How do I Extend a Hydraulic Rod Without Power?

Suburban Plowboy · Jul 12, 2022

When I took my Kubota steering cylinder to be rebuilt, I could move the piston by hand. Now I need to finish installing it, and the shop left it in the wrong position. How do I pull the rod out so it lines up in the tractor frame?

I can't use the tractor's hydraulic system to do it because the engine can't be run until I get the front cover fixed. Using the tractor's hydraulics is what broke the cover.

A mechanic told me he uses compressed air.

Suburban Plowboy · Jul 12, 2022

It looks like Harbor Freight has a pedal-operated air over hydraulic pump that ought to work.

4570Man · Jul 12, 2022

The HF hydraulic pump would work but it’s more expense than required. Remove the lines and pull it by hand. It might be hard but it will move. Compressed air will also work but it tends to move cylinders violently apposed to a controlled movement. Another option would be to jack up the tractor and you should be able to move the wheels be hand to match the cylinder.

hosspuller · Jul 12, 2022

Just to extend the rod... You're only working against friction of seals. A length of rope and a 5 foot 2x4. Mount the cylinder, Leave the ports open, tie rope to the rod end, use the 2x4 as a lever against something to pull the rod out. The closer the rope is to the fulcrum; less force is required.

When the hoses are connected, a few cycles will purge the air out.

mrmikey · Jul 12, 2022

If you do use air (I wouldn't) be very careful, it'll extend very violently, also a good chance of pulling the piston off the end of the rod when it bottoms out. Use one of the the methods advised above.............Mike

kennyd · Jul 12, 2022

I did the air thing once, never again LOL. Luckily to was just a small cylinder.

But, can't you just jack up the tractor and move the wheels to get the linkage to line up with the piston?

Suburban Plowboy · Jul 12, 2022

I will try moving the wheels, but I don't think that will move things enough.

This thing is mounted inside the frame of the tractor between the rails. Really stupid design. There is no way to get a tool on it to pull it.

Pulling it by hand is not an option. When I had it out of the tractor, I couldn't do anything with it. The new seals are extremely tight.

If moving the wheels doesn't work, I'll try an external pump.

Thanks for the help, especially the warning about compressed air.

Xfaxman · Jul 12, 2022

Can you connect one end, hook up the hoses, start the engine and turn the steering wheel to move the rod into place?

ROUSTABOUT · Jul 12, 2022

Just pull it out.

Tx Jim · Jul 12, 2022

ROUSTABOUT said:
Just pull it out.

Or use come-along to pull shaft out of barrel

Suburban Plowboy · Jul 12, 2022

I can't pull it because there is no access to attach tools, as I said above. Also, as I said, I can't start the motor until the front cover is replaced.

Leejohn · Jul 12, 2022

If you can't get to it the best thing to do is wait until you get the cover fixed.

Will S · Jul 12, 2022

Suburban Plowboy said:
I can't pull it because there is no access to attach tools, as I said above. Also, as I said, I can't start the motor until the front cover is replaced.

What is at the end of the cylinder, where it attaches to the steering?
If it's just threaded, use a piece of angle iron or angle bracket from hardware store. Drill a hole in the ends of the bracket, and slip over the threaded rod, install washer & nut.
Add a piece of rope through a hole drilled in other end on angle bracket, and attach rope to 2x4 or such, and use leverage to pull the ram out of the cylinder. Make it easier by loosening the cylinder hose fitting, and just let it suck air as you pull it out. It will purge the air one re-connected to a running tractor. (remember to tightene the loosened fitting).

Suburban Plowboy · Jul 12, 2022

It's a very bizarre system. The eye at the front of the rod attaches to the left front corner of the frame, where it is nearly inaccessible. The other attachment is in the middle, and it goes to a Pitman arm.

When you fire the tractor up and use the steering to move the cylinder, it pokes a hole in the front cover. At least that's what it does if you can't see what it's doing when you turn the wheel. You could have someone lie down under the tractor and yell directions, but that doesn't seem like a great idea. This is why I don't want to use the hydraulics when the engine is running again.

The portable hydraulic pump will get it done.

3Ts · Jul 13, 2022

Sounds like a trunnion mount instead of mounting at each end. Do you have a picture of the cylinder?

Can you take the cover off while you mount the cylinder? I will probably require a 2nd person no matter how you end up doing this.

Will S · Jul 13, 2022

I'd be interested in seeing what front cover you are referring to. It's easy to insert photos here on the forum...
in the reply box, just click the "INSERT IMAGE" icon (the one between the smiley face and the paper clip). Then you can either drag and drop the photos to that area, OR click that area and search the computer for the photos. You can add more than one at a time.

cwbyeng1300 · Jul 13, 2022

Measure center to center on the attachment holes on the tractor. Tie one end of the cylinder to to something solid. hook a comealong to the other end. Set the cylinder ends at the center measurements. Install & forget about it.

Suburban Plowboy · Jul 13, 2022

Whoever said to jack the tractor and move the wheels gets the prize. When the wheels came up, I moved them with one hand, and the holes lined up.

I would say my difficulty figuring this out shows the difference between a guy like me and a mechanic, but a mechanic told me to use compressed air, which would have been a giant pain in the butt.

Someone asked to see the front cover. I will upload a parts manual page.