Broken Cylinder

preacher01 · Dec 21, 2011

Hello, This is my first time on the forum. I have a John Deere 2520 that I had the independent lift kit for the mower installed on. I could not get the lever to go in or out that switches the system hydraulics from the loader to the mower deck. It's a new setup that JD has for this year so you don't have to block the SCV valve off. I switched lines 1 & 2 with 5 & 6 and when I tried it the lift cylinder shaft to the lift kit snapped off.

I think it was caught on something and the pressure snapped it. I switched the lines because that's what it showed on the diagram. I put the lines back where they were and checked all the lines. I found 2 other lines reversed and switched them so all colors matched up. Can the shaft be replaced in the cylinder? JD wants $234 for a new cylinder.

I appreciate any imput. I called the dealer but they had done everything correctly and it wasn't their fault. In hindsight I shouldn't have let them deliver it without being there and making them work it while I watched.

nsmithnd · Dec 21, 2011

If you could post a picture of the damage, you'll likely get some suggestions here. Did the shaft actually snap? Or did a weld break on a cross-tube?

If you've got the specs for the cylinder handy (stroke, bore, etc), surpluscenter.com would probably have something that would fit.

Or if you've got a good hydraulic shop near by, couldn't hurt to take it in and get a ball-park estimate.

-Neil

nsmithnd · Dec 21, 2011

Did a quick search. Does this look like the lift kit that was installed?

preacher01 · Dec 22, 2011

The shaft broke in two and yes that is exactly the kit that was installed.:thumbsup: I really appreciate you taking the time to help me. The dealership ordered the wrong cylinder and the right one is $285.

So the damage is worse than I thought. Do you think it can be fixed?

preacher01 · Dec 22, 2011

The closest machine shop is about an hour away. I am looking for someone closer to talk too.

lilranch2001 · Dec 22, 2011

Just curious......

Did the preacher swear?

preacher01 · Dec 22, 2011

No, I didn't. I have broke enough things over the years that I don't get upset much anymore. I did do some extra praying though. I told myself that it could have been a lot worse.

preacher01 · Dec 22, 2011

I did get the specs for the cylinder from the JD site and am now going to the surpluscenter site to see what I can find. I'll let you know what I find out. I do enjoy shopping on the web. It's so much better than standing in line at the local store.

nsmithnd · Dec 24, 2011

If there was enough force to break the shaft, then chances are the cylinder tube might be damaged/out-of-round as well now. I've only replaced seals in the few cylinders I've had to work on. Disassembled them and brought the parts into the local hydraulic shop and they matched them up. Very friendly/helpful group of guys. I imagine that every shop is different though (as-is with any business), some might be nice enough to check it over and give free advice, others might charge for every minute they spend on it. But in their defense, they have to make a living too. I poked around e-bay a bit, didn't see anything with the JD part number. Might be something out there though that would interchange. If you have a tractor salvage yard near-by, that might be another option. Hopefully you find something reasonable.

-Neil

preacher01 · Dec 24, 2011

Thanks Neil for your help. I did find out that there is a part missing on the setup. There is supposed to be an engagement plate that the cylinder is hooked too and then to the support. The engagement plate and stops are missing so I'm going to the dealer Tuesday morning and show them what I found. If I put a new cylinder on the same thing is going to happen again. Without the engagement plate the cylinder does not clear the frame and it twists sideways. They need to replace it at their cost since they didn't assemble it right. Have a Merry Christmas!!