Ed's 77 Terex 72-41 Wheel Loader

[mountainguyed67]

I worked about thirteen years in a hydraulic cylinder manufacturing plant, as a machinist. We built many types of cylinder designs and valve blocks. I didn’t work in assembly or rebuilding, but did get to handle all the parts and screw on valves, etc to make sure they fit. Put on wear rings, etc, I think I got it. Plus I still have my tractor mechanic friend to help me. He’s physically down right now, but still coaches me when that happens.

 

[mountainguyed67]

With the enormous amount of work to be done on the property I can not imagine getting it done by hand. Although working on the loader is taking up time and resources I could be putting into the land, it would be at a snails pace in comparison.

I got a bunch of other stuff done I have not listed yet, including pressure washing two inches plus of oil buildup off the rear axle. I got a handful reaching up there. The steel brake line is crushed with vise grips at the right rear wheel, likely because that wheel cylinder was leaking. So I took a measurement to replace it. I also gathered other information. The plate that locks the lower articulation pin nut in place is missing, and the nut is backed off a little. Terex wanted a crazy amount of money to have one made, they’re out of stock. I will make one. I said I was a machinist right?? It’s a 3-1/2” hex with two 5/8-11 bolts holding it, and I will Locktite this time.

Also brought the batteries down to charge and check out, one would start my truck, the other just clicked. And the battery box hinged cover is badly bent and won’t close. I got it half way cut off, the inverter kept burning fuses. I will figure out a way for next time, I want to bring it down and beat it back into shape enough to close. It’s one piece with what the batteries sit on, and that is large and cumbersome. Not even sure how much would have to be removed that way, I will just attach it with bolts and a plate. One of the rear articulation pins is partially out too, it broke away from the plate with bolts securing it in place. On the other pin they bent up a metal plate and welded it on to trap the pin in there when that happened, I measured it so I can duplicate it. Also removed the broken off mounting plate and brought it home to clean up.

Also measured and took notes to build something to lift the wheels using a chain hoist, gonna build a tripod to hang the hoist from. And checked lug nut size, there are thirteen nuts that take an 1-1/8” socket. I got a lot done this last trip, and lined up more to do before I go back up.

 

[mountainguyed67]

I replaced the hose carrying fluid to the front master too, you can see it in the first picture describing the manifold. Two blue hoses, I had already replaced the other one. I alternated dropping beetle killed trees, and working on the loader. But gave the loader more time. I didn’t hear a peep out of neighbors until a chainsaw yesterday. Had some rain I sat under the canopy for, nice dust control.

 

[mountainguyed67]

Had to pull it apart with a come along.

 

[mountainguyed67]

All the new parts match.

 

[Rustyiron]

That machine won the lottery finding it's way to you :thumbsup:

 

[mountainguyed67]

That machine won the lottery finding it's way to you :thumbsup:

One thing at a time. The steering is the fastest leak. Well maybe the wheel cylinders are faster, I’m gonna tackle them next. Two wheels have brake fluid leaks on the back side.

 

[mountainguyed67]

Could not finish the second cylinder, one of the seal kits was packed wrong. Three of the pieces were not right. I will work on getting that corrected tomorrow. I have other stuff to do while waiting shipping.

 

[mountainguyed67]

I just ordered the missing part from the steer cylinder kit, and o rings for the steering manifold assembly & unloading valve. Also some fuel line. Because I'm waiting on this stuff I went ahead and built a contraption to lift a wheel off so I can get to the wheel cylinders. My gantry crane is too big to haul.

 

[mountainguyed67]

Replaced the rear right side brake line, the old one was crushed with vise grips to slow the flow of fluid to the wheel cylinders. I know from experience you can't stop the flow completely, even with the vise grip still on.