X748 wit New 3PH, Rear Hydraulics, Hydraulic Top Link

[ber72564]

Well my friends, it has been a long time but here is my completed project.

I received the X748 as part of an 18 acre home purchase. I had the JD Dealer install the PTO last January. I then purchase and installed the following:
3 Point Hitch - Standard JD part
Rear Hydraulics - from Axillary Hydraulics X-Series Rear Hydraulic Kit
Custom Hydraulic Top Link - from Fit Rite Hydraulics Fit Rite Hydraulics - fitritehydraulics.com

I have used it on my Box Blade and my carry all. Have yet to use the PTO. I am very pleased with the results and the suppliers.

 

[Eric102]

Very nice, I like the green paint!

Are you happy with the length? Or could it be shorter or longer?

 

[ber72564]

Very nice, I like the green paint!

Are you happy with the length? Or could it be shorter or longer?

Yes I believe the length and stroke length are correct. Your stock unit is 12+/- min to 16+/- max, this goes from from 14.4 +/- to 20 +/-. At the short limit with my Carryall, the top of the carryall is almost on the seat-back. At the extend limit the carryall is tilted down 30-40 degrees. With the blade, I have found the most usefulness. Previously with the manual TL, do to the geometry of the X700 3PH, in full lift on the 3PH, the blade still did not clear the ground if the tractor went up an incline of a certain grade. Now I can do a full lift with the blade then a full retraction of the TL and am MUCH more maneuverable.

Once again very pleased with the outcome. One of the most improved aspects is the ease with which I can mount the blade and carryall. Enormous benefit. Only thing missing is caps to the plugs on the hose ends. Brian said that is because most of what he does are for the larger sized QDs, and most of his customers never remove the TL once installed. Since mine is 50% belly mower, and 50% other land maintenance, maybe I'll add them later. Another option is to add an attachment mechanism (TBD later) to hold the TL in place when not being used. This would then also require a Lockout valve in the rear port circuit to keep the TL from extending/retracting when needing to lift and lower the 60D mower deck.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Very nice.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Yes I believe the length and stroke length are correct. Your stock unit is 12+/- min to 16+/- max, this goes from from 14.4 +/- to 20 +/-. At the short limit with my Carryall, the top of the carryall is almost on the seat-back. At the extend limit the carryall is tilted down 30-40 degrees. With the blade, I have found the most usefulness. Previously with the manual TL, do to the geometry of the X700 3PH, in full lift on the 3PH, the blade still did not clear the ground if the tractor went up an incline of a certain grade. Now I can do a full lift with the blade then a full retraction of the TL and am MUCH more maneuverable.

Once again very pleased with the outcome. One of the most improved aspects is the ease with which I can mount the blade and carryall. Enormous benefit. Only thing missing is caps to the plugs on the hose ends. Brian said that is because most of what he does are for the larger sized QDs, and most of his customers never remove the TL once installed. Since mine is 50% belly mower, and 50% other land maintenance, maybe I'll add them later. Another option is to add an attachment mechanism (TBD later) to hold the TL in place when not being used. This would then also require a Lockout valve in the rear port circuit to keep the TL from extending/retracting when needing to lift and lower the 60D mower deck.

Maybe I am mis-understanding,:confused3: but when the hoses are unplugged, the top link will not move and is locked in place, no valve would be required. Or are you considering a system where both can be connected at the same time? Then you will need a diverter valve of some kind. A manual diverter can be purchased for about $100.

 

[ber72564]

You are correct Brian. I am the one confused. I do not need a divertor. If the TL is unplugged it will hold. Since I have two spools, one for lift and one for the TL, leaving the TL attached is preferable and requires nothing else except a method of securing it to the rear of the tractor when not attached to a 3PH attachment. Then one day, maybe, if a FEL falls off the back of a truck on Christmas, I will load my ballast, unplug the rear port extensions at the SCV, attach the FEL bucket circuit and off I go.

Once again thank you for the quality materials, craftsmanship, and knowledge.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

You are correct Brian. I am the one confused. I do not need a divertor. If the TL is unplugged it will hold. Since I have two spools, one for lift and one for the TL, leaving the TL attached is preferable and requires nothing else except a method of securing it to the rear of the tractor when not attached to a 3PH attachment. Then one day, maybe, if a FEL falls off the back of a truck on Christmas, I will load my ballast, unplug the rear port extensions at the SCV, attach the FEL bucket circuit and off I go.

Once again thank you for the quality materials, craftsmanship, and knowledge.

Thank you.

This is not the best , but it is simple and very cost effective. Use a hose clamp to hold a single link of chain onto the hydraulic cylinder. You should then be able to use the stock OEM top link retainer hooked in the link. In some cases, 2 links are required to get things turned 90*.

 

[ber72564]

Thank you.

This is not the best , but it is simple and very cost effective. Use a hose clamp to hold a single link of chain onto the hydraulic cylinder. You should then be able to use the stock OEM top link retainer hooked in the link. In some cases, 2 links are required to get things turned 90*.

There is the rub, there is not a stock OEM top link retainer. I will have to fab something up to attach on the seat frame. Can't be the seat otherwise it wont move or lift up to access the Hyd Oil Dip Stick. Or I hook it on the seat with an easy release clip for when I need to move the seat.

But I like the hose clamp and chain link idea once I figure out the tractor side. ANd I am not one to baling wire and bubble gum something. SO I will noodle on it a while, meantime, I have lots of scraping and hauling to do with it on the tractor. Probably only have one more grass cut for 2014.

 

[Eric102]

How about an I-match quick hitch to hold that top link? They work great and as a bonus you don't have to get off the tractor to hookup/or release attachments (most of the time).

I have one on my 3320 and am seriously considering another for the X739.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

How about an I-match quick hitch to hold that top link? They work great and as a bonus you don't have to get off the tractor to hookup/or release attachments (most of the time).

I have one on my 3320 and am seriously considering another for the X739.

Sounds like the reasonable thing to do. :thumbsup: