JD4520 and CCM toplink - Have questions

[eepete]

I've got a CCM toplink I want to put on my JD 4520. I've got two problem/questions about it all:

1) The toplink holder is welded on, not bolted on so it can not be removed. Mine came a bit bent, but it seems like the hoses/connections will need to be away from the tractor (toward the implement) in order to avoid crunching the hoses and fancy valve against the toplink holder. Anyone else gone through this? I saw one post where someone crunched their CCM, but nothing relating to the 4x20 series.

2) I thought it would be a good idea to bleed out the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder. Just trying to avoid mixing different types of hydraulic fluid. So I connect up just one hose, and the other hose was in a bucket. The bucket end did _not_ have the quick connect on it. As I moved the 3rd SCV valve I could hear the tractor load up a bit, and saw the hose flex. But neither position made any fluid come out. So this means there is something I don't understand correctly, and it's a good time to stop and ask for help.

I searched and read a lot of the posts on CCM toplinks, but didn't see these two items dealt with. TIA for any help, will post pix when it's done for the next person to try this combination.

Pete

 

[Cocre]

Eepete, I have a JD 3320 and have a similar concern. I have looked at the CCM and Surplus Center toplinks, and am for certain that the check valves and hoses will contact the power beyond bracket on my tractor when the hitch is fully raised. I think the answer for your question one is to just unbolt the banjo bolts on the cylinder and flip the whole check valve/tubing thing around. That way it will be more toward the implement end of the cylinder rather than the tractor end.

 

[jenkinsph]

Which hose did you attach to the tractor? I would try with cylinder rod retracted, apply fluid to the opposite end of the rod.

Here is a picture I posted a week or so back showing the topntilt on my 4520.

 

[eepete]

@cocre: That is what I suspect was the solution. On your 3320, can you remove the toplink holder? It would seem I can just flip the cylinder 180 so the connections are out at the implement end, but this means that the cylinder rod is toward the tractor. I take it your suggestion allows the fixed end to still be on the tractor, helping in hose routing and insuring that the movable part of the cylinder is toward the implement and not the tractor. Am I understanding this correctly? The banjo bolts are the 90 degree bolts that connect to the cylinder, yes? I keep reading the term, but have not seem a picture or description.

@Steve: I keep think I must have messed up and put pressure on the wrong end even if that should be so obvious it's impossible. The cylinder ships retracted, so I connected the fixed end to the tractor and drained from the cylinder end. I'm reading into your post that my connecting one end to purge the hydraulic oil in the cylinder should be possible - the fancy check valve just wants to see 600 psi difference to allow flow. Attache one hose (to the _correct_ end of the cylinder), put the pressure to it, fluid that's in the cylinder comes out the other hose as the cylinder extends. Then I put the QC on the draining hose, hook it up, and I'm good to go with a minimum of "foreign" fluid in the tractor.

tnx to both of you for a reply

Pete

 

[beenthere]

eepete
How about some pics of your dilema? Might help decipher what you refer to as the toplink holder.
Here is a pic of how mine is mounted. Not sure this is the same as the one frustrating you. ??

 

[Cocre]

On my 3320 I can remove the hook part of the toplink holder (it is held on by a cotter pin, but not the actual bracket. Well, I can remove the bracket, it is held on by two bolts, but the same bracket that holds the hook holds the power beyond stuff in place, so it has to stay.

Yes, the banjo bolts connect to the welded fittings on the cylinder. I believe you should be able to just flip the check valve stuff around and not the entire cylinder. I bet kennyd or JJ know for sure.

I have put together a 2 section Prince SV hydraulic valve that mounts to my ROPS that will be used for a TnT. I intend to buy the toplink cylinder before Christmas, and the tilt cylinder sometime after. I have pondered the setup for some time but still have concerns about the toplink cylinder/check valves/hoses contacting the power beyond stuff. I think by reversing the check valve it will clear.

 

[eepete]

@beenthere: Tnbs for pix. I'll have to have the connections facing up, which means they might run into the welded on bracket that holds the swinging toplink holder. The tractor is in the cold and dark now, so I'll take some pix of it and post tomorrow morning.

@cocre: OK on what the banjo bolts are. Flipping the value stuff would solve the problem as far as hitting things. Then, when it's on, I'll have to see how close it gets to the toplink holder.

@everyone: There's an underlying assumption in all this stuff. That assumption is that it is desirable to have the fixed part of the cylinder on the tractor, and have the rod that comes out of the cylinder be at the implement end. This would be the least amount of movement on the hose lines. I'm curious if this is the only reason for this orientation, or is there something else I'm missing.

Pete

 

[kennyd]

I just got the one from the Surplus Center and am going through this now myself. I have to mount it "upside down" also, plus rotate the DPOCV 90* by loosening the compression fittings.

No pics just yet...

 

[beenthere]

I also turned the check valve so the hoses made a better loop (see pic). And this photo shows how I removed any 'foreign oil' from the cylinder (by hand). Not trying to say that is how it can work for you, but stumbled on this when fitting the CCM toplink to my Deere 4300. One of the handiest upgrades I've done.

 

[jenkinsph]

I also turned the check valve so the hoses made a better loop (see pic). And this photo shows how I removed any 'foreign oil' from the cylinder (by hand). Not trying to say that is how it can work for you, but stumbled on this when fitting the CCM toplink to my Deere 4300. One of the handiest upgrades I've done.

With the I Match pictured the tilt cylinder will help with both implement use and make hooking up easier too when on uneven ground.