Another hydraulic top link question

[mmlogan]

This is my first post and first tractor. Forgive me if I missed it in other threads. I can't find an exact match to my stock top link while trying to source a hydraulic top link. My stock top link measures 18 1/4 collapsed and 29 3/4 extended. The closest I can find is 18-26. Am I missing something? Should I be concerned about the 3-inch difference?

This is for a LX3520 Cab.

I appreciate any advice.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The stock working length cannot be matched with a normal hydraulic unit, nor is it even needed. Go with a 20"-29" range and be happy. Keep in mind that most of these units will need the tractor end ball swivel ground down from 1 3/4" wide to 1 9/16" wide.

Enjoy the new equipment.

 

[mmlogan]

The stock working length cannot be matched with a normal hydraulic unit, nor is it even needed. Go with a 20"-29" range and be happy. Keep in mind that most of these units will need the tractor end ball swivel ground down from 1 3/4" wide to 1 9/16" wide.

Enjoy the new equipment.

I appreciate the quick response. Any recommendations for a link? I have factory-installed rear remotes. Do I need a unit with a check valve? Can you tell how green I am yet?

 

[CAPT Seabee]

You'll use one of the rear remotes. Recommend going larger diameter on the cylinder if you have a choice, say 2.5 inches. I have a large Cat 1 on the block with a selectable 1/2 on the implement end made by Kubota. Problem is when you have a brush hog or any other heavy implement, the flexing while going down the road gradually brings the implement down. Consider a link with a locking block if you have to put miles in on the road.

 

[mmlogan]

You'll use one of the rear remotes. Recommend going larger diameter on the cylinder if you have a choice, say 2.5 inches. I have a large Cat 1 on the block with a selectable 1/2 on the implement end made by Kubota. Problem is when you have a brush hog or any other heavy implement, the flexing while going down the road gradually brings the implement down. Consider a link with a locking block if you have to put miles in on the road.

Got it. Great info. Thank you.

 

[Chad D.]

I bought my top link cylinder from @MtnViewRanch and could not be happier. Looks like his lead times are listed at 10 weeks. Worth the wait…

Do you have a float position on one of your remotes? If this is new to you, that means can you pull (or push) either of the levers and it pops past a little stiff spot into a locked position. If that’s still not making much sense, go to your loader control stick and push it straight forward. Push a little harder when it comes to a stop. It will pop past the stop and stay forward. This is the float position.

If you have a remote with float, and you want to use it, do not get a check valve with the new cylinder. It will not float with a check valve. If you never plan to float, get a check valve.

I’d recommend the restricted orifices for the hydraulic lines to the cylinder. These will substantially slow down the cylinder motion. So much nicer to use when they move slow. A fast top link cylinder is super frustrating and hard to use.

 

[jyoutz]

I bought my top link cylinder from @MtnViewRanch and could not be happier. Looks like his lead times are listed at 10 weeks. Worth the wait…

Do you have a float position on one of your remotes? If this is new to you, that means can you pull (or push) either of the levers and it pops past a little stiff spot into a locked position. If that’s still not making much sense, go to your loader control stick and push it straight forward. Push a little harder when it comes to a stop. It will pop past the stop and stay forward. This is the float position.

If you have a remote with float, and you want to use it, do not get a check valve with the new cylinder. It will not float with a check valve. If you never plan to float, get a check valve.

I’d recommend the restricted orifices for the hydraulic lines to the cylinder. These will substantially slow down the cylinder motion. So much nicer to use when they move slow. A fast top link cylinder is super frustrating and hard to use.

Why would an off the shelf item have a long lead time? I can see custom manufactured items, not a shelf stock item.

 

[Russell King]

Why would an off the shelf item have a long lead time? I can see custom manufactured items, not a shelf stock item.

These are custom made units not a stocked item

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Why would an off the shelf item have a long lead time? I can see custom manufactured items, not a shelf stock item.

I seriously doubt that you will find what I previously recommended on anyone's shelf.

Not that an off the shelf unit won't work with minor work, but it is not an ideal unit for his tractor.
To provide an optimum unit right out of the box is going to be a custom-built unit as far as I know of.

 

[FlatlandTransplant]

I bought mine from sparepartsholland.com and am very happy. Shipping took about 4 days to virginia. These do ship from Netherlands in Europe just fyi.
Looks like this one is close to your measurements.

Hydraulic Top Link Cat. 1-1 - Extended - (19 5/16” – 27 9/16”) with Locking Block and 2 x Hoses - Sparepartsholland

The hydraulic top link we offer replaces the existing top link on the tractor and makes your daily work easier. Great quality and fast shipping.

sparepartsholland.com

 

[JasonW]

I purchased mine from ArgistoreUSA. I ordered one longer than my original top link. I did add flow restrictors from my local tractor supply.

 

[mmlogan]

Why would an off the shelf item have a long lead time? I can see custom manufactured items, not a shelf stock item.

I appreciate all of the responses. I appear to have float on the rear remote (picture). I use the float function when operating the loader.