How to Buy The Correct Hydraulic TopLink For Your Tractor

I get questions a lot on how to buy the correct hydraulic TopLink for my tractor. We talk about this subject in this video. Getting the length correct is the biggest thing.
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[@exploringplaceshistoryanda7004]

I love how you explain the details and each step of every project you do! Thanks to Hank from Hamiltonville Farms I having been taking the journey with you and Hank for over a year. I see you both with over a million subscribers each in the next couple of years. Why is that important? The younger generation needs to take a time out from social media and learn how to live, fix things and survive off the land. You both are so humble and down to earth. Very refreshing for this day and time. If I lived close to either one of you I could see us having coffee together, laughing and having a good time. Thank you again for being great teachers and providing GREAT content!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Wow! Thank you. I bet there are a bunch of us that could have coffee on the porch in this group. Thank you again for the kind words. Hank and I are tight like brother.

[@jackkillough9866]

!

[@davida.p.9911]

Mechanical (or manual) top links get out of adjustment really easily, especially if you don't secure the jam nut. These hydraulic ones are certainly time savers and the best invention for tractors since the 3 point hitch. Thanks for sharing Tony! I hope you're having a fabulous weekend! 😎🚜

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

David, Thank you for watching and always being positive.

[@123hotdog111]

Tony, long time subscriber, thank you so much for taking the time to produce this video. I use a box blade allot and have wanted a hydraulic top link for years. Thank you. Video was perfect explanation. It will be life changing for my tractor work.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you for your comment. That means the world to me.

[@vstromrider625]

I have had the same top link on my T264, about a year now. The link has been working great. I have the diverter on top and adjusted the 3 point stop bolt to prevent it from hitting the fuel tank. That created an issue with dragging implements when loading /unloading from my trailer and transitioning small hills. Not a big deal when in the dirt, but not so much on pavement. I finally decided last night to flip mine like yours to put the diverter on the bottom, then readjust the stop bolt to get the lost travel back. Have to think outside the box with these machines. You have said it many times, these hydraulic top links are a game changer, especially with the functionality of a box blade.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I appreciate your comment. I love comments like yours. It helps everyone learn.

[@vstromrider625]

Thank you, sir, that’s what it’s all about. I have said about myself I know a little bit about a lot of things, but I do not know everything about anything and what I do not know someone else surely does. It is why I come to You tube University; an eclectic collection of knowledge from people all over the world.

[@poconojoe90]

Thanks Tony, another excellent video!

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Great info Tony! Thanks!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

👍😁

[@yinginanensanen]

Great video! Thanks for talking about the measurements and showing how to connect it. Very helpful!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you for saying so. I appreciate it.

[@DevaultFamilyLiving]

Love these vids on the T25. Invaluable info for us newbies. Have a great day Sir, and Happy Easter to you and yours. God bless.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you for your comment. God Bless and happy Easter.

[@virginiariggle549]

Very grateful for your informative, unbiased content, Tony. A couple weeks ago I consulted your video using a box blade (excellent!) and ordered a heavy-duty one properly sized for my tractor. Now, this video has arrived at the perfect time for me to size & order a hydraulic top link for it. Cheers from Canada and this homesteader & subscriber who really appreciates your helpful advice!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you. Your comment means a lot tome.

[@frankmoreau8847]

Using a box blade can be done without a hydraulic top link, but having one will make the job a lot easier. Sort of like switching from a cross cut saw to a chainsaw for bucking firewood.

[@jimfriday4909]

You always explain everything. Great job. Thank you for sharing.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you

[@Bodhranarama]

Thanks Tony. You would make a great teacher.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you!

[@frankmoreau8847]

I just got a longer version of that same top link and it arrived in the same condition. It comes from Europe and the carrier isn't all that gentle with them. I did exactly what you showed to figure the length, it sort of seemed intuitive. I won't have any clearance issues so I am going to use the wire bail to hang the link when switching implements.

[@andysworld2188]

FYI for Kubota owners. Kubota top links have a spring roll pin at the end of the threaded links so when you are trying to extend them to full length it is impossible to overextend them. In other words just extend them till they bottom out, you do not need to remove them.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Good information, but having owned two Kubota tractors myself, your statement is not true on all models.

[@mikef1570]

Mine is similar, instead of roll pins they are Philips head screws.

[@jimbok2492]

Mine don't. Came apart trying level my plow.

[@markcarter108]

The rectangular valve in the center of the cylinder is called a double piloted check valve. It locks the cylinder in place and will not drift unless you have over 600 psi hydraulic pressure which unlocks the double piloted check valve. If you are loading a tractor on a trailer while an implement is attached, you could need a shorter collapsed length than the OEM top link. This is because the ramp angle is too much and the implement hits either the ground or trailer.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you for your comment. Good info. I have seen people, including myself, drag their implement rather than adjusting the Manual top link.

[@stanleyconrad4234]

@@TonysTractorAdventure Confused I am. Nothing new to me. So in a nut shell, is it better/best to have a slightly shorter hyd top link if doing a bunch of trailer loading. Sorry, kind of like how high is up! Still respect your thoughts Chief. Armor O-5

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Yes sir, Having the top link, opens so many opportunities!

[@wisdomspitter7688]

Yea I would prefer slight longer and shorter using a bushhog damn near vertical opens a lot of possibilities. Likewise turns the box blade into a very versatile tool.

[@houstonfirefox]

Adding a hydraulic top link was a game changer on my Tym T454! Now thinking of adding a hydraulic side link to the box blade!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

That would be awesome

[@watershedoverlook]

Looking at adding rear remotes so this is very timely and informative. Thanks Tony!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Kubota should have a rear remote kit for you. It is worth it for sure.

[@KPVFarmer]

Rear remotes are a must have if possible when buying tractor. If not, adding them will be a game changer for you. Just like I’m sure the hydro top link will be for me. Cheers 🍻

[@watershedoverlook]

I did add them, (videos on channel), and you are 100% correct! Going forward...won't have a tractor without them!

[@kenthayer6255]

Great explanation. What lever on the tractor controls the top link functions?

[@aprilgeneric8027]

i have found those big spool roll 500' weed whip string has a plastic mesh that works great for stringing hydro hoses thru as it expands as necessary but likes to remain unstretched giving you adjustability when ever required. one thing i don't like about it, is it's not long enough so it likes to slide towards an end that is more compressed naturally.

[@stanwebb3480]

Happy Easter Tony and Tanya!!!! Oh, Gismo no chasing the Easter Bunny!!!!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Happy Easter and God bless.

[@pramagli]

Great video. I want to add a hydraulic top link to my Massey Ferguson GC1723 and the one I selected at Tractor Supply is the exact same dimensions as the one you used. Great minds think alike. lol

[@MoneypitHomestead]

Another great video, and I want to get a Hydraulic top link for my Kubota, and now I will not have to guess which one I need.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you. Keep on keeping on Mr. Money pit!

[@KPVFarmer]

Thanks for the demo, I think I the one that just arrived today is the same one but a few inches bigger. The box was destroyed and lots of chipped paint. But it looks like it would take a lot more abuse to actually damage it. Thanks for your demo, it reassured me that I didn’t Jack it up 😜. Keep on Farm’n!!! 🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you! You will love it

[@douglasjackson1998]

What you called the "diverter" is your double pilot check valve, which will keep the top link from moving if you were to lose pressure from the tractor, due to a broken or decoupled hose, or if your spool valve should become a little leaky.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you for the correction.

[@mudgrippmike3489]

well Tony, you did have the channel lock pliers backwards on the fittings, but you got the job done :) I want to get a top link for my tractor and box blade.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

If the channel locks are the worst offense, then you were not looking close. Having had all of my finger cut off on my left hand effects how I do things.

[@silverbackag9790]

“Two inches makes a difference.” That’s what she said! Sorry, couldn’t resist.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I thought it when I said it. 😜

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Nice job

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you

[@diver0129]

Yep. I died a little bit inside when you used an adjustable wrench and channel locks to tighten your fittings.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I love it.❤️

[@LedgemereHeritageFarm]

I think the only caveat would be if you added a Pat’s easy change then you’d need a longer top link in my experience. Otherwise, spot-on. Great video. Thank You 😊

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I don't disagree. Anytime a stock system is changed there is a ripple effect.

[@jasone9]

Hey Tony, I have the same top link and the bracket you removed was actually a hanger not a hose protector. since you installed the cylinder upside down it wouldn't work anyways. If i were you I'd flip it around, I dont think you'd have a clearance problem since its a smaller toplink than your other one that hit. Your top link actually arrived in much better condition than mine did. I swear they drug mine behind the truck from the ship yard to my house, but it works great and again makes me wonder why i didnt buy one years ago.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I love having a hydraulic top link.

[@ISXCUMMINS565]

Good info 👍

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you

[@projectswithjw]

A fully retracted top link is great for attachment clearance when trying to load/unload trailers so I'd say it's still a usefully position.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I agree with that statement on a hydraulic top link; however, most people just drag their implement rather than manually adjusting the top link.

[@stanleyconrad4234]

@@TonysTractorAdventure Sad but true about dragging the equipment. I don’t truly know, but seems like a bad idea to do that.

[@chrismichels4616]

I agree on the trailer loading. A fully retracted top link is also a quick way to get the front of an angled rear blade down for digging a shallow ditch without having to adjust side links.

[@garymessina1609]

You did good

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you

[@sambaggett5636]

I wish I had seen this video last week, I just received my hydraulic top link, just like yours only longer. When I went to use my box blade on my drive it was to long to allow me to tilt the box blade forward enough to get the rippers to do their job properly even at their lowest setting. I have been thinking about getting a set of Pat's easy change connectors for the lower arms and see if they may help with my problem.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Pat's will help. I could use my bigger top link with Pat's on.

[@FabbedFun]

Very nice! I've considered getting one myself, but just haven't yet. Everything is getting so high $$$$$

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I agree. We invested in a freeze dryer for that very reason. Big garden too

[@regs3836]

I bought a top link from Spare Parts Holland as well. It also came beat up. But it only took about 4-5 days to get to me from Holland.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I love the rear hydraulic top link. Thank you for your comments

[@Cotton088]

Can you flip the hose holder that came with it to the other side (across the body of the cylinder)? Instead of using it for a hose holder (out for that too) it might give you something to hook you hook to to hold the cylinder up

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

The metal bracket I took off was meant for a hook to hold it up when it was not attached. It is not wide enough. I will rig something up.

[@PeaceIntheValley]

Hi Tony, I added the toplink not too long after getting the my tractor and every time I use it, I'm thankful that I added it. One thing to keep in mind if you plan on getting a quick hitch of sorts (I have Pats), consider having one that goes a little longer rather than getting the one that matches your existing top link. Thanks for the video!

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Good information.

[@bradmoss2911]

Have you had success with a tilt for a tym tractor? I’m looking as I have a tym 494 thanks for all the content

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I have never looked.

[@Raul28153]

I had to get two top links. The longer one lets me mount my 80" howard Selectatilth. the one that came with my tractor wasn't long enough

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

The selectatilth is an unusual piece.

[@bradmoss2911]

Hi Tony I ended up doing this for my tym 494 but wanted to hear your suggestion on which hydraulic hose? Thanks

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I hope it helped. Keep on tractoring

[@brianboomhower1663]

Great info Tony! I have a TYM474 and bought the top link you had recommended in the link. I did also have to turn it upside down to clear the lines when fully raised. Worked well until I installed Pats quick hitch and a box blade. I cannot lower the rear of the blade due to not being long enough. I believe with pats hist it extends 3.5 inches. Do you know the number of one that would fit or do I just order one thats 3.5 inches longer?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

You can order a longer one based on your needs. I don't see a downside.

[@parsons585]

Great info! Going for a hydraulic top link on my 33 hp LS & you explained it all so well! God's blessings to you! One question: Does it matter which port each hose hooks up to on the tractor?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

It doesn't matter. It will work in reverse.

[@parsons585]

@@TonysTractorAdventure Thank you!

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

Very informative

[@stanleyconrad4234]

Come on now Hank, would you expect anything less from Tony. 😀. I watch/lurk your channel as well. Lots of questions.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Glad you think so!

[@jimbok2492]

I disagree with the never fully extending the top link. I'm in need of a longer one. Thanks for the video. Good info

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

That's ok. Thank you for watching and the input.

[@JeffZiegler76]

I have a t474, did you find a way to use the factory top link store clip with your hydraulic one?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Bend an old coat hanger into a neat loop.

[@davidrumbolt7940]

Hey Tony , great video!! What company did you order your top link from. I need one ASAP for my sub compact tractor, 16- 22 inches would work great

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

All the information is in the video description. You skipped some of the video. Shame on you. 😜

[@davidrumbolt7940]

I watched all of the video , Just like a name of a reputable suppler so I can order one. Didn’t see right length on Amazon. Top link in your video is perfect length for my tractor. Thanks

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Just messing with you. I appreciate your support. 👍

[@davidrumbolt7940]

@@TonysTractorAdventure Ordered my top link after, thanks for the informative video. Great job buddy!!

[@hadtohabbit1496]

What do you have the hose connected to? What is controlling it?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Some tractors have rear remotes controlled by a valve. Many smaller tractors don't come with them, but they can be added.

[@richardglandus1576]

Bonjour Tony. Jolie vidéo 😀👍 J'ai le même troisième point sur mon tracteur et j'en suis très content. Je m'en sers régulièrement pour travailler avec les outils.... Bonne continuation et salutations du Limousin 😀👍

[@williamratzburg5855]

In video you indicated that you would share source. Please send info.thanks.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

It is in the description of the video.

[@redlineladder]

Do you have the check valve on yours? If so do you have any issues with it? Do you recommend a check value or not?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I apologize for missing your comment. Yes, mine has the check valve. If you don't have the check valve, your three-point hitch top link leaks down.

[@redlineladder]

@TonysTractorAdventure awesome. No worries. Thanks for replying back. I watched several more videos of yours and noticed it did have a check valve. So I got me one. Thanks for you videos I enjoy watching them

[@tractorworkandmore411]

I use a bungee cord for mine to keep the hose up.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Good call

[@sportbikerdude]

What size is the quick connect coupler? I have the same one and it’s too big to plug into my rear remotes. Not sure what size I need for RK24.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Standars 1/2" Pioneer couplers.

[@sportbikerdude]

Thanks Tony. Turns out my rear remote is 3/8. Any idea where to find an adapter?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Most hydraulic shops should have adapters.

[@jerzypoprawa9459]

I like all of your videos ! I purchased TYM 474 . Can you advise if I install the hydraulic top link I just plug it in to backhoe outlets , but which lever I use to move it up and down ???

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Plug it into the rear remote that the backhoe is plugged into. This is just a rear remote with detent. It has three positions. Neutral is in the middle.

[@jerzypoprawa9459]

@@TonysTractorAdventure excellent , I will order one and try to install it :), Just need to figure out what type of hose kit to order . One with ball or valve type couplers? I need to unplug the backhoe cables and see. Thank you so much

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

They are "pioneer" couplers.

[@jerzypoprawa9459]

@@TonysTractorAdventure also would you please advise what’s the grapple loader (one that looks like a jaw) that you use ? I’d like to purchase one like that for my T474 , thank you

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I really like the 322 Rake Grapple by Precision Manufacturing. It is light, well engineered and durable. I have abused it.

[@terrymaymay3099]

What lever in the operators station controls the top link? I have a tym t25. Thanks.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

This is going to sound funny. The lever between your legs controls the rear remotes. Pull the lever to the left and hydraulic fluid flows out. One of the remotes put it in the center and it is neutral or push it to the right and it will flow out the remote. You will have to manually pull it back to neutral because T25s all have detent valves. Not all t25s have rear remotes. I am assuming that yours does.

[@terrymaymay3099]

Yes mine is a 2022. If I have this right the lever on the floor when moved to the left and right extends and contracts the top link . My dealer told me not to bump that lever accidentally or I could blow the o rings and that was an expensive repair. Don't know first time owner. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Tony.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Your dealer is a bit uniformed. No disrespect meant. It is just a rear remote value with a detent kit installed. Your dealer is correct in this; don't leave your lever one way or the other dead headed unless the backhoe is hooked up. Your three point hitch will not work unless it is returned to center.

[@terrymaymay3099]

@@TonysTractorAdventure how does the top link expand and contract what lever controls that the one on the floor or the 3 pt lever that's where I'm confused. Thanks

[@wildbill23c]

Been thinking about getting a hydraulic top link for my box blade and grading blade, but my tractor doesn't have the rear remotes so that quickly ended that option LOL.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Most tractors can have rear remotes added .

[@wildbill23c]

@@TonysTractorAdventure Yes, and not very cheap either...a bit of savings if you can add them yourself, but if you have a dealer do it, its $1000+, checked to have them added to my tractor...for the price I can get off the tractor a few times and adjust the top link LOL. Not like there's much difference anyhow since my tractor is lacking draft control, its up or down so not much in adjustments unfortunately.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Most small tractors 40hp and below lack draft control. I have learned to feel the tractor, making me the draft control. The top link is great for a lot more than a box blade. Once you have one, you will never go back. It allows the operator to change the implement angle in flight. This includes, getting mowers dialed in level. Big time saver. Still, I understand the cost and it is not getting cheaper.

[@wildbill23c]

@@TonysTractorAdventure Given the almost 9 month wait to get a mower for my tractor, I'm sure not going to send my tractor to the dealer to have remotes or 3rd function put on it. I have a box blade and a grading blade, both of which might use a hydraulic top link, but for the cost and the downtime no thanks. I may swap out the top link for one that's easier to adjust at some point, but I haven't ran into too many instances where I was having to adjust the top link more than once or twice while using my box blade. Kind of a drop it down and go type thing as I just use it to keep the driveway leveled out and fill in the low spots after winter, and move the gravel back after plowing snow all winter LOL. Someday I may get a hydraulic top link, but the way things are going now I'm not going to be without my tractor while the dealer sits around doing nothing useful. I think there's a kit available for remotes and 3rd function, but my patience level is pretty much zero so there's no way I'd even try to tackle that myself HAHA!!

[@mikecooper7094]

Would this one work on a T264?

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

It sure will. Almost the same tractor.

[@jrod264winmag]

That's what she said

[@ricksandyfox]

Great info, Tony. I'm afraid I shouldn't have subscribed to your channel. It has cost me a fortune. 🙂 Smith's Enterprises is delivering my T25 on Thursday. (Celebrating birthday #70 with my first tractor) I found that you're never too old to feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. Question: How are you controlling the top link? I see the T25 has 2 hydraulic ports on the back, but I think that's just for a backhoe? Would I need to install more remote lines in order to use the top link? Thanks, Rick.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I get that a lot. Congratulations

[@johnhurd7540]

Wear did you buy it

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I put an Amazon link in the description of the video, however this is an old video.

[@randallthomas5207]

I think that I would have bled the cylinder. Your ports are on the bottom, so it will be difficult for the air to bleed out.

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

I put it to use the next day and had zero issue. Still, You are not wrong.