (the movement pressurizes the oil).
I failed to see such a close comparison to an actual Hydraulic top link till I saw the ad in Agri supply. So I have to take the side now of skeptic.
I can definitely see where it would be good in some instances. but this ad is so misleading to someone who doesn't ask questions. Really saddened me to see this ad,I can only opine how many dis-satisfied customers will be generated.(we will never know).
I simply don't like the red letter saying it is a self contained link and then in lighter colors says it isn't.
sorures:
Hydraulink Self Contained Top Link
Agri Supply? Guarantee - Agri Supply
Hydraulics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[jinman]

What is it that we all know about hydraulic cylinders? One side of the cylinder displaces more fluid for a given movement of the shaft than the other side. Therefore, unless you make it a combination of compressed air and hydraulic fluid, you need a small reservoir for complete extension and retraction of the ram. If you have air in the system, it will be spongy.

While this is called a hydraulic toplink, I don't think that is an accurate description. Just because it uses hydraulic fluid, it isn't an HTL. This is like calling a bowl filled with sugar, flour, egg, and baking powder a cake. It may have the ingredients, but it just ain't the same. That's my only rub with this product. It is a fine replacement for a manual toplink, though a bit expensive. I think you could buy a plain toplink and put your own needle valve inline between the extend and retract ports for less money. Hydraulink has done this for you in a very elegant way and you will pay a premium.

If you have a tractor where you can reach over your shoulder or through the back window of your cab and adjust the Hydraulink, this makes a very easy solution and improvement over the manual toplink. Making a comparison to a remote powered hydraulic toplink and misstated claims about hoses and constant adjustments is just confusing the issue. I could not get close to reaching my HTL from the seat of my tractor, and I think that is the case for many/most of us. Therefore, to make Hydraulink adjustments I'd have to get off the tractor. I won't be trading for a Hydraulink anytime soon.

All this said, I'm happy that Hydraulink is a new advertiser on this site and obviously a company that has a good business plan. I wish them lots of luck with their product and finding their niche market. :thumbsup: