Good or bad idea, using FEL with one working cylinder on the bucket...

[Renze]

If you dont spend it on maintenance, you spend double or triple on collateral damage repair.

 

[Big Wave D]

I like the ratchet or chaining idea, if I decided to continue down this avenue of thought.

I can pull apart the cylinder and see what went "pop". Depending on what I find, here are some more questions:

1. Is it possible to just get the cylinder rod?
2. If the rod is snapped; Is that something that a hydraulic shop can repair?
3. If so, is it worth it, or do I have just a weakened component waiting to break again?
4. What would a whole new cylinder cost?

Many thanks to all who have given their advice.

 

[kennyd]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Probably $200-$400 or so.

 

[wdchyd]

If you heard a "pop" then I'd suspect the nut stripped off or the stub broke off.....

and yes, the rods are fixable or replaceable

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/203400-3-minute-hydraulic-rod.html

 

[Big Wave D]

wdchyd,

What does something like that custom made rod cost?

 

[Big Wave D]

kennyd,

Thanks for your succinct and straight forward answers.

Gave me a good chuckle. :laughing:

 

[wdchyd]

That one around $120 (depending on length and dia)

 

[cowski]

you can get a rod made.take it apart and see what actually is broke.

 

[rambler]

As a few others say, you will be starting down th road of really messing up your loader, racking the frame and costing you a lot of bucks.

A loader needs to be evenly loaded. With one dump cyclnder on one side, even what we would consider a light load will rack things all to one side.

As you use it, you will try to save money 'one more time' for several weeks, several months....

And soon you will be loading dirt 'just this once' because I need it now, I'll get around to fixing it next week.......

Yea. We've all been down that path.

Park your loader, until you can afford to fix it.

The cardio workout of hauling your own firewood will do you good, and motivate you to find the money to do a proper fix.

And prevent you from doing major damage to your loader.

My opinion.

--->Paul

 

[Big Wave D]

Thanks rambler,

It seems that the large majority of replies are in your camp.

No, I do not want to cause anymore damage than what I am already dealing with. So, the first thing is to get the cylinder apart and see what really happened. I can't say that I am to optimistic about what I am going to find. After I know, then I will likely take some photos and see what opinions are offered about how to proceed with any repair.

Thanks to all