MF1010 bucket hydraulics are backwards

[handirifle]

About 6 years ago I bought a MF1010 (first tractor if case you didn't guess) and later learned the bucket hydraulics are upside down. By that I mean the cylinder sits at the bucket end of the arm and it moves as the piston extends, thus stressing my lines and making them impossible to anchor properly.

I have used it like this since I bought it, but I do want to make it correct. My question is the ends of the cylinder and rod. The rod end (currently at the top) is the single piece with the hole in the center. The cylinder end (that SHOULD be at the top) has the forked end with a hole in each side of the fork. The forked end will NOT fit in the top end. Can these ends be swapped with another end to get one that WILL fit? I am sure if the single end was installed near the bucket, where it should be, it would need to be shimmed a lot.

These cylinders look to be exactly like the ones that move the main arm of the bucket. Aren't they usually different sizes?

Sorry if these names/terms are not accurate, it's the best I know how to explain it.

 

[jenkinsph]

Can you post pictures?

 

[LD1]

Cut the ends off and weld them back on the opposite side.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I would correct that in whatever way was needed. The cylinders should not move when installed correctly.

 

[handirifle]

Jenkins,
I will try to get some up.

LD1
I am no whee near a good enough welder to do that.

Gary Fowler
Yea it's looking like replacing them might be the best option. I was hoping there would be a cheaper way. I have known they were wrong from early on (not when I bought it. Live and learn)

Looking at some pics on the web of MF1010's I see what I THINK I might need. They look like they have sleeves on each end, that are perpendicular to the cylinder, that a pin goes through. I am going to do some more research and see if I can get original part numbers to match.

 

[handirifle]

AM trying to upload pics now, but email server is acting up

 

[handirifle]

OK here's the side shot, showing the whole setup

Here's the lower connection

And the upper one

Here's the main arm of the loader (not sure of name), and the cylinder look identical. I think they had some of these and figured out a way to use them instead of buying the right ones.

Hope this helps show my dilemma.

The top cylinder connection is 1" across. The bottom opening is 3" wide.

If I cannot find the correct part number, how will I know things like closed length, open length, etc? The bucket will NOT raise above level. So if I have a load of dirt in it, I cannot tip the bucket back to retain it. Make sense?

 

[LD1]

Hopefully someone has that same loader with original cylinders that can help you out and get you some pictures and dimensions. Baileynet.com has some different "loader" cylinders that may work. Those are cheap tie rod cylinders, with the wrong ends that somebody hacked into working.

I'd be looking for correct cylinders.

 

[handirifle]

I am definitely looking to replace the bucket ones, the others are working as they should, not sure if correct size or not, but at least they do not move with the FEL.

I have looked and none of my manuals cover the FEL, so out of luck on that source.

 

[handirifle]

Foes anyone know how to measure the FEL without the cylinder in place to determine correct length?