Need opinions on Hydraulic Cylinders

[hbaird]

I am going to build a small Backhoe in the Spring. I will need six 2X10 Cylinders and Valves. It will be worked hard when I use it but not a lot of service in an average year. Northern Tool has Lion 2500 Cylinders and Prince Valves at a price I can afford. They also offer a Welded series for more money. How much better is the Welded?
Harold

 

[shaley]

Take a look at Surplus Center. They have some welded cyl. with cross tubes build for loaders and Back Hoe's The 2 x 14 is $74
Surplus Center - Hydraulic Equipment Electric Motors
Good question on the tie rod units. I thinks it is a combinaton of factors. Tie rods would easly be damaged on a construction site. Also, welded is more compact in order to fit inside of booms and makes for a more compact assy.

 

[dfkrug]

If you build your own b/h, consider buying plans. There are many
vendors now. The plan designers have done a lot of the work for
you, leaving you the plenty big task of finding steel, hydraulics, and
doing the actual building. Some designers have already worked out
reasonable sources for the valves and cylinders, as well as other
hard-to-find parts. e.g. Metkit.com provides full or partial kits for
the CadPlans.com designs. I bought their plans and built their
728 about 10 y ago. Back then you could buy new matched 3"
welded cylinders from Metco for $100 each.

Welded vs. tie rod cylinders: I find the tie rod cylinders to be easier
to shorten to my desired length, if you go custom. I prefer the
welded ones for a clean unobstructed end result.

 

[hbaird]

I am planning use the CDP plan and their precut kit. With the kit most of the steel is laser cut leaving me some local bought steel I can cut with a chop saw. There is clearance for the Tie rod style cylinders all round. I am going with power stabilisers, an expensive conveinence.
Harold