Grading Broken Fitting on 54" blade hydraulics

[xfarmboy]

Hey everyone, I have a broken fitting on the turn cylinder of my 54 " front blade. I have the fitting on order and should be getting it on wednesday from my local dealer. This blade is set up on my x585 tractor. I bought this tractor used, and this is my first winter with this tractor, I really don't know much about it. I have no manual for this either.
After replacing this fitting, will the hydraulics need to be bled? Where do I refill the oil after replacing this fitting?

Thanks for the any guidance on this

 

[Badfinger]

How did you break it? You can download a manual from the John Deere web site:

OMM148365_E2


Good luck,

Jim

 

[MadReferee]

After replacing this fitting, will the hydraulics need to be bled?

Nope. Just cycle the cylinder a few times and it will self bleed.

 

[xfarmboy]

Thanks, that is great to know! And thanks for the very fast response!

 

[xfarmboy]

How did you break it? You can download a manual from the John Deere web site:

OMM148365_E2


Good luck,

Jim

I am not sure, I was just pushing some snow and I seen some oil starting to squirt out on to the snow. I stopped and got off the tractor and saw that the fitting was bent and cracked at the elbow.

The tractor is used, but the blade and front hydraulics set up is all brand new. I bought and had this installed at the local JD dealership in town. I figured if they set it up the first time, they would have it set up correctly.

 

[PDe]

Was it the front fitting on the pivot cylinder? That's the one that broke on my 2210 last winter. If it is the same fitting, chances are it broke due to the hard-packed snow and ice that built-up inside the pivot frame just ahead of the fitting. When pivoting the blade full left, that hydraulic fitting is very close to the pivot frame. If too much snow/ice gets packed into the area in front of the fitting (if snow falls over the blade, extending/retracting the cylinder tends to pack the snow into this area) a full pivot to the left will bend/break that fitting. Once I installed the new elbow, I adjusted it slightly to provide the maximum clearance between it and the pivot frame when the blade is in the full left position.

 

[xfarmboy]

Was it the front fitting on the pivot cylinder? That's the one that broke on my 2210 last winter. If it is the same fitting, chances are it broke due to the hard-packed snow and ice that built-up inside the pivot frame just ahead of the fitting. When pivoting the blade full left, that hydraulic fitting is very close to the pivot frame. If too much snow/ice gets packed into the area in front of the fitting (if snow falls over the blade, extending/retracting the cylinder tends to pack the snow into this area) a full pivot to the left will bend/break that fitting. Once I installed the new elbow, I adjusted it slightly to provide the maximum clearance between it and the pivot frame when the blade is in the full left position.

Yep, thats exactly the same one. I think you hit it right on the head about the snow and ice build up in front of that fitting.

I notice your location says West Michigan, I am in Lowell Township, howdy neighbor!

 

[kljunior]

Was it the front fitting on the pivot cylinder? That's the one that broke on my 2210 last winter. If it is the same fitting, chances are it broke due to the hard-packed snow and ice that built-up inside the pivot frame just ahead of the fitting. When pivoting the blade full left, that hydraulic fitting is very close to the pivot frame. If too much snow/ice gets packed into the area in front of the fitting (if snow falls over the blade, extending/retracting the cylinder tends to pack the snow into this area) a full pivot to the left will bend/break that fitting. Once I installed the new elbow, I adjusted it slightly to provide the maximum clearance between it and the pivot frame when the blade is in the full left position.

I broke the same one on my 2305 the other day. Just as you say, it is from snow getting packed in there and binding against the fitting during full left angle. I actually thought my blade lacked some left angle travel just prior to the 90 degree fitting splitting and leaking.

No need to bleed, just repair and cycle the cylinder a couple of times as stated and don't forget to top off with hydro fluid (JD low vis).

 

[chevy]

I broke that fitting on mine the first winter I had it. It was caused by snow packing in the space in front of the cylinder. I now keep the space cleaned out.

 

[SteveBC16]

Were it not for this thread, I would have had the same problem on my 2305. After reading these comments, I checked the frame, adjacent to the angle cylinder, and found a build up of ice. I'm certain that, had I moved my blade to the left, I would have broken the same fitting.

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.

Steve

 

[stuarth]

I have one on order for my 2305 with the 54" blade. I read this tread last night and after two passes this morning I had a leak also. It was the front fitting on the angle cylinder. They tell me the fitting is $8.95 and they need to order one. I odered two since the dealer won't stock them and the new o-ring.

 

[xfarmboy]

Mine also needed to be ordered. It was $7.99 for the fitting, $8.47 with tax. I also thought about ordering a back up fitting, but I figure I would be more aware of ice buildup in that area from now on. With the number of people replying to this thread that have had this same problem, you would think the dealer would want to keep a small quantity on hand through the winter months. I put the order in on Saturday and was told it should be in by Wednesday. I hope there isn't any major snow storms coming through the area in the next couple of days. I am glad others were able to read this thread and were able to take the precautions to prevent this fitting from breaking on their own equipment.

 

[stuarth]

My next door neighbor took my busted fitting to work and came home with six of them for me. Three that match 100% and three that match up thread size 100% but are a better fitting overall. I also have two ordered at the dealer. If anyone needs some (the John Deere ones) I would be happy to pass them on for the cost I paid. I am in Aurora, Ohio

 

[keeney]

I didn't break the front fitting, but the back angled fittings that hangs out kind of exposed worked its way loose on my 54" blade. I didn't realize it was leaking until I heard the oil spraying on the floor when I angled the blade while parking. Checking the driveway the next morning, I found trails and puddles of fluid everywhere.

Any good ideas on the best cleaner to use to get hydrualic fluid off of concrete in the winter?

- Rick

 

[BTDT]

Tide laundry detergent and a bristle broom, pressure washer. I used to work for Proctor and Gamble (P&G) years ago, and they sold Tide in fiber drums labeled as Rig Wash (for oil field work).