Kubota Hydraulic Cylinder Dilemma

sskb1 · Apr 29, 2007

I have an L4330 with an LA-853 loader that I bought new in o4. I have put right at 300 hours on both and loved every minute of it. One of my bucket cylinders seals has failed twice and recently started dripping fluid again. The first failure was handled under warrantee. The second time I shelled out $150 for the KUBOTA seal kit and just recently the leak has reappeared. This time it's a hairline crack in the end cap of the cylinder. I need a some help deciding which direction to go. I can shell out $90 and replace the end cap with no guarantee that it will stop my leak or I can spend $450 for a new cylinder. What would you do?

RonR · Apr 29, 2007

I'd get the dimensions of that cylinder and find somewhere else to buy one cheaper. That or take it off and take it to a hydro shop and have them look at it in detail to see if its fixable.

ron

art · Apr 29, 2007

I don't understand how this can happen if all the components are right. We might have to rebuild one once in a while but three times in such a short time is not right and not knowing what you are using it for or seeing what you have to work with makes it hard to answer this. My thoughts are is to replace it. Three strikes and your out!

Ken · Apr 29, 2007

My L3600 loader also had a broken end cap. Bought another cap and seal kit replaced and have no other problems with cyl.
My cyl. end cap broke when a picking up a tree branch hit the cyl rod and cap.
It takes very little time to replace and cheaper than new cyl.
ken

herringchoker · Apr 29, 2007

I would take it to a reputable hydraulics shop and have them check it out and give an estimate to repair or replace. If there is an inherent problem with the cylinder, a good shop should be able to find it.

sskb1 · Apr 29, 2007

Thanks for the input guys. I'm leaning towards Art's third strike thinking. Those seal kits are extremely pricey and I could always use this cylinder as a temporary backup. I don't think I want to try and match up another manufacturer's cylinder on my loader. There are way too many variables in there for my knowledge base. I guess the only sure thing is going NEW.

art · Apr 29, 2007

Not knowing your location or your dealer but if he was aware of the continual problems you have had he might help you with the costs. Get beyond the parts counter if at all possible.

john_bud · Apr 30, 2007

I think you got reamed on that seal kit pricing!

Measure it all up and order parts yourself. It's probably 25 bucks per cylinder.

H&D Distributors, Inc. Your Complete Source for Seals

They have a REAL GOOD downloadable catalog. Get it. It has pictures and makes finding your seals easy.

jb