Bent hydraulic top link.

[mikester]

I thought I would try a hydraulic top link on my L2501. I bought one listed as a Category 1 top link. I hooked it up to my box blade and cycled the cylinder and it immediately bent as I extended it.

Are these things that weak or is there something I should not have done?

At least you know your hydraulic pump works good.

 

[Nicfin36]

At least you know your hydraulic pump works good.

Yes, I actually told myself yesterday, "Well, the hydraulics are good and strong."

 

[Nicfin36]

Was thinking about this some more, I would flip and straighten best you could. Then put that cylinder on a blade or landscape rake or something that isn’t used a whole bunch, but would still be nice to have hydraulic angle/movement.

Yes, good idea. Later on, I will see if I can straighten it. It only has to last as long as me to matter anyway.

 

[BigG]

You can try to straighten the top link and if it works that is great.

I would rework the box blade's brace. Weld a new brace in a little lower on the A frame and then cut and grind out the old brace. You would never need to worry about which top link you use.

 

[Nicfin36]

You can try to straighten the top link and if it works that is great.

I would rework the box blade's brace. Weld a new brace in a little lower on the A frame and then cut and grind out the old brace. You would never need to worry about which top link you use.

Yes, the brace was in a bad spot on the box blade for sure. I had thought about it touching, but in my hurry, it slipped my mind. It was dark in the barn where I park the tractor and hooked up the cylinder. I might have noticed/remembered had I pulled out into a lighted area. It is a learning experience that I should not repeat again though.

 

[DustyRusty]

Yes, the brace was in a bad spot on the box blade for sure. I had thought about it touching, but in my hurry, it slipped my mind. It was dark in the barn where I park the tractor and hooked up the cylinder. I might have noticed/remembered had I pulled out into a lighted area. It is a learning experience that I should not repeat again though.

A good reason to install rear LED lighting on your tractor. Even though I don't usually work in the dark, I did install both front and rear lighting on my tractor. It has kept me from running over a porcupine on a few occasions.

 

[Nicfin36]

A good reason to install rear LED lighting on your tractor. Even though I don't usually work in the dark, I did install both front and rear lighting on my tractor. It has kept me from running over a porcupine on a few occasions.

Yes, good idea. I need to do that as well.

 

[RCW]

eserv saw the damage on the rod-end I didn't catch. There was a lot of torque there...

Like you said, live and learn.

I would definitely do a little cuttin' and weldin' on the BB.