bx24 bent bucket curl piston

[timalabim]

I was pulling a big stump and must have caught the bucket under a couple of roots I was trying to scrape the dirt off of. I noticed I couldnt uncurl the bucket all the way. I checked it out and sure enough I bent the piston shaft for the bucket curl. Tractor is just about 2 years old. Any chance of warranty coverage for this type of incident? If not, how much should I expect the repair to cost?

 

[Singlecoil]

Bummer!

Do you have any pictures?

I would guess that it wouldn't be covered and that your cheapest option would be to buy a generic cylinder that meets the specs of the Kubota one.

 

[offcamber]

That sucks....at least it should be an easy fix beyond the cost of the cylinder.

A bit off topic...
I was moving some rocks the other day...One was under a tree with low branches... I couldn't get it with the BH thumb (it was to big) and I couldn't scoop it up with the FEL so I used the FEL bucket in front of the rock and dragged it back into the open where I could get a better angle to scoop it up. It worked and the FEL had just enough power to lift it. I wondered if pulling it backward with the bucket was a smart move as I don't think its engineered for loads from the back...any thoughts about that?

 

[timalabim]

yeah, sure does suck.

Anyone know the part number, price? Can't find much online for parts lookup
it is a BT601 BH Bucket Curl Cylinder

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Take the cylinder off. Bring it to a local hyd shop. They can buy the blank chrome rod and machine it. Definately check Kubota's price. Sometimes it is just as cost effective to buy from the dealer. I don't know what diameter your rod is, but just for an example, 40mm rod (about 1.5") is about $3 an inch. I'm going to guess that a bucket cylinder is closer to 25mm, or about 1 inch o.d. 25mm is about $2.25 per inch. Then, tack on for machining and a seal kit.

 

[milkman]

Do some measuring and check here Surplus Center - Hydraulic Cylinders Pumps Motors might save some $$.

 

[timalabim]

thanks guys,

I knew I could count on TBN for sympathy and support.

 

[Tommy V]

Before you buy a new one try going to the local hydraulic shop to see if it can be straightened. It sounds like a small bend, if it can be straightened I would guess that would be the cheapest option.

 

[golfbum]

The list price for the rod from Kubota is $158.72.

 

[Taiser]

The list price for the rod from Kubota is $158.72.

Not too bad all things considering, I'd go new for that price!

 

[timalabim]

Ok, so I bit the bullet and am putting on a new cylinder. A bit pricy, but I'm in a rush to finish a backyard project due to upcomming graduation party, so the fastest way to get this done is to get the new unit. Perhaps I'll get the old one rebuilt as a spare sometime, or use it for something eles.

Anyway, I'm no expert, but the removal/replacement looks pretty easy. A couple of bolts and hydraulic connections.

My question now is how do I make sure I get all the air out of the new cylinder and how much make up fluid will I be needing?

 

[KeithInSpace]

I have no idea how to bleed the system. I feel for your, though. In the same situation, I'd probably do the same thing. Real bummer to toss money out the window.

I am curious how much the complete cylinder was, though.

 

[timalabim]

I am curious how much the complete cylinder was, though.

New cylinder delivered to my dealer will be around $430.00.

Hopefully I can pick it up Saturday AM and throw it on. Wife's getting a bit nervous about the huge hole and sideways stump right where the party tent is supposed to be in 2 weeks.

After looking at the picture I got of the stump in the air, it kind of explains the bend. I think I was pushing the limits a bit. I'll try to post a couple later.

 

[KeithInSpace]

After looking at the picture I got of the stump in the air, it kind of explains the bend.

That would be cool. I'd love to know what to watch out for...I'm forever pulling stumps and have a particularly large one (~16" White Oak) to whittle out in the coming weeks. It is my preference for just you to spend that kind of money...not both of us. I'm sure you understand!

 

[offcamber]

I am kinda suprised that it bent the piston if the load was to much. I would think the piston strength would exceed the load capacity. What I mean is should not the pressure been relieved before enough force was applied to bend the piston?

I am wondering if there something is out of adjustment allowing to much pressure to be built by the pump before it is relieved...maybe someone with more knowledge can be shed some light on this..

 

[kevinj]

I am kinda suprised that it bent the piston if the load was to much. I would think the piston strength would exceed the load capacity. What I mean is should not the pressure been relieved before enough force was applied to bend the piston?

I am wondering if there something is out of adjustment allowing to much pressure to be built by the pump before it is relieved...maybe someone with more knowledge can be shed some light on this..

Or if the bucket stops are broke off.

 

[timalabim]

I am kinda suprised that it bent the piston if the load was to much. I would think the piston strength would exceed the load capacity. What I mean is should not the pressure been relieved before enough force was applied to bend the piston? QUOTE]

I kind of thought the same, but there is the possibility that the whole stump could have rolled over and banged up against the rod while it was extended as well.

It could also be that when I had the stump pinned up against the boom with the bucket as I tried to drive forward it may have over stressed the piston as the stump got caught up on the edge of the hole.

I really am not sure exactly when it happened. I just know that I went to dig the hole deeper to bury the stump after I figured out that I wasn't going to be able to lift it out and I noticed the bucket wouldn't extend properly.

All in all, I wasn't being careful. I think I got caught up in the excitement of finally getting the beast of a stump loose and was pushing the machine's physical limits and saftey limits in general to get it moved. A little more thinking and less recklessness in the future. An expensive lesson learned, but learned nonetheless.

Hey, I've already pulled more stumps than I could have had ground for the money this will cost me.

The BX24 has paid for itself many times over even with this setback so I can't complain about the equipment, only the operator.

 

[bx24]

Until you get the new ram (and ouch is that pricey), I would go ahead and use the old one. At this point it is kind of like when your brake pads have all the asbestos wear off and the grinding noise is horrid. The damage is done and you cannot really make things worse (and if that ever happens to your car, metal on metal stops a lot better than asbestos on metal!)

I would expect the air will work itself out after a few cycles (at least it did for my log splitter that I built)

 

[offcamber]

I am kinda suprised that it bent the piston if the load was to much. I would think the piston strength would exceed the load capacity. What I mean is should not the pressure been relieved before enough force was applied to bend the piston? QUOTE]

I kind of thought the same, but there is the possibility that the whole stump could have rolled over and banged up against the rod while it was extended as well.

It could also be that when I had the stump pinned up against the boom with the bucket as I tried to drive forward it may have over stressed the piston as the stump got caught up on the edge of the hole.

I really am not sure exactly when it happened. I just know that I went to dig the hole deeper to bury the stump after I figured out that I wasn't going to be able to lift it out and I noticed the bucket wouldn't extend properly.

All in all, I wasn't being careful. I think I got caught up in the excitement of finally getting the beast of a stump loose and was pushing the machine's physical limits and saftey limits in general to get it moved. A little more thinking and less recklessness in the future. An expensive lesson learned, but learned nonetheless.

Hey, I've already pulled more stumps than I could have had ground for the money this will cost me.

The BX24 has paid for itself many times over even with this setback so I can't complain about the equipment, only the operator.

That makes sense....I assumes it was bent trying to curl up the stump....

 

[Taiser]

I had to replace a hose on mine and was worried about bleeding as well. Thought maybe I'd have to load the line with hydraulic fluid by hand before installing but I was told just to install it and run the controls for a while, the system will self charge and bleed itself. Worked fine! I'd imagine it would be no different for a ram?