Need a hydraulic top link

[Tree-Farmer]

What do you recommend for a hydraulic top link?

I see that AgriSupply has one for $135, plus you have to buy your own hoses, that may be the cheapest that I’ve seen. Don’t see their brand. Have you heard of anything bad about this one, any reason not to buy it?

Tractor Supply has AMA brand for $280, cat 2

Sloan has Grizzly brand for $190

I’ve also seen some very expensive hydraulic top links, but I think I have low needs. I only want to use it on a 6 row cultivator, so I can raise the back sweeps higher than the 3 point will raise it, to make backing up easier, so I think a lower-end one will work for that.

Do you have one? Any thought on a decent one?

 

[WESnIL]

Back in my younger days, the dealer installed a low quality one on a tractor and loader set up in a deal with me. The salesman told management it would not work. He was correct; it was soon replaced with a better quality one. The hydraulic cylinder that replaces a top link is most useful with a box scraper too. IMHO don't buy a cheap one; you will be sorely disappointed.

 

[Jim.ME]

Get one that has the holding valves plumbed in between the ports, it will hold position better.

 

[joeysmith]

What do you recommend for a hydraulic top link?

I see that AgriSupply has one for $135, plus you have to buy your own hoses, that may be the cheapest that I’ve seen. Don’t see their brand. Have you heard of anything bad about this one, any reason not to buy it?

Tractor Supply has AMA brand for $280, cat 2

Sloan has Grizzly brand for $190

I’ve also seen some very expensive hydraulic top links, but I think I have low needs. I only want to use it on a 6 row cultivator, so I can raise the back sweeps higher than the 3 point will raise it, to make backing up easier, so I think a lower-end one will work for that.

Do you have one? Any thought on a decent one?

Have you tried changing holes your top like is in?
A lot of times a little geometry change makes a huge difference

 

[DoubleR]

I brought the Agi Supply one about 8-9 years ago, I think its still the same one they list now. I used it on a M4800 and a M6060 Kubota. It would not hold the position and would drift out of the position I wanted to keep it in. I don't know if its the tractors or the links fault but its been hanging on used in my shop where its been for a few years now. Just a FYI.

 

[Jim.ME]

Get a cylinder with the check/holding valves for top link use.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

I made one from a 2 1/2" double acting hydraulic cylinder with 8 " stroke years ago. Stil works fine.

 

[Fordy20]

Prince Mfg
This is the one I have and it holds position. Prince toppling

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

Hydraulic Top Link Cat. 1-1 with Locking Block 18 1/8â- 26 3/8â with 2 x Hose US | eBay

Specifications Material: Steel Color: Black Process: Polishing and Welding Surface Treatment: Painting Pull Force: 2.3t/5070lbs Thrust Force: 3.5t/7716lbs Model: 18 1/8-26 3/8'' Stroke: 21cm/8.26in Bore Diameter: 5/6.3cm(1.96/2.48in) Rod Diameter: 3cm/1.18in Joint Bearing Width: 5.3cm/2.08in...

www.ebay.com

 

[Willow Lane]

I've got a cheap Cat 2 one (maybe Vevor). Looks exactly like the top one that Jim.ME shows, including the red dust caps. I think it was a little under $200. No problems or complaints. It stays on my M7060 all the time. If you've never used one, you'll wonder why you went without one for so long

 

[DoubleR]

Get a cylinder with the check/holding valves for top link use.
View attachment 124207View attachment 124208

Can a check valve be installed on one like in your bottom picture which is like the one i have. I really liked it but really disliked it not holding its position.

 

[Jim.ME]

Yes, a manifold with valves could be added to your cylinder but it likely will cost you as much for the parts to do this to your cylinder as you could get a cylinder with the holding valves already on it for.

 

[Tree-Farmer]

Thank you for the info that I should get one with check values to make it work correctly and keep the setting, Jim and Phill. It kinda of seems like a scam that they're selling standard cylinders as top links. I think I'll get one from Summit Hydraulics, it's a good sign that's their main product, so should be good quality. Tractor Supply also has one, about the same price, $225

 

[buickanddeere]

Not sure why a hydraulic upper link is required . Except perhaps while completion ploughing to square up the starts and finishes .

 

[paul]

Not sure why a hydraulic upper link is required . Except perhaps while completion ploughing to square up the starts and finishes .

It’s kind of like power steering, if you never had it you say, well I can steer the tractor fine who needs power steering. But then when you have it, you say ohhhh…. That sure helps!

It is so much faster hooking up 3 pt equipment, I just want it for that alone!

On my 3pt hitch I can angle the hitch down to hook up stuff flat on the ground.

On the 3pt forklift I can angle the forklift.

On the bale carrier and the bale spear I can angle the forks or spear.

On the disc mower I can angle the blades up in rocks, down if I want a closer shave.

On the row crop cultivator and the little chisel plow I can angle the unit to keep it level and I can tilt the back up for travel over the bridge, waterways, etc so it doesn’t dig in.

And on and on. Very handy.

Paul