Top-n-Tilt for L4600F, factory Kubota or ??

[Sid Post]

I'm considering adding a Top-n-Tilt to my L4600F tractor. I have read some negative reviews on the Kubota solution (leaky cylinders or valves?) so, I have been looking at other solutions.

In the end, it looks like all the Top-n-Tilt options are roughly the same price. What I can't really do is compare quality among the different options. The aftermarket option that has my attention is from Fit Rite Hydraulics. It looks like their cylinders are heavier so, I could move my Top-n-Tilt to another larger tractor in the future.

What recommendations and words of wisdom to the RKI have on the factory and aftermarket options? I want to buy the correct system the first time, not save a few pennies on the initial purchase and then spend a whole lot more to make it right.

TIA,
Sid

 

[TripleR]

No doubt Brian has quality stuff, we got the top-link for our M8540 from him. The best I remember, he usually recommends OEM valves etc. for a better fit on the tractor, but you could still source the hydraulic links from him.

I have OEM controls and cylinders on my L5740and can't tell any difference in quality, though Brian can probably offer more variations as to cylinders, sure worth contacting him; very responsive and easy to deal with.

 

[Sid Post]

Thanks! I'm planning on using factory valves. I'm just waffling a bit on double acting versus float valves.

 

[TripleR]

I didn't know enough to get any float valves on mine, wish I had at least one now, probably two.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Thanks! I'm planning on using factory valves. I'm just waffling a bit on double acting versus float valves.

Sid, A couple of things. Having the float function for both of the valves opens up other possibilities that could otherwise not be accomplished without having that feature. Kubota wants an additional $135 for each float function which is crazy stupid, they use to want $60 which was high. Should be $30-$40. I charge $35. Better to have the feature and not need it vs needing the feature and not having it. But at the cost that Kubota wants, may only go with 1 float instead of 2, though it is nice having both valves with the float feature.

Some of the concerns about leaking that you have read are most likely the control valves. The cylinders leaking simply is not a common occurrence, no matter whose cylinder you may have.

Now for the most depressing development, I have typically recommended the OEM factory valve kits. They are usually integrated in with the tractor and just a much nicer cleaner installation than 3rd party installs.

I have stopped making those recommendations. In the last year I have had several customers end up with bad valves from their OEM companies and those companies have failed to stand behind those failures saying that the valves are within spec, which they very well might be, the spec is horrible if what they say is true. NO CYLINDER should be able to move on it's own several inches in only minutes.

Anyway, I no longer recommend any valves other than the ones that I sell.

In the end, it looks like all the Top-n-Tilt options are roughly the same price. What I can't really do is compare quality among the different options. The aftermarket option that has my attention is from Fit Rite Hydraulics. It looks like their cylinders are heavier so, I could move my Top-n-Tilt to another larger tractor in the future.

Now for your other concern about being able to use a top & tilt set built for your L4600 on a different tractor. Probably not going to happen, top link is a reasonable possibility that it would work ok. I doubt that the side link will workout properly. Not that it would not physically fit on, just that there are so many variables that I really doubt that it would work properly on a different model and size machine.

Something that it would be a shame for you to pass up a tractor because the "T&T" doesn't fit properly. You are going to pass up a lot of tractors if that would be some of the criteria for any future tractor that you may want to get.

Good luck with your decisions.