Loader Removing Bucket Cylinders

[Dr. Bob]

I need to remove my bucket cylinders to have the seals replaced. Looks simple, but....
Could you give me advice to make the removal and re-installing as simple as possible. How do I position the bucket/lift arms to make it so when I go to put them back on, it will be easy. In other words, how do you position the bucket/lift arms so they don't move after the removal of the bucket cylinders?

 

[SSdoxie]

Set loader down with bucket flat on the ground. Remove the hoses to cylinders first, this will let bucket relax to settled position, then remove the pivot pins. When reinstalling insert base end pivot pin (pin that mounts cylinder to loader frame) then pull or push the rod end to line up and insert bucket end pivot pin. After pins are in reinstall hoses. Start tractor and cycle the bucket a few times from full dump to full roll back to purge air from the system.

 

[JRobyn]

I found it to be impossible to do the job neatly. Expect to get hydraulic fluid everywhere. A graveled area is ideal. Note that once you remove the pivot pins, the cylinders are free to extend/retract and will usually do so in a way that will squirt fluid out of the hose ports all over anything in range. The pins may be a little sticky, depending on the particulars of your greasing habits. Mine took a few taps with a 1/2" extension and a ball-pein. Have a helper around - they are HEAVY.

 

[BX23S-1]

JRobyn is exactly right... no way around keeping things from getting messy. There is oil in both sides of the cylinder. I would dismount your hoses from the line and not the cylinder. This way to can cut the top pin loose, put you hoses into a bucket, pull the cylinder piston shaft in an out to empty as much fluid out of the cylinder before completely removing it from the tractor. Tie some rags around the hoses to keep them from bleeding all over the place. And YES, get an extra set of hands to help you, they ARE very heavy. And dont forget to pick up more hydraulic fluid so you can top it off when you re-install your cylinders.

 

[4570Man]

I've done it by myself several times unfortunately. It's really not that bad of a job. I set the loader on the ground and move the stick in all directions to relax it. If possible I drive a pin out now. If you can't you'll have to pull the hoses off. You'll make a mess no matter what.

 

[Dr. Bob]

Thank you very much for your experienced advice.
I have plenty of gravel area to soak up the spilled hydro fluid.
Does anyone know just how heavy they are? My wife is not much use for heavy lifting. I need to know if I really need to enlist the help of a friend.

 

[BX23S-1]

Thank you very much for your experienced advice.
I have plenty of gravel area to soak up the spilled hydro fluid.
Does anyone know just how heavy they are? My wife is not much use for heavy lifting. I need to know if I really need to enlist the help of a friend.

Though i`ve never weighed one, you better just stick with getting a friend to help you instead of your wife.

 

[4570Man]

They're like 25 pounds for a tractor that small assuming they're off your B7800.

 

[JRobyn]

Mine were probably a little more than 25#, maybe 35#. Seems like more when they are thoroughly coated in slippery hydraulic fluid!

 

[Billrog]

When you get them back they'll have no fluid in them so if you pin the tractor side first you can pull the ram out by hand and center it to get the pin in then hook the hoses up and run it up and down a couple times to purge the air.