Hydraulic Cylinder Question

[rockinbbar]

I have a Woods batwing cutter that's about 10 years old.

The cylinder that raises one of the wings has recently started not retracting all the way. Comes close, but stops about an inch shy of where it should be.

That is only a problem because only in the full upright position can I engage my locks on the wings.

Could the cylinder have blow-by fluid on the other side of the seals? It's not been showing any signs of leaking out the other end. It also has a solid plug on the opposite end, as it's just plumbed one way.

Thoughts? Maybe time for a rebuild?

Thanks in advance!

 

[oldnslo]

I would suspect that over the years enough oil has seeped past the seal to now prevent full retraction.

 

[TractorTech]

It could also be that it has formed rust or accumulated dirt in the bore on the retracted side.
I have a one way cylinder on a Rhino GR84 with vent plug. The oil seeps by the piston slightly and blows out the vent hole.

 

[rockinbbar]

It could also be that it has formed rust or accumulated dirt in the bore on the retracted side.
I have a one way cylinder on a Rgino GR84 with vent plug. The oil seeps by the piston slightly and blows out the vent hole.

These plugs are solid, with no vent. Maybe I can find a plug that vents to keep this working right awhile longer.

Maybe the place that builds my hydraulic hoses will have one.

 

[TractorTech]

These plugs are solid, with no vent. Maybe I can find a plug that vents to keep this working right awhile longer.

Maybe the place that builds my hydraulic hoses will have one.

Solid??? How does the cylinder vent then?

 

[rockinbbar]

Solid??? How does the cylinder vent then?

Not sure it does. On another implement I have, the vent is on the nut that plugs where the hose would connect if it were a two way cylinder. This cylinder just has a flush, solid plug where the second hose would screw in. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong spot for a vent nut?

 

[rockinbbar]

Here's photos I went out and took.

They look solid to me, but I'm sure no hydraulics expert. Could be vented elsewhere?

 

[TractorTech]

What about the bottom port?

 

[rockinbbar]

What about the bottom port?

I'll go check for that.
Neither of the wing cylinders have ever leaked any at all.
Maybe I need to relieve that pressure, then perhaps check for rust and crud.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Solid??? How does the cylinder vent then?

It's magical. Must be for sure.