SFish
Silver Member
Hi JBA:
There are three Gearmore numbers on the Top & Tilt - #T3X8 18, 30WD08-125, 644749. I don't know what these numbers designate. It cost $1,700 (with the controller valve module) and I don't know what the cylinder size is, but the OD for both is 3.5". My dealer (Rainbow Ag in Ukiah, CA) sell a lot of Gearmore equipment. They told me that you get more for the cost. The Top & Tilt and 72" box blade are certainly very sturdy.
On my rig, I don't see how there could be a clearance problem with any reasonabe cylinder. If you have the 447 hoe you already have the Power Beyond kit (required for the hoe), but I don't know what the cost differential would be between the Gearmore valves and a set of diverters. I did not use diverters from the loader valves for the Top & Tilt because I already have one for a grapple attached to the loader bucket. I can see how using the loader control for adjusting the box blade (via diverter) could be very ergonomic, however the Gearmore valves are not bad. They are mounted on a tube that is, in turn, mounted to the ROPs on the right side. It is easy to adjust (up and down, tilt, and slide back out of the way) and remove. One thing to consider with diverters is dressing hoses so they are out of the way when the hoe is on. With my set up I just unplug from the Power Beyond, so there are no extra hoses on the tractor when the backhoe is on.
Steve
There are three Gearmore numbers on the Top & Tilt - #T3X8 18, 30WD08-125, 644749. I don't know what these numbers designate. It cost $1,700 (with the controller valve module) and I don't know what the cylinder size is, but the OD for both is 3.5". My dealer (Rainbow Ag in Ukiah, CA) sell a lot of Gearmore equipment. They told me that you get more for the cost. The Top & Tilt and 72" box blade are certainly very sturdy.
On my rig, I don't see how there could be a clearance problem with any reasonabe cylinder. If you have the 447 hoe you already have the Power Beyond kit (required for the hoe), but I don't know what the cost differential would be between the Gearmore valves and a set of diverters. I did not use diverters from the loader valves for the Top & Tilt because I already have one for a grapple attached to the loader bucket. I can see how using the loader control for adjusting the box blade (via diverter) could be very ergonomic, however the Gearmore valves are not bad. They are mounted on a tube that is, in turn, mounted to the ROPs on the right side. It is easy to adjust (up and down, tilt, and slide back out of the way) and remove. One thing to consider with diverters is dressing hoses so they are out of the way when the hoe is on. With my set up I just unplug from the Power Beyond, so there are no extra hoses on the tractor when the backhoe is on.
Steve