Bypassing FEL cylinder

[Steve IA]

One cylinder on the 305 FEL on my 3032E has developed a leak while lifting. I would like to remove the cylinder to get it repaired without disabling the entire tractor. Is there a way to bypass/plug the hydraulic lines to that cylinder to allow the remaining cylinder to support the loader (not use, just support)? This is not a easily removed FEL with quick disconnect hyd. lines. Thanks for any advice.
Steve

 

[Zebrafive]

Determine the size and type of fitting on the hoses to that cylinder. I am thinking they are ORFS female swivels. (O Ring Face Seal) You can buy plugs (or caps) for the hose ends.

 

[Tx Jim]

According to JDparts.com to plug a boom cyl hose you'll need a male plug as Zebrafive stated for these spec's.

Part Number: AW33447
Description: HOSE, HYDRAULIC (9.52 X 695 MM)
Specification
Weight 0.86 LBS 0.39 Kg
Inside Diameter 0.374 IN
End Size 0.688 IN
End Type 36090
End Size (2) 0.688 IN
End Type (2) 36090

 

[SSdoxie]

Be careful!! If you raise the loader then loosen fitting on the leaking cylinder the loader will drop to the ground. If you cannot remove the cylinder with loader on the ground here are a couple options:
1. Start with laoder down, remove both hoses from leaky cylinder and plug the hose ends with correct steel plugs. Start tractor and raise loader with 1 cylinder enough to get the other cylinder out. As soon as the leaky cylinder is removed put the loader back on the ground.

Option 2: Cut a piece of 2 1/2" - 3" angle iron to length equal to length of rod extension you need to hold high enough to get cylinder out. Raise the loader and lay the angle iron over the good cylinder rod and lower the loader to wedge the angle iron between the cylinder end and loader frame. Then you remove the othe cylinder have it repaired and reinstall it.

 

[Steve IA]

Thank you all for the advice. I got to JD when they opened the doors this AM before reading your responses. Of course, they didn't have the repair kit I need until Tuesday. So, back home and read what you wrote. SSdoxie's Option 2 gave me an idea find something to replace the cylinder for a couple days. I considered cutting and drilling a 2X4 to fit (which I'm sure would have worked) but then I spied an extra top link hanging on the wall. I lifted the boom enough with a come-along hooked over a truss to get a spare top link inserted where the cylinder was (about 26"). Then removed one of the hoses and connected the free end of the other where the 1st was creating a loop in the hydraulics which won't allow it to lift, but won't let it leak. Now I can use the tractor with no loader to mow or whatever with no worry of dropping the boom down, and no leaks. Thanks again for the help.

Steve