Loader Care of Hydraulic Rods

[Tractorman46]

This is something I've wondered about for a long time: Should I apply any lubrication/protection to the shiny (chromed?) rods on a hydraulic system? Perhaps WD40? I have not seen any blemishes on the rods and I try to leave the machines (Kioti CK28 with FEL and JCB 8014 digger) under cover with the rods withdrawn into the cylinders but it is not always possible. I can't find anything about this in the operator's manuals.

 

[kevin37b]

Do it if it makes you feel better but not a concern . I have been around machinery for 50 years . Most or all of it sat outside year round . Backhoes , trackhoes , farm implements , etc . Never saw a problem . Problem comes when you ding one with a rock , chunk of concrete , brick . They are not chrome , they are polished . Others will say different but this is my experience . BTW what do you do , just curious ? Kevin .

 

[k0ua]

This is something I've wondered about for a long time: Should I apply any lubrication/protection to the shiny (chromed?) rods on a hydraulic system? Perhaps WD40? I have not seen any blemishes on the rods and I try to leave the machines (Kioti CK28 with FEL and JCB 8014 digger) under cover with the rods withdrawn into the cylinders but it is not always possible. I can't find anything about this in the operator's manuals.

In general, no. Don't do anything. Anything you would put on them is possibly just a way to attract grit to hasten wear of the seals. Remember they go into the hydraulic fluid every time you retract them. Now long term storage, might be another matter. If possible store them inside they cylinder. If that is not possible and they are to be left in the weather for a long period of time, then perhaps some lube might help to protect them while exposed for a long time. Perhaps carefully wipe it off when placed back into service. They are chrome plated and pretty tough. I have never done anything to them.

 

[bspeedy]

When I had to store my backhoe attachment outdoors for a period of time, I would coat the rods lightly with grease. Seems like a good idea to keep them from corroding. Never had any bad effects, and never had corrosion. In my mind, it was the same as greasing plow moldboards when storing outside. I'm a little on the picky side, though.

 

[rswyan]

I'll post some pics here in a bit of why you might want to wipe them down and coat them with something (LPS 3, Fluid Film, etc.) before storing.

 

[Tractorman46]

Gentlemen, Thank you for your advice. Glad I asked. I use the machines regularly so storage is not an issue at the moment and so I am reassured that the practice I have of trying to leave the machines, as far as possible with the rods retracted into the cylinders seems fine.
Here in Provence I'm just a retired chap having fun on our 7 hectares with olive trees (600) and woodland. I find that, at age 70, 1 Kg now weighs about 4 Kg, so hydraulics are a wonderful invention.

 

[txdon]

Ok I got the official word. Source: Operators Manual Kubota Backhoe (BH90)

Page 17
Storage of the Backhoe (after the backhoe is taken off the tractor)
"2. Apply a coat of grease to all exposed cylinder rods to prevent rusting."

 

[5030]

They are hard chromed, nit shiny (nickle chrome) like a bumper. They won't rust. I've never applied anything or did anything with mine and the tractors sit all winter

 

[mrmikey]

If I'm going to store anything with chrome rods I try and keep it retracted if not, a light coat of Fluid Film...Mike

 

[PILOON]

In fact do not lubricate as some solvents can ruin seals.

If you insist simple hydraulic fluid would be the safest.

(I ruined tailgate air struts using WD40)