Wow! I had read the posts on this backhoe, unfortunately only I after I purchased it two months ago. I recommended it to a friend in NY and he also purchased it. His dipper cylinder broke on the first use. Mine has been OK however my valve control box under the control sticks leaked like a sieve. My dealer's service techs came up with a quick and working fix by doubling the eared washers with allen bolts so that they don't bend and let oil pass by the seals. I thought it pretty clever. I have since visited my friend in NY and his was leaking also. I called his dealer in Salem, NY and explained the fix I went thru. I think they bought into the idea. Anyway, I hope this helps others with this issue. Otherwise the machine is working great!