Loader Care of Hydraulic Rods

5030 · May 15, 2016

But the 64 cent question is..... Do they leak?

I never said it could not happen. Anything can happen, I find it interesting though, that you seem to be the only one.

RoyJackson · May 15, 2016

txdon said:
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."

John Deere manual states the same thing.

I spray my backhoe's cylinder rods with Fluid Film since the backhoe does set for an extended time (months). I also spray most other exposed metal with Fluid Film.

5030 · May 15, 2016

Somehow, I just can't see a union oiler climbing the stick of a hydra hoe, to oil the top cylinder rod.... There is a Deere how sitting down the road, been there all winter and the rods look fine to me...

txdon · May 15, 2016

Why take a chance, just grease the rod, as the owners manual says to do if it is in not in use or in storage for a length of time. I'm getting a new clylinder after a tree fell on my BH and they cost $650 to replace.

The tree fell on the clyinder rod while it was in the extended position for a year - per owners manual - with grease, under a tarp, no rust or pits.

So, original poster, I think you have all our opinions and facts, your choice if you want to spend a few cents and a few minutes to grease your rod.

And make sure if a freak 70 MPH wind comes around no trees are nearby.

For those who said to store the BH with all rods in cylinders - that cannot be done without taking a chance of the BH falling and breaking hydraulic hoses during the removal. I guess you could take it off, build a supporting structure around it, reconnect it, and then retract the rods, but it's easier to grease the rods per owners manual.