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.

 

[Bedlam]

A true Hydraulic top link lets you have infinite adjustment on the go,at your fingertips.Theres no replacing that but you have the hoses and valve etc. In my case I had the hook up and bought a cylinder for 45 dollars and welded ends on it 12 dollars. and some hose 20 dollars. But if you don't have any of these then I think you need to consider all.Remember that the true hydraulic can do some things and other products do differently. Just investigate what your needs are ..

 

[sld]

This thing sounds like a shock absorber with a manually controlled valve that either locks it into place or lets it move.

I don't have rear remotes and can see the advantages. I am just trying to justify 225.00 worth of advantages.

With the bush hog, the top link is set it and forget it. I push snow with a rear blade and it does seem like I mess with the top link some. With the box blade, the screw link is a bear to adjust. I have to make small adjustments in the 3 pt lift to ease the tension. Doable, but still kind of a pain.

What about a TBN group buy to get the price down?

 

[HydrauLink]

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.

You might look to some of my previous posts regarding the added benefits but the best place to look is our website. HydrauLink (HL) does things that no other top link will do... even the standard htl. And although HL does adjust differently, it can be adjusted up or down without leaving the cab. We understand that you may have applications that a standard htl works best for. But HL is second to none when it comes to delivering quality work, easy adjustments and super easy installation.

Sorry for the sloooow responses. Over the weekend, I'm not on as much.

 

[HydrauLink]

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.

If I'm understanding you correctly, you don't need to put a block under your implement. Simply lower the implement to the ground, open the valve and let your tractor roll forward, maybe 6", until you reach desired setting then close valve.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

You might look to some of my previous posts regarding the added benefits but the best place to look is our website. HydrauLink (HL) does things that no other top link will do... even the standard htl. And although HL does adjust differently, it can be adjusted up or down without leaving the cab. We understand that you may have applications that a standard htl works best for. But HL is second to none when it comes to delivering quality work, easy adjustments and super easy installation.

Sorry for the sloooow responses. Over the weekend, I'm not on as much.

I have read every post that you have made on TBN and I have looked at both of your videos several times. Your product IS NOT a replacement for a hydraulic top link. It may be a good alternative for a std top link, (if you come up with a few more sizes). I want to see you adjust your product in BOTH directions on the fly while the tractor is moving in forward and again while the tractor is moving in reverse. I would like to see it lift 2000lbs. There are many more situations where it simply will not do what a hydraulic top link will do.

AGAIN, nothing wrong with your product, but it is not a replacement for what a hydraulic top link has the capabilities of doing. Yes it may do a few of the same things, and depending on your opinion, it might even do some things that a hydraulic top link does not, BUT in no way is it a replacement for a hydraulic top link.

I know, make a new video with a capable operator showing direct comparisons of ALL aspects of a std top link, a hydraulic top link and your HydrauLink. Not just the aspects that make your product look good. I would make the video without any sound and then voice over so that the person talking can be heard. There is no need to be hearing the tractor or other non related noises.

 

[Bedlam]

Ill try again to express my position on the adjustments with blocks.
Just dropping the impliment to the ground wont take the position back to full upward stroke.Its sort of past the point that it would do it naturally.An example would be forks . With the Hydro cylinder I can angle them down and then level and then back to hold the pallet on.This simply isn't going to happen unless I can do a wheely as I do it.
Obviously you can adjust downward by lifting the unit and letting gravity do its part. but to get it fully compressed past the ''level'' point . Its working against gravity .

 

[magicheater]

You might look to some of my previous posts regarding the added benefits but the best place to look is our website. HydrauLink (HL) does things that no other top link will do... even the standard htl. And although HL does adjust differently, it can be adjusted up or down without leaving the cab. We understand that you may have applications that a standard htl works best for. But HL is second to none when it comes to delivering quality work, easy adjustments and super easy installation.

Sorry for the sloooow responses. Over the weekend, I'm not on as much.

50 years ago this would have been the cats meow. You've a tough crowd here w/spot on opinions. I fail to see how your product is superior to a hydraulic top link. How can you adjust your product up and down w/o touching the 3PH control lever? I can remove and install my hydraulic top link in 3 minutes and do so when attaching my back hoe. How do you apply pressure with your product? Even the lowly screw jack can do that. :confused3:

 

[Bedlam]

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..

 

[Cooldmax]

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.

 

[magicheater]

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.

Please explain to me how HL accomplishes this.