Stainless Hydraulic ram>>arm welding

RitchElbe · Feb 27, 2016

The issue : The threaded end of the ram arm on my log splitter has wore down. As well as the inner threats of the cast bolt yoke.
The ram is good, no sense is replacing it. My thoughts are to heat the threaded section with the OxyAcy Rosebud...mushroom it out
against the yoke and then throw in with a 308L rod. Which I have plenty of. Can I get some input on this matter from fellow Welders
and metal workers?

Shield Arc · Feb 27, 2016

Is the yoke mild steel? If so, 309 stainless steel would be the way I would go.

RitchElbe · Feb 27, 2016

TI believe it is.. will find out how it does in the morning.appreciate the input

TMGT · Feb 28, 2016

Are you sure the rod is stainless? Most are chromed mild steel.

LD1 · Feb 28, 2016

Yep, very uncommon to find a stainless rod on a hydraulic cylinder. Stainless just isnt as strong, and not as hard (for wear resistance) than the chrome plating they apply.

Arc weld · Feb 29, 2016

Speedi-sleeves are stainless steel because they are harder and have great wear resistance. I wouldn't be surprised if some high tech. equipment actually uses stainless steel rods for hyd. cylinders but I sure wouldn't want to have to buy a solid stainless steel shaft.

I'm not sure what it meant by worn down? Did it come loose? I don't think heating it and mushrooming is the way to go. Is it possible to post a picture?

TMGT · Feb 29, 2016

I'm sure there are stainless rods out there, just questioning it since it's a log splitter and uses the threaded cast end.

I would think about making a cap in the clevis mount for the rod to push against and pin the mount to the rod, unless it splits in both directions and needs to be able to handle the stress on the return stroke.

RitchElbe · Feb 29, 2016

The threads were all wore down.. it's a Ram from Northern Tools about 2 years old. I'm guessing there was a lot of play between the threads and yoke. I went with a 309 rod and threw it back together and spent the day splitting. I was behind on orders from locals I supply to. and yep it does split both ways. and after 4 truck loads it did ok thanks for the help