Changing Boom Cylinder

dal929 · Jun 7, 2009

Total newbie here when it comes to this stuff. I have a mini ex I want to change the boom cylinder on. I already have the cylinder but thought I'd ask before I did the work. My thought is to lower the boom all the way down effectively removing most the oil from the cylinder and swap the bad unit for the new one. By making the boom push up hyd oil will push the air out of the cylinder into the tank effectively bleeding out the new unit. Is this simple or should I be worried about something else?? I appreciate any help and direction.

AndyMA · Jun 7, 2009

I think you said this, but I would reach out all the way with and lay both arms as close to horizontal as possible to make the installation much easier.

Andy

Scotty370 · Jun 7, 2009

Remember, you've got more oil in any cylinder when it's extended, than retracted. That said, I think more of your concern is to have it blocked/supported in some fashion so that when you pull the end pins, it doesn't go anywhere! If it were me, I'd also not change it out all the way at the end of either stroke (extended or retracted). that will give you room to compress, or extend the new cylinder a couple inches, if it's not a perfect fit. I don't think the 'bleeding issue' is an issue at all, after the first couple complete cycles. ~Scotty

pat32rf · Jun 12, 2009

The bottom zerk on my boom cylinder seems to get knocked off on a regular basis. When this happens the pin goes dry so I pull the pin, clean and grease it while repairing the zerk.
To make things easier to line back up I put the bucket on the ground and use the curl to raise and lower the boom a tad.
I have also ground a slight taper on the end of the pin instead of the sharp shoulder that it came with.