Hydraulic top link

BruceMyers48

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L3901, 6' Boxblade, 6' Mower
Nov 9, 2014
31
3
8
Zephyrhills, FL USA
Kubota says they don't make a hydraulic top link for the L3901 and have been (supposedly) working to figure how to install one. I'm Not mechanically inclined so it’s tough ror me. Is this a tough job to do and I already have the third valve for my grapple?
 

TheOldHokie

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Kubota says they don't make a hydraulic top link for the L3901 and have been (supposedly) working to figure how to install one. I'm Not mechanically inclined so it’s tough ror me. Is this a tough job to do and I already have the third valve for my grapple?
Its just a cylinder that replaces the mechanical top link. You will need an auxiliary valve and outlets to operate it. You could use the loader third function but that is probably not ideal. Aftermarket top links are readily available.


Dan
 

old and tired

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L2800 HST; 2005; R4
My impression is the third function is already on his loader.

Dan
Wow, I missed that part.... :sleep: 🤪 I was way off base... 3rd function doesn't work well for the hydraulic top link since you normally need to adjust the hydraulic top link in small precise movements and the 3rd function (as best as I can tell) is full open or fully closed.

Now I did not know a darn thing about hydraulics and I added an extra spool (well a 3 spool valve) to operate a grapple, top and side hydraulic link.

For what you paid for the 3rd function, you could have added those 3 spools...
 

TheOldHokie

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Wow, I missed that part.... :sleep: 🤪 I was way off base... 3rd function doesn't work well for the hydraulic top link since you normally need to adjust the hydraulic top link in small precise movements and the 3rd function (as best as I can tell) is full open or fully closed.

Now I did not know a darn thing about hydraulics and I added an extra spool (well a 3 spool valve) to operate a grapple, top and side hydraulic link.

For what you paid for the 3rd function, you could have added those 3 spools...
(y) (y) (y)

Dan
 

TheOldHokie

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Thats standard stuff and you could use it to operate a top link but as I said earlier probably not ideal. Adding a small manual valve for a set of rear remotes is easy, inexpensive, and better suited to the task.

Dan
 
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BruceMyers48

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L3901, 6' Boxblade, 6' Mower
Nov 9, 2014
31
3
8
Zephyrhills, FL USA
Thats standard stuff and you could use it to operate a top link but as I said earlier probably not ideal. Adding a small manual valve for a set of rear remotes is easy, inexpensive, and better suited to the task.

Dan
I believe That's what they wanted to do is place a small manual valve near where I'm sitting so I could operate the top link . I just can't get them to communicate, three weeks now and they are still getting an idea together for me and a price. Maybe I need to find another dealer of a private shop here in central Florida. Thanks for your help and advice
 
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TheOldHokie

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I believe That's what they wanted to do is place a small manual valve near where I'm sitting so I could operate the top link . I just can't get them to communicate, three weeks now and they are still getting an idea together for me and a price. Maybe I need to find another dealer of a private shop here in central Florida. Thanks for your help and advice
It ain't rocket science - DIY.

Dan
 
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BruceMyers48

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Equipment
L3901, 6' Boxblade, 6' Mower
Nov 9, 2014
31
3
8
Zephyrhills, FL USA
Thats standard stuff and you could use it to operate a top link but as I said earlier probably not ideal. Adding a small manual valve for a set of rear remotes is easy, inexpensive, and better suited to the task.

Dan
Just to refresh your memory, I’m the guy that can’t get the Kubota dealerships locally to figure out how to install a Hydraulic Top link for my box blade.

I have come up with an idea that might be easy and less expensive. I already have the third function valve for my grapple installed, with hose to the front end. I don’t use the grapple very much, so why can’t I run Hydraulic hoses to the back for my Hydraulic top link and while I’m not using the grapple just disconnect the hose’s and connect my rear remote hoses to where the grapple hoses were. Then I could use the buttons that operate the grapple to operate the back Hydraulic top link.

As always, I value and thank you for your input.
 

TheOldHokie

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L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
8,732
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113
Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
Just to refresh your memory, I’m the guy that can’t get the Kubota dealerships locally to figure out how to install a Hydraulic Top link for my box blade.

I have come up with an idea that might be easy and less expensive. I already have the third function valve for my grapple installed, with hose to the front end. I don’t use the grapple very much, so why can’t I run Hydraulic hoses to the back for my Hydraulic top link and while I’m not using the grapple just disconnect the hose’s and connect my rear remote hoses to where the grapple hoses were. Then I could use the buttons that operate the grapple to operate the back Hydraulic top link.

As always, I value and thank you for your input.
As I said before you can do that.

And as I said then there are better ways to do it. You dont need a dealer to add a cheap off the shelf valve and a set of outlets for a rear remote.

Dan
 

BruceMyers48

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901, 6' Boxblade, 6' Mower
Nov 9, 2014
31
3
8
Zephyrhills, FL USA
As I said before you can do that.

And as I said then there are better ways to do it. You dont need a dealer to add a cheap off the shelf valve and a set of outlets for a rear remote.

Dan
One more question, Maybe :) What Hyd top link would you recommend, is there a certain bore size I should buy or is there a kit available, sorry that was three questions. Thanks
 

TheOldHokie

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L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
8,732
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113
Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
One more question, Maybe :) What Hyd top link would you recommend, is there a certain bore size I should buy or is there a kit available, sorry that was three questions. Thanks
The L3901 is Cat 1 hitch so 2" bore with 1.25" rod is typical. I provided a link to a suitable top link early on in this thread. Put it on the tractor and run two short hoses forward to the 3rd function or a new valve and you are good to go.

Dan
 

BruceMyers48

Member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901, 6' Boxblade, 6' Mower
Nov 9, 2014
31
3
8
Zephyrhills, FL USA
The L3901 is Cat 1 hitch so 2" bore with 1.25" rod is typical. I provided a link to a suitable top link early on in this thread. Put it on the tractor and run two short hoses forward to the 3rd function or a new valve and you are good to go.

Dan
Thanks so much, Later I will measure under the Tractor for the length I need for my rear remotes, I have a local source that will make the hoses for me,
 
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Chanceywd

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Kubota L2501DT BH77 VIRNIG URG60-CT 1950 8N
Mar 26, 2021
602
465
63
central ny
Just to refresh your memory, I’m the guy that can’t get the Kubota dealerships locally to figure out how to install a Hydraulic Top link for my box blade.

I have come up with an idea that might be easy and less expensive. I already have the third function valve for my grapple installed, with hose to the front end. I don’t use the grapple very much, so why can’t I run Hydraulic hoses to the back for my Hydraulic top link and while I’m not using the grapple just disconnect the hose’s and connect my rear remote hoses to where the grapple hoses were. Then I could use the buttons that operate the grapple to operate the back Hydraulic top link.

As always, I value and thank you for your input.
I did what you said by teeing my 3rd function so I have it front and back. I use it in back when I have the BH77 on for my home made hydraulic thumb. I bought a pendant switch from Surplus Center and paralleled the 3rd function switch so i can use it from the backhoe seat and it works really well for me.

I also did what Dan suggested and added a 2 spool valve this year to run top and tilt. I bought my top cylinder from Agri supply but for my L2501 it is a little short at 28" extended for my back blade. so you might keep that in mind and look for a longer one if 28" isn't enough. I ended up spending a day making a block to extend my top link base that is removable rather than weld or change the oem.

Bill
 
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