Yes! I learned that the other night, thank you! I'm used to air and water hoses, and only a few work like that, but the hydraulic ones have I guess a clamping mechanism that can limit the flow if not fully engaged, that's pretty cool. Funny story - I'm a huge fan of quick connects, and that's the only reason I figured out my weird PTO connection when I first got the tractor, it works opposite of how you'd expect and it's annoying. I have two impact drivers, one you pull on and one you push to engage/disengage. If I didn't have that other driver, think I'd still be trying to figure out that PTO.
I think that is excellent advice.
Oh, I saw it. Dad said it was leaking and I jumped off the tractor before shutting it down, with the forks still high enough above the ground for driving. It was streaming from both sides like a cow being milked. I'll bet it was a quart of fluid during the 60 seconds or so I watched them and after I shut off the tractor when the residual pressure was abating. That's the reason for the post title, it seemed so unlikely that they'd both start doing that at the exact same time, I thought there must be some explanation that every tractor or Bobcat owner knows that I don't.
Yes, I'm going that route when the weather cooperates. I went to see my friend with the shop yesterday and he said to bring them in, we'd pull the shafts and get the parts at the hydraulic shop, and then repair them there. He's rebuilt the cylinders on his giant forklift more times than I can remember, and it's as old as me. He's also got a lathe and honing tools if we need to smooth any surfaces (the one that's my favorite is referred to as the "dingle ball").
He also said to lift it up a few feet and block it in case the shaft needs to be compressed to maneuver it out.
I have been so lucky that I have had men in my life that are willing to teach me rather than do it for me because it's faster or easier, and I thank you all for your patience and kindness as well. Y'all were wonderful in reducing my fear and anxiety just by explaining how things work. I'm not technically young anymore, but there are still young people out there that want to learn to "do"; please continue to share your wisdom and explain the "why" whenever the opportunity presents itself. I believe the world would be a much better place if we all got elbow-deep in grease or manure more often.
