JD4300 / Backhoe Model 48 - Swing Arm Cylinders

[emc2000]

So - I just bought a '01 4300 with the model 48 backhoe attachment. There are some leaky hydraulic cylinders - both swing arms and the bucket cylinder are dripping. I am going to attempt to remove them and either replace, or reman them at a local shop. Couple questions:
1) Any tips / special tools I should get before attempting to remove these myself?
2) Replace or Reman them ? Local shop said cheaper to reman them and have them reseal them etc...but curious what other people think about just going new.
3) OEM or aftermarket cylinders? Thoughts on aftermarket?

I don't plan on using the backhoe much - but when I do, it will be heavy for a couple days, then nothing for months.

Thank you for any insight / help !

 

[dfkrug]

If the 48 hoe uses the same kind of JD cyls as your loader does, they have wire-retained caps.
Sometimes a bit tricky to remove, but so are the earlier internal snap ring style.

Unless your cyls have rusty rods, or are severely bent, it is much better and cheaper to
repair them with new seals. I good hyd shop can make new rods for you if bent or
rusted, for less than replacement cyls.

I do not recommend the JD rebuild kits as the are very expensive. Buy seals by
size and type from Hercules Hyd. A good hyd shop will have their own preferred
source.

 

[emc2000]

If the 48 hoe uses the same kind of JD cyls as your loader does, they have wire-retained caps.
Sometimes a bit tricky to remove, but so are the earlier internal snap ring style.

Unless your cyls have rusty rods, or are severely bent, it is much better and cheaper to
repair them with new seals. I good hyd shop can make new rods for you if bent or
rusted, for less than replacement cyls.

I do not recommend the JD rebuild kits as the are very expensive. Buy seals by
size and type from Hercules Hyd. A good hyd shop will have their own preferred
source.

OK thanks - I ordered the JD seal kit as Hercules did not stock the ones I need. $64 for one kit - so not too bad. I will give it a shot rebuilding them. I have some areas of small scratches on the rods...wondering if I can buff those out with some very light wet sanding?

 

[dfkrug]

I have some areas of small scratches on the rods...wondering if I can buff those out
with some very light wet sanding?

The rods are chrome plated and very hard. I would be concerned about areas that stick up (rust spots) more
than scratches that are below the surface. Rust spots can damage the seals. I often use a diamond file to
very carefully remove the rust spots. Larger areas of rust call for replacing the rod, IMO.

 

[emc2000]

OK - stupid question...sry. I am having a hard time seeing where to check the hydraulic fluid for this attachment (backhoe)...as it is leaking, I want to make sure I keep it topped off. Can anyone show me where the drain and fill for the backhoe attachment? Since this is new to me, I will probably want to check the filters and replace the fluid completely. Does the front bucket pull from the same hydraulic tank? Thanks

 

[dfkrug]

Yes, there is one hydraulic sump for the trans and the implement pump. The latter
provides power to the loader and backhoe.

 

[emc2000]

Yes, there is one hydraulic sump for the trans and the implement pump. The latter
provides power to the loader and backhoe.

OK thanks - then I will concentrate on the implement pump - having trouble seeing where the fill is for that one on this tractor...

 

[dfkrug]

OK thanks - then I will concentrate on the implement pump - having trouble seeing where the fill is for that one on this tractor...

The fill port for the hydraulic fluid is just above the toplink connection on the back of the tractor. You should get an owner's
manual to help with maintenance. Many sources online.

 

[emc2000]

thanks man - i will take a look and try and find it. yes ive been trying to find the owners manual online...people are selling the paper copy's for big bucks.

 

[Egon]

Level indication may be sight glass on the back of the transmission. Probably need a flashlight to see it when hoe is on.