HydrauLink- a self-contained air over hydraulic top link

[SPYDERLK]

OK, my question is: Why is the travel so short? I have never seen a cat1 with less than 6" travel, and even that is limiting. 8+ is much more useful.
larry

HydrauLink has a 6" stroke plus an additional 4 3/8" screw end for needed adjustments for a total of 10+ inches. Did I answer your question?

Yes, you did. I see that the 4th bullet in your specs section needs some clarification. It has been misunderstood several times on the thread. I wish you had noted that and corrected it at the first reference to 4" travel from posters that had read your ad. 29" max is not a bad length. Presumeably you will offer an extended mechanical adjuster for those that need a bit longer, but dont need it ever as short as 19"?
larry

 

[mustangsallysdad]

Alright...I've read all the questions and responses...the gentleman seems to be very open to discussion. However, I think the price point is too high and the device's advantages are negligible. I don't see it as a "gap filler" type of product as in "somewhere between a HTL and a screw jack". I don't want to cost him any business by suggesting this, but, I made my own easily adjustable mechanical screw jack years ago by taking a cheap, 1/2" drive, long handled ratchet and fitting the inner workings around (with welds) the nut on the screw jack...it works great for my use, requires no tools, provides plenty of leverage for my arthritic arms and only requires an occaisional shot of WD-40 for maintenance. Total cost on an existing mechanical top link? About $20 for the ratchet at Northern Tool and 10" of MIG wire. Mine doesn't do the "shock absorbing" action, but, for my uses, I see that function as more of a detriment than an advantage. Looking back on the adaptation I made, I can see where the same principle would work with a ratcheting load binder and would probably be better...if I ever need to make another, that's probably the route I'll take.

 

[HydrauLink]

Check out our new video. It should answer a number of people's questions regarding adjusting HydrauLink, and the implements it is attached to. Check out the Installation and the Adjustments videos.

You'll get a good look at just how hard HydrauLink works and how easy it is to work with.

Demonstration video

And Happy Fathers Day.

 

[HydrauLink]

Yes, you did. I see that the 4th bullet in your specs section needs some clarification. It has been misunderstood several times on the thread. I wish you had noted that and corrected it at the first reference to 4" travel from posters that had read your ad. 29" max is not a bad length. Presumeably you will offer an extended mechanical adjuster for those that need a bit longer, but dont need it ever as short as 19"?
larry

Thanks for pointing out the bullet...I've made the changes to it. As far as your question goes, I'll look into it and get back to you.

 

[HydrauLink]

Thanks HydruaLink again for your response. I'm contemplating going with an active hydraulic top and sidelink but am on the fence and definitely don't wish to buy both systems. This typically means I'll be paralyzed by indecision and likely be with the screw link for awhile.

Just so you know, we've posted a new video on our site to address some of the adjustment questions. Hope this helps.

http://hydraulink.net/video.html

 

[HydrauLink]

Alright...I've read all the questions and responses...the gentleman seems to be very open to discussion. However, I think the price point is too high and the device's advantages are negligible. I don't see it as a "gap filler" type of product as in "somewhere between a HTL and a screw jack". I don't want to cost him any business by suggesting this, but, I made my own easily adjustable mechanical screw jack years ago by taking a cheap, 1/2" drive, long handled ratchet and fitting the inner workings around (with welds) the nut on the screw jack...it works great for my use, requires no tools, provides plenty of leverage for my arthritic arms and only requires an occaisional shot of WD-40 for maintenance. Total cost on an existing mechanical top link? About $20 for the ratchet at Northern Tool and 10" of MIG wire. Mine doesn't do the "shock absorbing" action, but, for my uses, I see that function as more of a detriment than an advantage. Looking back on the adaptation I made, I can see where the same principle would work with a ratcheting load binder and would probably be better...if I ever need to make another, that's probably the route I'll take.

Thanks for your input. There are a number of 'home-made' concepts out in the wild and yours sounds great. However, HydrauLink's self-adjusting, shock-absorbing, easy installation and adaptability make it a powerful option for many people. It offers features that no other top link available can offer.

 

[Bedlam]

Mustang do you any pictures sounds interesting

 

[mustangsallysdad]

Mustang do you any pictures sounds interesting

My daughter took our camera with her on vacation...I'll post some pic.'s when she gets back.

 

[merlintractor]

Funny Ive seen the opposite. I see good dialog going on here. I give allot of credit to the company's rep here for answering questions, The company has a goo insight into people needs, and good feedback form people who haven't already bought one.I was impressed with the solenoid suggestion. I think it great they have this feedback.
i havent seen anything to harsh to me, at least the company rep seems to take all well.I personally have a hyd myself but still like the question and answer part. Gives me a good insight as to what it and how it operates.
Bottom line is its not for everyone, and im sure its just right application for another...

I also agree with bedlam on this point...this is a great discussion and this is precisely why I come here to read others options, positive and negative. I can take that and make up my own mind. The vendor has offered up a new product, he's gotten some good feedback on the way he's marketing it, not necessarily whether the product is good or bad. Now let's see what he does with it. My hope is that the vendor will be just as tenacious describing WHAT he is selling as he is describing its its benefits.

 

[dmay]

Here's my opinion from what I've read so far. My thoughts come down to two key points:

* Good product design
* Poor marketing

Let's focus on marketing. Here's my free marketing advice. The market niche this product should be focusing on is all the subcompact and compact tractors out there with no rear hydraulics. The market price should be positioned between a standard top link and a hydraulic top link, more in the $100 range. Then HydrauLink should talk with compact tractor manufacturers about making their product an option at point of sale.

The full size tractor market is better served with a full hydraulic top cylinder or top-n-tilt.

Darrell

 

[lilranch2001]

on pricing, I tend to disagree, I do agree it is on the pricey side, but so is full hydraulic, only more so.
For those guys who do not need the full hydraulic, this seems to be a viable if pricey alternative.

I think the latest video answers many of the questions posed on this thread.

Also the marketing points, I assume the vendor is somewhat new at this, and doubt he has a marketing degree. I see he seems to be listening to everyone and is trying to make everyone satisfied by "fixing" the areas of his site that people have issues with.

I guess my point is give him a little slack, I would still like to see American entrepreneurship to flourish in this enviorment of government takeover.

Just my 2 cents worth, take it or leave it.
:thumbsup:

 

[SPYDERLK]

on pricing, I tend to disagree, I do agree it is on the pricey side, but so is full hydraulic, only more so.
For those guys who do not need the full hydraulic, this seems to be a viable if pricey alternative.

[[I think the latest video answers many of the questions posed on this thread.]]

Also the marketing points, I assume the vendor is somewhat new at this, and doubt he has a marketing degree. I see he seems to be listening to everyone and is trying to make everyone satisfied by "fixing" the areas of his site that people have issues with.

I guess my point is give him a little slack, I would still like to see American entrepreneurship to flourish in this enviorment of government takeover.
:thumbsup:

The videos from 1st to last show the way the hyd adjustment works. Its pretty obvious. What really bothers me is that none show or even refer to the mechanical adjustment on it to be made when fitting it to the tractor so that its hydraulic ram is in the sweet part of its extension range.
larry

 

[lilranch2001]

The videos from 1st to last show the way the hyd adjustment works. Its pretty obvious. What really bothers me is that none show or even refer to the mechanical adjustment on it to be made when fitting it to the tractor so that its hydraulic ram is in the sweet part of its extension range.
larry

once again negativity.....
I do not once remember anyone asking for this info....

I am sure as much as the vendor has bent over backwards for all of us in answering all these posts, that will be the next video

 

[Sackett2]

I have been following this thread and trying to see if it would have been something I would have bought; And i seem to buy a lot of the in-between pieces of equipment.
My tractor came with the screw type, I hated it. Often coming loose and readjusting itself, carrying a hammer and having to beat on it in to break it loose; a pita
My tractor came with rear remotes, so a hyd top link was near the same price.
IF it has not had the rear remotes, I would have looked at this as opposed as the extra cost of installing them.
On my tractor, there is no way anyone short of a NBA star could reach the top link, so a remote switch assembly would have been a necessity. This could be a add on option.
I think this is a good product, that has a place in the market.

 

[dmay]

on pricing, I tend to disagree, I do agree it is on the pricey side, but so is full hydraulic, only more so.
For those guys who do not need the full hydraulic, this seems to be a viable if pricey alternative.

I think the latest video answers many of the questions posed on this thread.

Also the marketing points, I assume the vendor is somewhat new at this, and doubt he has a marketing degree. I see he seems to be listening to everyone and is trying to make everyone satisfied by "fixing" the areas of his site that people have issues with.

I guess my point is give him a little slack, I would still like to see American entrepreneurship to flourish in this enviorment of government takeover.

Just my 2 cents worth, take it or leave it.
:thumbsup:

I agree and thought giving marketing advice might be received as quite positive and effective in aiding this American entrepreneur to flourish.

Heck if the price was more reasonable, I'd buy one!

 

[BlacknTan]

Here's my opinion from what I've read so far. My thoughts come down to two key points:

* Good product design
* Poor marketing

Let's focus on marketing. Here's my free marketing advice. The market niche this product should be focusing on is all the subcompact and compact tractors out there with no rear hydraulics. The market price should be positioned between a standard top link and a hydraulic top link, more in the $100 range. Then HydrauLink should talk with compact tractor manufacturers about making their product an option at point of sale.

The full size tractor market is better served with a full hydraulic top cylinder or top-n-tilt.

Darrell

I don't know diddley about marketing, but I do know a couple of things..

I'll bet the price of an OEM quality standard screw type top link is in the area of a hundred bucks..
Now, the cost of adding a traditional hydro top link to a tractor without rear remotes is not only the two hundrede or so for the cylinder, but also the cost of adding rear remotes, and all the associated hardware, hoses and fittings..
I shudder to think about all the money my hydro top link cost me in the valve and all the associated items, so I think this is a pretty good deal.

If it was around a couple of years ago, I'd still have a few dollars in my pocket... Or maybe not!

My point is... $100 is NOT midway between a screw top link and a hydro top link on a tractor without rear hydraulics.... Far from it!

 

[dcyrilc]

Answering questions is no hassle. I'm glad to do it. You actually bring up a good question. No company offers a lifetime warranty on their product but our manufacturer does give us a one (1) year warranty against defect. So, we've got your back. As for a DIY refill... you gave me an idea yesterday. We need to make a DIY instructional video for future use to help users do that very thing should they need to. Thanks!

Not true. All my Rigid brand pipe wrences are marked with an Unconditional Lifetime Warranty.

 

[BlacknTan]

Not true. All my Rigid brand pipe wrences are marked with an Unconditional Lifetime Warranty.

That warranty is good until Ridgid decides to stop honoring it.

Sears/ Craftsman tools used to have the same warranty, but Sears does not honor it anymore. The only company I can presently think of that will accept anything back for any reason is L.L. Bean.

 

[dcyrilc]

once again negativity.....
I do not once remember anyone asking for this info....

I am sure as much as the vendor has bent over backwards for all of us in answering all these posts, that will be the next video

...or included in a redone installation video. It probably doesn't need it's own video, just included in the installation one.

 

[SPYDERLK]

once again negativity.....
I do not once remember anyone asking for this info....

I am sure as much as the vendor has bent over backwards for all of us in answering all these posts, that will be the next video

What is the fully extended length? With Pat's easy hitch, I need to run a 32" toplink. The ad mentions 19" to 23" center pin length... this is way too short and only gives a 4" adjustment?

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. [Note that this post was not answered.]

Yeah, he was so busy answering operating things that were obvious from the 1st video that he had no time to see the omission of a key setup feature that adds value to the product.
larry