Whoops! Bent my FEL curl cylinder....help!

[HCJtractor]

While grappling some chainsaw debris, a 5" log penetrated through the back of my grapple and lodged between the frame and the shaft, and bent the shaft. It still works but howls and squeaks when curled in. The shaft is slightly curved and obviously damaged. Can this cylinder be repaired or should I just buy a new one? Wider what a Kubota LA 1002 front curl cylinder costs? I need to look it up.

 

[gwdixon]

The cylinder is toast. The curl cylinders for my M7040 FEL LA1153 were $1300 each. Kubota insurance paid for them but jeez.

I'd recommend looking for a used one. A dealer ought to know of a junk yard for tractors. At worst a used cylinder might need gaskets.

 

[mike69440]

Bring it to a hydraulic shop, it will cost $300- $500 best guess, that is probably less cost than a Kubota repalcement.

I've straightened cylinder rods, but seals & guides take a beating.
Fix may work for a while.

 

[2458n]

Bring it to a hydraulic shop, it will cost $300- $500 best guess, that is proably less cost than a Kuboat repalcement.

Surplus center is a sponser and should be able to set you right up. Paint is cheap.

 

[zzvyb6]

I'd take it off and try to straighten it. Probably does not have to be perfectly straight, but close. Extend it fully, wood blocks under the ends and drive on it with a tire which has some air let out of it. This makes the rod stay contained within the wheel rim. Small steps at a time by using increments of block height ought to do the trick. What have you got to loose (unless its cracked or kinked)?

 

[Brad_Blazer]

If you want to try straightening a method with reported good results is to flip the shaft end and use a block between the shaft and frame to straighten it the same way it got bent.

 

[Willl]

I'm with Brad, what ya got to loose if your plan is to replace it anyway ?

 

[HCJtractor]

I agree it's worth a try! Obviously, since it still works, it is not bent horribly, so I will see what I can do. I also have a shop press so if I can't improve it in place, I can remove it and use a press. If I buy one from Surplus Center, where do I find the cylinder size and length? I assume my Kubota parts list will not give me that info. I just can't see spending over a grand for a new Kubota cylinder. I guess I can measure it fully closed versus fully open to get the length. Is the diameter simply the measured outside diameter of the cylinder tube?

I will work on it next weekend and report back.

 

[crazyal]

Anther option is to bring it to a hydraulic shop and they can replace just the rod. The last time I priced that type of repair it was about $200. It'll be higher if you can't take the cylinder apart yourself.