How long can cylinder rods remain exposed to the elements before they should be coated with something?

[orezok]

Move to the desert! Nothing rusts out here. I had left over rebar from my house build that layed on the ground for 10 years before it developed light surface rust.

 

[ruffdog]

That's why they park all them planes out there.

 

[robisinwa]

Our tractor (and all its attachments) sat out in the open the first 2 years we had it (its 6 years old now). We bought empty land and there was nothing but some trees on it, so I parked it behind one of the big fir's so it wasn't easily seen from the nearest road.

My experience, and I'm in the Pacific Northwest, is tractors are made to take the elements. I did tarp the attachments, but as others mentioned, that can cause its own issues... like providing a nice dry place for mice to make a home as I found out. I had zero issues with the slide rods and such being exposed and did nothing special to them otherwise.

If I did it over again, I'd make some cheap lean-to's with pallets and tarps so while things would stay drier, I wouldn't be providing space for varmints.

Make sure to zerk your fittings before storing, and rezerk when your ready for use again.

 

[RickB]

I believe those rods are stainless steel so they won’t rust very easily

They are chrome plated which has become thinner, cheaper and less effective over time. I've never seen or heard of a stainless steel hydraulic cylinder rod.

 

[sixdogs]

My things are under cover but I spray with white lithium grease when I put loaders away for any length of time or over winter. It sticks tight and I've never had a speck of rust. I'll bet it would work well outside.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I am always surprised that farm wreckers, never bother to protect cylinders. For the little it takes and the immense value it adds to used equipment if the cylinders are in good shape.

This kind of long term outdoor storage, or if the cylinder was starting to rust, would be the only time I would even think about it.

Actually, if parked outside, hoses are a far bigger concern if you ask me. Have a Big Dump Trailer that's been sitting out maybe ten years and the (then new) hoses look they they have been in a fire! Had "meant" to protect them with sleeving

 

[aesmith]

Something like ACF50 spray would protect without being too sticky. Or lateral thinking, could you disconnect the eyes so that the cylinders could all be retracted?

 

[Industrial Toys]

Or take them off completely and keep them inside.

 

[RancherGuy]

I believe those rods are stainless steel so they won’t rust very easily

Never stainless, unless your equipment costs $millions. They are chromed steel rods. The price of the cylinder normally determines the quality of the chrome plating or the number of plating layers. Any chroming can be damaged or break down so that there is exposure by the underlying steel. The issue is how long before that happens, which is the purpose of the original question.

 

[RancherGuy]

Or take them off completely and keep them inside.

Really? Is that picture of your tractor? Would you ever consider taking off all of the cylinders on your tractor?