Made a hydraulic top link extension

[High Compression]

So I guess this is a common problem. I posted another blog for ideas for a solution. Thought I'd share what I ended up doing. Extended from center of pin to center of pin 4.125", which is how much my Pat's Easy Change lengthened my draft arms.

A little cutting with the plasma, drilling, welding and Voila!
View attachment 261440

A little Kubota grey paint.
View attachment 261441

 

[Zebrafive]

Looks like the rectangle tubing was perfect fit. :thumbsup:

 

[mjncad]

I like the concept; but I'm concerned there isn't enough material overlap that the welds may fail.

 

[High Compression]

Looks like the rectangle tubing was perfect fit. :thumbsup:

About a .125 gap left between the tube and the ears. So, pretty good fit. Not perfect, but it was what I had that fit the best.

 

[High Compression]

I like the concept; but I'm concerned there isn't enough material overlap that the welds may fail.

Yeah... Pic isn't a very good angle. It does look shy. There is just a little more than .25" overlap. Agreed, not ideal, but all 4 welds are 5" long on .375" thick steel (which is the factory thickness). With the tensional load that is placed on the top link, I don't see them failing all at once. Since the lower draft arms carry all the weight, and the top link mainly stabilizes, I think it will be just at good as butt or tee welded joint. As long as I don't get carried away. We'll see. I'm not too proud to admit and show failure. As long as no one gets hurt, if anything breaks, I'll be sure to post it, so we all can learn from my mistake. :thumbsup:

 

[teg]

Very cleaver... :thumbsup: I like the design.

 

[Freakingstang]

how long is the stroke on the toplink cylinder? I've got a 1 1/4"-10" cylinder kicking around and thinking about making a hyd toplink for my little Beaver....

 

[mjncad]

Thanks for posting additional info on the steel thickness, weld length, etc.

 

[JoeL4330]

not sure if this would have helped but, when necessary, I lengthen my hydraulic top link at the other end with the HF "swinging toplink" ...as shown

 

[Leejohn]

Do you have to move the top link in or out to get full travel of the 3pt.?
The top link pivot should be in line with the lower link pivot.