Junkman,
the ball is rolling.
I have a message into Tom Sieper and will pursue it to the ends of the earth if they get me motivated.
I can be motivated by many things, answers that I know are bogus and ignoring me are only two.
My first priority is to regain use of the machine, I have an unfinished project to complete. I didn't want to buy anything until the cylinder was apart and was sure of the extent of repairs required. It looks like it just needs a piston seal. I was going to order the seal kits from Tractorsmart but they didn't have them on hand and to Fed-Ex from Columbus was an extra $40.- The dealer has them and the lovely missus will pick them up today. I should be digging tomorrow again.
I also opened the boom and bucket cylinder to avoid another early failure. The boom piston seal is perfect, the bucket piston has a small notch on one side lip which I can't believe should be there, so maybe this was on it's way out too, maybe not.
I will re-seal all three and pursue satisfaction with the manufacturer.
I will make an attempt to relieve the side loading to the best of my ability. The machine is at the site so I can't do anything to the hoe till I arrive with the cylinders.
Thanks for your suggestion, I will pursue it. An authorized credit at the dealer is as good as cash to me.
All the best,
Martin