Cement Mixer Hydraulics

[mcnitt]

I have an old heavy duty three point hitch cement mixer. I want to use it on my L3430. The drum turns using the PTO, and dumps by a hydraulic cylinder attached to the mixer frame. The hydraulic cylinder looks pretty old and would have dirty fluid in it. I have two remotes for the T-N-T, one of which I assume could control the dump cylindar.

If I wanted to determine if the old cylinder is still good, how would I get the old fluid out of it before hooking it up to the tractor? I would replace the hoses, but would I need to refill the cylinder before trying it, or would it be filled from the tractor?

Same question for a new cylinder: If I buy a new one, do I have to fill it with fluid before I try it?

Anything to figure out about using one of the remotes to operate the cylinder?

Any tricks to disconnecting a hose as long as the tractor is off and I take the pressure off the loader and 3PH?

Thanks for your help.

 

[kennyd]

To get the old fluid out, just remove the hoses from the cylinder and move the piston in and out manually, be sure to have a bucket and rags handy!

There is no need to refill with hydraulic fluid, your system is self-bleeding so when you get it hooked up, just cycle the lever on your remote a few times to purge the air.

 

[mcnitt]

Thanks for the information! I will work with it tomorrow. Hopefully there won't be anymore mixing by hand in a bucket!