John Deere 425 steering cylinder confusion...Help

[snodley55]

Hey Guys,
I have a 425 4-wheel steer (low serial number) with a leaking front hydraulic steering cylinder.
The more I read, the more confused I'm getting regarding the proper replacement cylinder. (repair not feasible since the only hydraulic shop anywhere near me doesn't seem to be interested in cutting and welding)
So my problem is finding the right cylinder. When I input the serial number of my tractor, Deere takes me to Deere's website/parts schematic showing the AM147174 (previously 118796) and captions it for "425A, front cylinder".
This is box 12A on the schematic https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc...ment/73515/referrer/navigation/pgId/474644354
I'm assuming since my serial number is MOO425B02XXXX that my tractor is technically a 425B, indicating 4WS.
So....
1) Am I right in assuming the B designates 4WS?
2) Does anyone know if the front steering cylinder is identical for the 2WS and the 4WS?
3) To make it even more confusing, they show in box number 13, a cylinder they describe as for "SUB FOR AM118795; (425B, 445D, 455D, 455E), Four Wheel Steer, Rear Cylinder"
Well, unless I'm seriously overlooking something, my 425 does not HAVE a rear cylinder. The steering for the rear wheels is controlled by mechanical linkage from the front steering plate to eventually a steering plate for the rear.
4) I see on the website for a large online seller (name similar to a large river in South America) an aftermarket cylinder made by a company called Gaxles. Is Chinese of course, but got decent reviews. However they also list it as for 425A but also say compatible/interchanges with AM147174. This is of interest since it's about $140 less then the local dealer for the Deere brand. Has anyone had experience with this particular cylinder? I see the Flip brand also but reviews are not quite as good as the Gaxles.
Sorry this is so long, but it's pretty hard to describe the whole scenario.
If anyone can offer any clarification or advice, I can stop pulling my hair out (over this, anyway)
Thanks,
John S

 

[Kish318420]

Call you local dealer, speak to both parts/service personnel and have them point out which one goes to your tractor, point out that same info you have here. Act total confused by the info provided so far and that you need to get the right part for your tractor. They should rely with a reply that aligns with the parts and what the service department has documents on (manual, bulletins, etc)

 

[joecdeere]

yes the "B" is for all wheel steer

yours - 1994 Model (Serial No. M00425B020001-030000) (All Wheel Steer)

1993 Model (Serial No. M00425A010001-020000) (Two Wheel Steer)
1993 Model (Serial No. M00425B010001-020000) (All Wheel Steer)
1994 Model (Serial No. M00425A020001-030000) (Two Wheel Steer)
1994 Model (Serial No. M00425B020001-030000) (All Wheel Steer)
1995 Model (Serial No. M00425A030001-040000) (Two Wheel Steer)
1995 Model (Serial No. M00425B030001-040000) (All Wheel Steer)
1996 Model (Serial No. M00425A040001-050000) (Two Wheel Steer)
1996 Model (Serial No. M00425B040001-050000) (All Wheel Steer)
1997 Model (Serial No. M00425A050001-060000) (Two Wheel Steer)
1997 Model (Serial No. M00425B050001-060000) (All Wheel Steer)
1998 Model (Serial No. M00425A060001-070000) (Two Wheel Steer)
1998 Model (Serial No. M00425B060001-070000) (All Wheel Steer)
1999 Model (Serial No. M00425A070001-080000) (Two Wheel Steer)
1999 Model (Serial No. M00425B070001-080000) (All Wheel Steer)
2000 Model (Serial No. M00425A080001-090000) (Two Wheel Steer)
2000 Model (Serial No. M00425B080001-090000) (All Wheel Steer)
2001 Model (Serial No. M00425A090001-999999) (Two Wheel Steer)
2001 Model (Serial No. M00425B090001-999999) (All Wheel Steer)

if you look at an older parts book, the choice for "all wheel steer" is AM118795 which subs to the AM147173

this is just my opinion, Deere may think otherwise, but I was a Deere parts man for many years, many years ago

 

[snodley55]

Thanks a bunch to all for helping me out and taking the time to respond and/or read. I'm confident of which cylinder is correct now. In case anyone in the future is interested, it will be the AM147173. even though the JD site says it's a "rear cylinder"

But of course to be even more of a bother, I'm going to ask two additional questions:

1) does the cylinder/line/whatever need to be bled after the new installation?

2) I'm thinking a supplemental little fitting that will allow the inner line to be attached without having to screw the cylinder directly onto the line would be very helpful.

Does anyone happen to know what this type of fitting is called and where I might find one?

Again, thanks to all.

John S

 

[Zebrafive]

No bleeding should be required. Just cycle the steering back and forth. If you have problems with it (cylinder) not extending or retracting, loosen a line to allow air to escape when cycled, BUT be prepared for an oily MESS.

 

[beenthere]

Agree no bleeding necessary.. and if I interpret right, there should be no need to "screw the cylinder directly to the line". If so, see your dealer for the correct fitting. Good luck, and no bother adding more questions.