Backhoe cylinders leaking severely after just a couple minutes work.

[Samtheglass]

I recently bought a 2016 Mahindra emax 22 with 440 hours on it.
I hooked up the backhoe started flattening an area, not working it too hard when the dipperstick cylinder started leaking, the next day going to unhook the backhoe the boom cylinder gushed a lot of oil
The guy I bought it from said that I can’t push it too hard that that will happen… does that sound totally ridiculous? I grew up on a big farm with lots of machinery with hydraulics, it’s been over forty years since I’ve been on a tractor but I have never heard of such a thing.
The loader on the tractor works fine so thought I could rule out the relief valve, could it just be old seals?
Thanks in advance

 

[tshep]

My limited experience with cylinders is that 'mates' all fail similar time - boom, dipperstick, bucket all move the same 'cycles', stabilizers the same cycles, etc.
I ended up learning to do it myself, actually fun! That last seal curls into a 'D' by tool or tricks (sockets to guide).
WHILE it's leaking, arrange cylinders to drain water, not hold water at seals.

 

[oldnslo]

No leaking cylinders is not normal unless machine has been sitting for an extended period of time allowing the seals to dry or the surface finish on the rods is rough tearing up the seals allowing them to leak externally.

If you fully extend the cylinders do you see or feel any roughness on the cylinder rods. Not familiar with Mahindra but I believe have read some reports on cylinder rods rusting or corroding when left exposed to the elements.

 

[Samtheglass]

Thanks oldnslo,

No leaking cylinders is not normal unless machine has been sitting for an extended period of time allowing the seals to dry or the surface finish on the rods is rough tearing up the seals allowing them to leak externally.

If you fully extend the cylinders do you see or feel any roughness on the cylinder rods. Not familiar with Mahindra but I believe have read some reports on cylinder rods rusting or corroding when left exposed to the elements.

 

[Samtheglass]

Thanks Oldnslo, I think you nailed it. Quite certain he had the backhoe attachment sitting out in the elements for a long time, years in fact. He mainly used the tractor the last few years just to grade with a landscape rake, had a small shed for the tractor but attachments were left outside.
I checked the rods and are pitted very little but the seals must be totally brittle.
Guess my best bet is to get brand new replacement cylinders, repairing them with the rods pitted seems like trouble in the near future.
Just to make clear though, the tractor shouldn’t be able to create more hydraulic pressure than (good) cylinder seals can tolerate, correct?
Sure do appreciate your thoughts,
Sam

 

[Samtheglass]

My limited experience with cylinders is that 'mates' all fail similar time - boom, dipperstick, bucket all move the same 'cycles', stabilizers the same cycles, etc.
I ended up learning to do it myself, actually fun! That last seal curls into a 'D' by tool or tricks (sockets to guide).
WHILE it's leaking, arrange cylinders to drain water, not hold water at seals.

Thanks tshep, yup I’m thinking with what you and oldnslo have said those seals were all ready to pop. Thinking that I get her fixed and the bucket cylinder will pop as well! Swing cylinder probably too.

 

[oldnslo]

Thanks Oldnslo, I think you nailed it. Quite certain he had the backhoe attachment sitting out in the elements for a long time, years in fact. He mainly used the tractor the last few years just to grade with a landscape rake, had a small shed for the tractor but attachments were left outside.
I checked the rods and are pitted very little but the seals must be totally brittle.
Guess my best bet is to get brand new replacement cylinders, repairing them with the rods pitted seems like trouble in the near future.
Just to make clear though, the tractor shouldn’t be able to create more hydraulic pressure than (good) cylinder seals can tolerate, correct?
Sure do appreciate your thoughts,
Sam

Unless some low pressure - quality cylinders are used the tractor should not create enough pressure to damage the cylinders or seals. USA safety standards are typically 3 or 4 times rated cylinder pressure.

Example: 3000 PSI rated cylinder should with stand 9,000 PSI without exploding.

 

[Samtheglass]

Unless some low pressure - quality cylinders are used the tractor should not create enough pressure to damage the cylinders or seals. USA safety standards are typically 3 or 4 times rated cylinder pressure.

Example: 3000 PSI rated cylinder should with stand 9,000 PSI without exploding.

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense.
I’m looking on the internet for replacement cylinders, I’ve got the exact measurements from the manual but wouldn’t you know can’t find the exact thing… any thoughts?

 

[oldnslo]

Possibly try Dalton Hydraulics. I think they manufacture cylinders but not sure if make custom lengths.

I believe Prince & Cross also are cylinder manufacturers but again not sure what sizes.

 

[Richard]

Guess my best bet is to get brand new replacement cylinders, repairing them with the rods pitted seems like trouble in the near future.

I don't know your machine but I'd lean to disagreeing with that logic. Literally, about 3 days ago, I noticed a slow drip from my loader bucket dump cylinder, only one of them. I rebuilt that maybe 15 years ago. Over time of owning machine, I've redone virtually every cylinder. Not "tough" but things can get heavy. I'd urge you to try that first, then upon taking apart, if they look shot, you can replace. You don't have much to lose. When I had my first cylinder leak (dipperstick) I moaned, wrestled it off and took to the dealer. They fixed it and wanted to charge me something like $1,200 for it. My knees almost buckled. Made comment that this machine doesn't earn any keep, I use it in a residential situation. Guess manager felt sorry, dropped price to $900 (which I still thought was rape, especially with me doing all the remove, take it to them and reinstall)

I vowed to never step foot in that building again, and haven't. Next one leaked, I decided I had little to lose by trying. Got it done at a fraction of price. Now I don't shy from doing any of them.

Having done them all, I now realize some of them, I might be able to simply leave on machine (for a good grab-hold so I can loosen the gland nut) and do them in place.