Top link hanger

[rd_macgregor]

I have a DK45SC and the top link hanger is welded to the bottom of the cab frame just below the small, bottom rear window and right of center. I just hooked new hydraulic hoses to my rear remotes to run forward under the cab and onto the FEL to power the grapple on my new Markham grapple rake.
However, when the hoses are connected to the remotes, the top link won't go into the hanger.
This isn't an issue when I have a rear implement that needs hydraulic (like my snowblower), since the top link is then in use, centered and out of the way.
Any suggestions on the best way to secure the top link when I am using the grapple but don't have a 3PH implement mounted?

BOB

 

[Lloyd_E]

Can you post a photo...

My hoses are mounted off to one side of the top link hanger.

lloyd

 

[LaVoie Equipment]

In some cases it is required to use a 90 degree elbow between the hose and quick disconnect (for the attachment), so you do not have the interference issues you are experiencing. This will also tuck your hoses down closer to the tractor. Tony

 

[rd_macgregor]

I'll try to remember to take a couple of pictures tonight. The remotes are mounted just to the right of centerline, more or less right below the hanger. When the top link is hung, the top link shaft angles right across the front of the lower of the two remotes. Even with 90 degree fittings (which I have), there still isn't enough clearance to hang the top link while the hoses are connected.
Some tractor designer at Daedong didn't think this one through all the way.
BOB

 

[rd_macgregor]

(assuming I got the picture attached correctly) You can see I come pretty close to getting the hanger attached, so I think I might be able to get enough slack by unscrewing/extending the rods another inch or two. Still, the body of the top link will lie right against the hydraulic fittings.
Another choice would be to take the top link all the way off when I'm not using it...it is pretty easy to remove.

BOB

 

[Damifino]

rd, it looks like you could move your quick disconnects over to the other openings to right of where they are now, that is if you have enough slack in your hoses.

Looks like it would be enough to clear your top link

 

[IslandTractor]

I replaced my metal toplink hanger with a crudely tied piece of webbing. Works fine.

 

[rd_macgregor]

rd, it looks like you could move your quick disconnects over to the other openings to right of where they are now, that is if you have enough slack in your hoses.

Looks like it would be enough to clear your top link

If the remotes were in the right holes in the bracket they'd be just fine, but they are plumbed with metal tubing, not hoses, so I'm reluctant to try moving them.

I unscrewed the top link a bit more and managed to get it hooked in the hanger, but the link body presses against the fittings, which I don't like. I mounted a piece of pipe through the two round holes to the far right and left sides just under the cab and will try fabricating some sort of bracket or strap or something that will hold the top link securely out of the way.

Island, is your webbing setup easy to use? Could you post a picture, so I could see how to duplicate it or adapt it to my situation?

Thanks for the suggestions.
BOB

 

[beltfed]

Sorry but I thought I'd ask since I just got my Bobcat tractor a few weeks ago...

The Hydraulic fill tube with the rubber ? on the end, I read in the manual that it should be pointed up and yours is pointed down. Does it not really matter or should you twist it up?

 

[VictorW]

Sorry but I thought I'd ask since I just got my Bobcat tractor a few weeks ago...

The Hydraulic fill tube with the rubber ? on the end, I read in the manual that it should be pointed up and yours is pointed down. Does it not really matter or should you twist it up?

I turn mine until it stops and the red rubber cap seals the tube. If you back it off then it won't seal and being that the cap is rubber, you might not be able to go the other way without stripping the rubber threads. There is a little breather hole in the end of the handle/tube part. I haven't had a problem in five years.

 

[IslandTractor]

Can you post a photo...

My hoses are mounted off to one side of the top link hanger.

lloyd

I cannot find a photo. I'll be going down to visit the tractor in a few days and will try to remember to get a shot then.

I rigged it basically because the stock hanger doesn't fit around the hydraulic topping lift I installed. It is really not a complicated solution though and literally is just a 18 inch piece of web strapping with a knot in it that runs up to ?one of the pin holes and then loops around the bottom of the topping lift cylinder. It just keeps it from dropping when I'm changing implements and doesn't have stress on it for more than a few minutes at a time. Totally a shade tree Swamp Yankee fix (our Rhode Island equivalent of Red Neck). I probably never took a photo because I didn't want anyone to see it. But, it serves its function well and the price was right (I repurposed an old sail tie if I recall correctly).

 

[o2batsea]

I can get the hanger to hang with a little bit of creative wiggling. The bail has to go up from below on the right side and it will just catch the last bend firmly enough. Have same issue as you with the sub frame backhoe thingamajig attached. The hydraulic lines interfere with the top link. Oh and with one of those you can't have the rear window open when you're in the saddle.
When I get my second remotes installed (oh yeah, just about any day now...) I think I'll switch to a hydraulic top link since they're awfully handy.

 

[Oleozz]

Same here o2batsea. I often have rear hoses hooked up like macgregor does and with a bit of wriggling the top link will fit on the hanger. The hoses are attached first and then the top link to the hanger.

 

[ToadHill]

If it were mine, I'd take a sawsall, cut it off cleanly and weld it to the other side.