L3400 CCM hydraulic top link length

StrangeRanger · Apr 25, 2008

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 · Apr 25, 2008

i enjoyed this thread guys - please keep posting on it

canoetrpr · Apr 26, 2008

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 · Apr 28, 2008

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 · Apr 28, 2008

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 · Apr 28, 2008

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 · Apr 28, 2008

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 · May 1, 2008

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 · May 1, 2008

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 · May 3, 2008

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.