L3400 CCM hydraulic top link length

[StrangeRanger]

Well, more "work" isn't the right description. It's just different. The top link isn't as floppy/movable as the stock one. So it just takes a little more planning to line it up then push/pull the lever to line up the holes. It's just different.
Really doesn't matter though, come this time of year I rarely ever have the box blade off. I'm constantly working on the driveway and this year I'm trying to work on my crop of rocks in the back "yard" area.
You will love it though, no doubt about that!

 

[Charlesaf3]

i enjoyed this thread guys - please keep posting on it

 

[canoetrpr]

Still waiting on my cylinders but I finally got the fittings I was waiting on for my valve and QDs.

Hooked it all up today and fired up the tractor. No leaks whatsoever (yet).
Noticed the hyd fluid level is low - makes sense given the extra valve in the circuit. Hopefully the cylinders will be here next week and I'll get to test the spools out.

Here are some pictures of the valve install and ones that show the plumbing to the hydraulic block.

 

[StrangeRanger]

Hey Canoe, looks awesome! You're more particular about the aesthetic details than I am, I like the way you've painted everything.

I noticed you've got 3 sets of QD's on there, have you found a use for that 3rd port already?

Also, just so you know (if you care), the FEL BPY line will fit up over the filter. I had mine like in your pic, but didn't like hoses being down and exposed like that. I'm not sure how or where you use your 3400, but I'm always in the woods and brush and felt those lines were just ripe for the plucking by a stump or log. I ran my FEL BPY line up over the filter and then zip tied that line and the BPY line from the valve assy together. Then I ran a hanger line over the bolt where the fender and floor board attached and hung the lines there. That way they're tucked up inside a bit more.

I have to redo mine b/c it was a test fit and I want to redo all my zip ties w/ some abrasive cloth or something so the ties don't wear the lines.

Sweet looking install you have man!!

 

[canoetrpr]

SR - I'm pretty much 100% in pasture but I'll see if can't get that hose routed above the filter.

Good idea on using an abrasive cloth. I've got to redo my zip ties anyway. I didn't have big thick ones so I used ones that are a little too skinny for my liking. I like the material they use on the FEL hoses - I think it is called a 'hose sock'. I'll see if the hyd store carries some when I go there for my cylinders.

The only thing I don't like about the setup is that I wish I had routed the return to tank to the hydraulic block and teed the fitting there. I had to top up my hyd fluid and had to undo the port on the tank to do it.

 

[canoetrpr]

I'm hoping to get a cylinder added to my snowblower next winter for the chute rotation. Not sure how it will go on so I'll see if the company that sells these still has a kit available for them.

 

[canoetrpr]

SR - if you have a chance, post up a photo of your setup around the hyd. block. Even if I moved my pb hose from the loader up, I would have to move my return to PB from the valve around as well so it wasn't exposed. Just wanted to see what you had done.

 

[StrangeRanger]

I'll try to do that soon Canoe... I've misplaced my camera. No, actually, my son has displaced my camera

But basically my pb hose goes over the top of the filter. My return line and pb line are zip tied together and pulled up and back by another zip tie that hangs down from the bolt between the fender and deck. Hmm... let me find that dang camera...

 

[canoetrpr]

Yeah now that I look at this pretty sure I can get it done too.

Finally called CCM today to get the tracking number as I thought they shipped last Tuesday. The ship date was this past Tuesday. Got a tracking number. Cylinder should be here tomorrow or Monday based on its current status.

I'll get those hoses redone once I am mucking with the cylinders.

Tomorrow I get my brand spanking new box blade delivered... can't wait to get this all working!

 

[canoetrpr]

Got the cylinders yesterday and they look fantastic! Got 1/4" hoses and fittings and hooked them up today. I've only tried out the top link so far as I painted the side link and was waiting for it to dry.

Works awesome. No leaks whatsoever. For a first hydraulic project especially for someone who isn't too handy, this has worked out really nicely. Thanks to TBN. I have myself a scare the first time I tried the top link as it didn't move but I could hear the valve trying. Turns out I didn't have one of the QA's in the QD enough. You've really got to push those things in.

Mark even included a larger pin for the side link cylinder since the clevis is beefier than the clevis on the OEM adjustable side link... that was a nice touch.

I also fixed up my hoses around the hydraulic block as per your recommendations SR. Much much better!

Can't wait to try out the side link tomorrow! Will post pictures tomorrow.

 

[StrangeRanger]

Glad to hear you got things hooked up! I considered painting mine, but everything back there just ends up mud colored anyway. Told you I'm not an aesthetic guy earlier in the thread

Anyway, I got about 4 hrs of box blade time this w/end. Our driveway was in horrible shape and my wife actually DEMANDED I get out on the tractor. I can't actually ever remember her telling me to get out there on the tractor. Time usually slips away when I'm out there

I don't know how I got along w/ out the TnT before. OMG it was so nice to adjust things w/out getting up and down, loosening and tightening those **** nuts, wondering where my wrench go to etc. Happy happy joy joy!!

Now I just gotta fix my gauge wheels and we'll be all set. Hmm... I wonder if she'd notice if I bought a cylinder for tipping the rear blade. **** you Canoe and your affordable extra remotes! They're just begging to be connected to something! LOL
j

 

[eddieirvine]

Finally got a chance to snap some pics last night. I know, my hoses are a little long, but I was afraid of getting them too short and then being screwed.

If you look at the valve assy you'll see a set of "risers" next to where the top link goes in. That's where the 90's will go for the side link when I get that back from CCM.

Now I gotta see if I can add a cylinder for my rear blade angle

This looks like what I am looking for I pm you but thought I would let you know here also let me know where you tapped into to get hyd back to your new valve thanks Eddie

 

[StrangeRanger]

This looks like what I am looking for I pm you but thought I would let you know here also let me know where you tapped into to get hyd back to your new valve thanks Eddie

PM sent Eddie. Let me know if you need anything else.

Btw, Canoe, are you back in top shape, get your valve repaired?

I was out again this w/end box blading and thanking my lucky starts to TnT.
j

 

[canoetrpr]

I am back in shape! Got a couple hours in on Friday. I was away for the weekend so unfortunately could not work on it. I'll get some photos of my top link extension bracket tomorrow - I'm taking the day off so I'll get some time on the tractor.

It's working really well and I'm loving the TnT with the box blade. New box blade is performing flawlessly also. I was worried getting a 6 ft medium duty (Woods HB72) but the tractor handles it effortlessly. It's going to take some time to build my skill with adjusting the 3pt appropriately when I go over a high spot to cut into it and then raise it to dump the scraped material... but that will come

 

[StrangeRanger]

Glad to hear your back up and running!

I know, some on here say gauge wheels are for whimps, but they sure help. I rigged up my own for my BB, put 2 or more big rocks on the BB and open up the 3pt valve all the way and it works wonders. Btw, if you play w/ your 3pt speed valve make your adjustments when the 3pth is down w/ no load on it. I think rigging up gauge wheels cost me like $70 and a 12 pack of beer (welder ).
j

I am back in shape! Got a couple hours in on Friday. I was away for the weekend so unfortunately could not work on it. I'll get some photos of my top link extension bracket tomorrow - I'm taking the day off so I'll get some time on the tractor.

It's working really well and I'm loving the TnT with the box blade. New box blade is performing flawlessly also. I was worried getting a 6 ft medium duty (Woods HB72) but the tractor handles it effortlessly. It's going to take some time to build my skill with adjusting the 3pt appropriately when I go over a high spot to cut into it and then raise it to dump the scraped material... but that will come

 

[canoetrpr]

I've got a landscape rake with guage wheels. I figured what I would do is get all my new gravel spread and levelled the best I can with the box blade and then do a final pass or two with my rake with guage wheels.

So far I've taken the guage wheels off the rake because I found they just got in the way when I was using it for cleanup... but I see their usefulness now.