Etching a Cylinder Rod to Show Position?

npalen · Dec 7, 2016

There are times it would be real handy to know, at a glance, the position of the cylinder rod stroke. An example would be on a top link cylinder where it might be desirable to repeat a level position for a 3PH implement.
I've tried using a magic marker to simply make a line on the rod but it gets wiped off too easily. I remember seeing acid etching kits years ago that allowed marked hardened steel and wondering if something like that might work using a stencil.
Any thoughts?

mapper · Dec 7, 2016

I would be really careful no to do anything that would cause a rough spot on the cylinder rod, it would be likely to tear up the seals pretty quickly. A different solution would be to fabricate a gauge rod that would clamp onto the cylinder rod, sort of like the level indicator rods on a lot of front end loaders. Mark the cylinder with the desired gradations.

roadhunter · Dec 7, 2016

Just use an indicator like tractors use on the FEL.

RickB · Dec 7, 2016

That just a bad idea. Use some kind of external indicator.

roadhunter · Dec 7, 2016

I had another thought. There are indicators used on trim tabs for boats. I remember on my old Scarab you could see the position of the cylinders on the dash. I don't remember looking at how they accomplish this but that may be another option.

Here is a link.
Teague Custom Marine - Mechanical Trim Indicators

Texasmark · Dec 7, 2016

roadhunter said:
Just use an indicator like tractors use on the FEL.

+1. Just get a rod and a tube. Put one inside the other. Weld one to the cylinder knuckle and the other to the rod knuckle. make your marks on the rod.

roadhunter · Dec 7, 2016

I actually kinda like the idea of a mechanical connection between the cylinder and the other end of the cable in the cab where something simple like a ruler could serve as a gauge.

Would be easy to find that perfect setting eachi time and give you a refrence.