Backhoe cylinders leaking severely after just a couple minutes work.

[Samtheglass]

Hey Richard, so you think even with the slightly rust pitted rods (all three) it would still be worthwhile to just put new seals in them? I did watch a couple videos on replacing the o-rings and seals, didn’t look too tough at all.
Problem then is finding those parts.

 

[TMGT]

Depends on how bad/deep the pitting is. I have a number of cylinders that have light pitting and have been working fine for years.
As long as it's not rough enough to damage the seals or deep enough to allow fluid to bypass it should be fine. Just make sure the rod is smooth/polished when you rebuild.

 

[Deere Dude]

Hey Richard, so you think even with the slightly rust pitted rods (all three) it would still be worthwhile to just put new seals in them? I did watch a couple videos on replacing the o-rings and seals, didn’t look too tough at all.
Problem then is finding those parts.

I had 50+ hours on my new tractor in 2010 and had one curl cylinder leak through. Wouldn't hold a curl at all. I found two seals to do both cylinders and after the first one was done the second was a breeze. No leaks since then and 1500 hours later still dry. It is stored inside for the most part, but I would try a cylinder and see how it goes before I would buy a whole cylinder. Maybe the pits aren't as bad as you invision and the most you would be out is a set of seals if it doesn't work out.

 

[flyerdan]

I think the first step should be to assess what you have; if the internal bore isn't pitted or damaged to the point that it would cut the piston seals it is good to go. The rods can be dressed with crocus cloth, if they don't have any major gouges or dings that won't clean up they can be reused, although with a lot of little pits they may stay a bit moist. If they won't clean up, a hydraulic shop can turn new ones from stock on hand, that and the seals would be far less than all new cylinders.