Top Link Hydraulic Cylinder Woes

Rich B1 · Sep 30, 2017

Restrictors are your friend in simple hydraulic systems. The components are designed/made for general purpose hydraulics with a wide range of application/use.

The top link application becomes a bit more precise/high end than the intent of the basic system. As in, it is expected to be a precise cylinder for positioning/holding that is beyond the basic system design/manufacture. At least in my opinion.......

When correctly installed, the restrictors should allow free flow into the cylinder, restricted flow out of the cylinder. Ideally you figure out what size orifice works aver a broad range of applications and have an orifice check on each port that gives you speed and more importantly control over cylinder movement.

But none of really have time to get an ideal solution, so the Parker type adjustable flow restrictors get the job done with a bit of fiddling. Due to the difference in area, you will likely end up with different settings on each end of the cylinder.

One thing nice about the adjustable type is if you get a new attachment, you can tailor your settings if needed. Or not.

Keeping lines and fittings small also can help to add some restriction to help with limiting speed and adding control.

tvman · Sep 30, 2017

Rich B1 said:
Restrictors are your friend in simple hydraulic systems. The components are designed/made for general purpose hydraulics with a wide range of application/use.

The top link application becomes a bit more precise/high end than the intent of the basic system. As in, it is expected to be a precise cylinder for positioning/holding that is beyond the basic system design/manufacture. At least in my opinion.......

When correctly installed, the restrictors should allow free flow into the cylinder, restricted flow out of the cylinder. Ideally you figure out what size orifice works aver a broad range of applications and have an orifice check on each port that gives you speed and more importantly control over cylinder movement.

But none of really have time to get an ideal solution, so the Parker type adjustable flow restrictors get the job done with a bit of fiddling. Due to the difference in area, you will likely end up with different settings on each end of the cylinder.

One thing nice about the adjustable type is if you get a new attachment, you can tailor your settings if needed. Or not.

Keeping lines and fittings small also can help to add some restriction to help with limiting speed and adding control.

I totally agree with this statement. Had to do the exact same thing on my 4330 when I added the top and tilt I made up.

Brian pretty much walked me through the fix even though I never purchased any items from him. I think most of our problems are the crappy rear remote valves.

My tractor came with 2 remotes and I never realized how much they leaked until I added a third factory valve for the top link. Restricters and dpoc valves fixed the problem.