how to fix broken ram

[dirt clod]

The dump trailer I was using broke the hydraulic ram at the end where it tapers down for threads. It also broke from the mount off the trailer. What would be the most economical means of repairing this?????

 

[whistlepig]

The mount for the trailer can be cleaned up and welded. The hydraulic shaft though would be a tough fix. These shafts are hard as glass and any attempt to weld them will just make them shatter. We have fixed shafts like this in emergencies. The shaft is bored out with carbide tooling to the diameter of the small end that is broken off. Then a plug is inserted the same size as what is broken off and drilled and pinned. Again carbide tooling for the drilling for the pin. The isn't a garage project. The carbide tooling would have to be used on machinery that is heavy duty so that the tools don't lead off. And this fix would not be near as strong as a new replacement shaft.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

I am assuming the trailer isn't yours. The proper thing to do is replace the ram. This is why I hate to borrow any thing.
Bill

 

[KWentling]

If you can find a name on the cylinder, check on a replacement rod. If not, a hydraulic shop can make one. Simple job. Rods vary a lot. They can be anything chrome plated mild steel to induction hardened and chrome plated. That cylinder is probably the former. I wouldn't try to repair that one.

Kim

 

[dirt clod]

I am assuming the trailer isn't yours. The proper thing to do is replace the ram. This is why I hate to borrow any thing.
Bill

Hate to borrow other peoples junk to. got tired of hauling one scoop of dirt half mile each way. Sure would have been ahead hauling scope at a time. its a chief cylinder maybe I can get just a rod from them. Thanks for the replies everybody

 

[56FordGuy]

If you purchase a ram, be sure to get a seal/ packing kit also. It's very easy to damage a seal when disassembling a cylinder.

 

[dirt clod]

any idea where I can find parts? it is a chief 4x30x2 2500 psi. many sites sell complete units but no parts.

 

[geneP]

If it the cylinder rod broken, most hydraulic shops can make another. They take a blank rod and machine the ends to fit your piston and cylinder.

 

[milkman]

This looks like a simple solution, for around $200 including shipping.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp

 

[dirt clod]

I'm going to try welding it 1st. If that don't work I'll just replace the whole thing. If nothing else the welding practice would do me some good:thumbsup:

 

[Mace Canute]

If this were mine I would take the rod out of the cylinder and then take it to a machine shop along with the broken off end and ask them them to drill and tap the end for a stud to replicate the shaft end. Use Loctite on the end that goes into the rod. Ask for an estimate first of course, sometimes repairing isn't always the cheapest course of action.
It looks like there was some binding going on. In the broken off piece that was welded to the trailer, there appears to be a line about an inch or so from the weld that has all the appearance of having been crunched against the sharp corner of the red piece it's pinned to. If that's the case, well...you know what you have to do about that.