Is Top and Tilt Worth It?

[JChamp]

I apologize if this question has been covered. I used the search feature and didn’t find an answer.

I’m getting a new L2501 for use around our new 17.25 acres. The driveway isn’t paved (yet) so I’m debating between a Box Blade and a Land Plane. If I go with the Box Blade I’m thinking the Top and Tilt is a must for a newb like me. If I go with the Land Plane it seems a little more dummy proof. My question is, is there value for other 3 point implements that I may end up getting to help justify the cost of adding it, or is it just flat out worth it to add for the on the fly adjustability with a Box Blade or Land Plane?

The other implements that I’m getting are:

Loader & Bucket (with tooth bar)
Grapple Claw (with 3rd function)
Forks

I can envision adding a tiller, maybe a brush hog or mower and maybe a post hole digger at some point. The primary use of the tractor will be maintaining our driveway, trails in the woods and other chores around our house, but I’m not ruling out an occasional side-job at some point.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[mcmxi]

I apologize if this question has been covered. I used the search feature and didn’t find an answer.

I’m getting a new L2501 for use around our new 17.25 acres. The driveway isn’t paved (yet) so I’m debating between a Box Blade and a Land Plane. If I go with the Box Blade I’m thinking the Top and Tilt is a must for a newb like me. If I go with the Land Plane it seems a little more dummy proof. My question is, is there value for other 3 point implements that I may end up getting to help justify the cost of adding it, or is it just flat out worth it to add for the on the fly adjustability with a Box Blade or Land Plane?

The other implements that I’m getting are:

Loader & Bucket (with tooth bar)
Grapple Claw (with 3rd function)
Forks

I can envision adding a tiller, maybe a brush hog or mower and maybe a post hole digger at some point. The primary use of the tractor will be maintaining our driveway, trails in the woods and other chores around our house, but I’m not ruling out an occasional side-job at some point.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Top & Tilt is 150% worth it. I have the Land Pride/Kubota kits on both of my tractors and would not be without them. You can get better kits it seems that will allow tilting/rotating the implement clockwise and anticlockwise. The Kubota kits appear to only rotate the implement one way. The top link cylinders are fine though. Also, you can find cylinders that have one-way or anti drain features that will prevent the oil from leaving the cylinder, which causes the implement to sag one way or the other over time. Whether or not that's an issue for you depends on your tolerance of implement sag.

Sometimes you can run into an issue with only 3 rear remote valve sets as I have on my tractors. When I hook up the rear snow blower with hydraulic chute rotation and deflection, or the Del Morino hydraulic offset flail mower I have to give up either the top link or side link cylinder function. Not a big deal for those implements but it's something to think about.

 

[Trimley]

Top and Tilt are worth it IMO. Not only for a Box Blade, also for a Back Blade. The "Top" can be very useful when connecting all implements in general.

 

[UnEasyRider]

What is Top n Tilt. Musta missed something at the dealer!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

What is Top n Tilt. Musta missed something at the dealer!

Here is a T&T set on a larger tractor, but gives you an idea for your own.
Hydraulicly tilts the implement forward-back wards and on some sets, both left & right. Some sets only to the right.
If you are going to grade much or have constant driveway maintenance, a very nice feature to have.

 

[JChamp]

What is Top n Tilt. Musta missed something at the dealer!

 

[UnEasyRider]

Here is a T&T set on a larger tractor, but gives you an idea for your own.
Hydraulicly tilts the implement forward-back wards and on some sets, both left & right. Some sets only to the right.
If you are going to grade much or have constant driveway maintenance, a very nice feature to have.

Thank you! Maybe next tractor as I don't have all the hydraulics in the back (nor the money in the bank at the moment) and would rather get everything OEM.

 

[UnEasyRider]

Definitely cool! Thanks!

 

[DaveFromMi]

Can you get a float modes with top and tilt? It would be handy for bushhogging trails on this place.

 

[NCL4701]

Can you get a float modes with top and tilt? It would be handy for bushhogging trails on this place.

Yes. You just need a rear remote with float detent and whatever cylinder you want to float can’t have a check valve. One of my three rear remotes has a float detent so I can float the toplink or sidelink. If I had two rear remotes with float, I could float them both at the same time.

 

[MOOTS]

Thank you! Maybe next tractor as I don't have all the hydraulics in the back (nor the money in the bank at the moment) and would rather get everything OEM.

The OEM valves can be added easily.

 

[mcmxi]

Yes. You just need a rear remote with float detent and whatever cylinder you want to float can’t have a check valve. One of my three rear remotes has a float detent so I can float the toplink or sidelink. If I had two rear remotes with float, I could float them both at the same time.

I have one float detent valve on both tractors, and for example, use it for the snow blower tilt function with the idea that the blower will follow the terrain a little better on off-camber transitions. I give up the top hydraulic link for snow removal, but do the opposite for the Del Morino flail mower. I want the hydraulic top link for that application and give up the tilt cylinder. I'm not interested (yet) in adding more valves by adding some form of manifold with electric over hydraulic switches.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Land Pride is the perfect example of an under-engineered top & tilt system.

The cylinder stroke should be in the middle of the stroke when the implement is level front-back and side-side. Don't get me wrong, it's better than nothing, but far from being the premium set up.

 

[woodman55]

And a quick hitch to go with them.

 

[UnEasyRider]

The OEM valves can be added easily.

But the money at the moment not as easily!…lol

 

[Soopitup]

Land Pride is the perfect example of an under-engineered top & tilt system.

The cylinder stroke should be in the middle of the stroke when the implement is level front-back and side-side. Don't get me wrong, it's better than nothing, but far from being the premium set up.

What would be an example of a premuim setup?

 

[Russell King]

What would be an example of a premuim setup?
Answer
Fit Rite Hydraulics

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Top and Tilt IS worth it if you have lots of money.
It's not worth it if you can't buy your kid new shoes because your too F'n lazy to get off your ass and turn a couple turnbuckles.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Go ahead and order the Fite Rite setup with the Dual Pilot Operated Check Valves.

From what I hear, they are quite backlogged so you will have plenty of time to save up for them.

Do NOT, try to install these valves yourself, trust me on that.

Here is an example of some dumbass that tried it.

https://www.orangetractortalks.com/...-to-shoot-ones-self-in-the-foot-part-1.63695/

 

[mikester]

Top and Tilt IS worth it if you have lots of money.
It's not worth it if you can't buy your kid new shoes because your too F'n lazy to get off your ass and turn a couple turnbuckles.

On a little machine you can reach behind you in the seat to turn the turnbuckles!