Broke my FEL

[richamor]

Back dragging some brush with the bucket down on the BX25, and I hear a BANG! and the bucket pops up and falls back down. I figured that's odd, so I tilted the bucket all the way back and I head another soft bang when it bottoms out at the top. Now when I tilt the bucket back, it starts falling as soon as I release the lever. And it won't pick up a load since the cylinder won't hold the bucket.

I've got the cylinder off and waiting on the dealer to call me back.

 

[leonz]

Back dragging some brush with the bucket down on the BX25, and I hear a BANG! and the bucket pops up and falls back down. I figured that's odd, so I tilted the bucket all the way back and I head another soft bang when it bottoms out at the top. Now when I tilt the bucket back, it starts falling as soon as I release the lever. And it won't pick up a load since the cylinder won't hold the bucket.

I've got the cylinder off and waiting on the dealer to call me back.

AH yes!

The predetermined I pulled the piston rod
through the retaining nut that was not
retaining anything.

The piston nut backed away from the shoulder
of the piston rod and the cylinder is shot;

I would not have anything installed other
than a new replacement cylinder.

This all goes back to the proverbial design
problems when in these attachments the cylinders
do not have stop tubes and nylock nuts to reduce stress on the cylinder
barrel, piston,cylinder rod and stuffing box as the stop tube properly sized
increases the square area of contact reducing the stress on the
cylinder rod, stuffing box and piston, and stops the rod from being
bent UNDER NORMAL USE IN LOOSE MATERIALS.

Normally they have nylon lock nuts on most of the rod assemblies
made today and the piston nut would not back off to create this issue.

Running the pistons in with an impact wrench does only so much good because
of the heat and oil acting upon the threads if a nylock nut is not used.




Its not your fault Rich

Gotta love the quality control for these things
sometimes.

 

[LD1]

For future reference, it is not a good Idea to backdrag with teh bucket curled all the way down.

The force of the tractor is trying to "collapse" the cylinder. This causes extreme pressure inside the cylinder. You can easially bend a rod, burst a cylinder tube, or blow a hose.

Not sure what failed on yours. Maybe loenz is right about what broke. But when you get it fixed, find another way to move the brush.:thumbsup:

 

[richamor]

For future reference, it is not a good Idea to backdrag with teh bucket curled all the way down.

First time I've heard that one. I'll file that for future reference.

FWIW: The dealer took the cylinder apart. The nut was the correct nylok type and it was tight. The cast iron piston separated at the top. The service tech knew exactly what the problem was and what I was doing when it happened.
The good news is that the cylinder looks good, so I've no problem with them rebuilding it. Just have to wait till next week for the parts

Seems to be common on the BX25.:confused3:

 

[leonz]

If it was single piece piston that still does not make sense because if the piston broke apart you would have damage in the barrel from the machined part having separated and metal in the cylinder barrel; I would not return that cylinder to service period!!!!, nor would I want it back in my loader if it was me.

If that was a two piece piston assembly with chevron packing it makes perfect sence but if you heard this noise that indicates a massive failure with the barrel from my experience and as the bucket behaved the way it did also indicates a massive catastrophic metal fatigue failure as piston packing tears itself apart from wear not massive failure unless the barrel is so bad it peels right out of the packing groove on the piston.Your not being told the whole story.

There not telling you everything for some reason...............................

 

[Transit]

Very common if you use the FEL as a dozer blade and it is in the book.

 

[richamor]

Picked up the repaired cylinder and put it back on yesterday. Hooked up and bled....works like a charm.

Gotta give credit to the dealer. No questions about warranty coverage and good work done in a timely manner in a busy shop. Thanks Brooks Sales!!

 

[Oldchuck]

Glad you are back up and running, Rich. I'm back up and running as of yesterday myself due to, I think, a similar problem. Had a lower wrist pin on the curl cylinder snap and a somehow related blow out of a fitting on the steel hydraulic line going back to the valve. No damage to the cylinder or piston for which I am grateful. Went back together pretty well once I got the parts. I'm really not sure what caused it.

Anyway, I'm wondering about my fairly newly acquired Ratchet Rake. I haven't used it very much or very hard but I'm thinking that the same kinds of force that caused these problems (back dragging, bulldozer) would be standard with hard use of the Ratchet Rake. Anybody have any comments? Experience? I have an L-4400.

 

[richamor]

Glad you are back up and running, Rich. I'm back up and running as of yesterday myself due to, I think, a similar problem. Had a lower wrist pin on the curl cylinder snap and a somehow related blow out of a fitting on the steel hydraulic line going back to the valve. No damage to the cylinder or piston for which I am grateful. Went back together pretty well once I got the parts. I'm really not sure what caused it.

Anyway, I'm wondering about my fairly newly acquired Ratchet Rake. I haven't used it very much or very hard but I'm thinking that the same kinds of force that caused these problems (back dragging, bulldozer) would be standard with hard use of the Ratchet Rake. Anybody have any comments? Experience? I have an L-4400.

Thanks Chuck! I was considering one of those Ratchet Rakes myself. Now I'm not so sure

 

[chriscos]

Anyway, I'm wondering about my fairly newly acquired Ratchet Rake. I haven't used it very much or very hard but I'm thinking that the same kinds of force that caused these problems (back dragging, bulldozer) would be standard with hard use of the Ratchet Rake. Anybody have any comments? Experience? I have an L-4400.

The ratchet-rake has teeth that point down 90 degrees so that you can backdrag in a safe manner. (Having said that, I don't have one yet, but I plan on getting one)

Also keep in mind that these things are not made out of glass You can backdrag with a downward bucket tilt (not all the way down), but take it easy if you are working in material (roots, large jagged rocks) that can snag the bucket.

There are helpful diagrams in the manual on backdragging.