MF35 cracked Hydraulic ram cylinder

[Dabrowski]

hi guys,

well after completing an engine service after purchasing a MF35 I turned her over and noticed the lift arms were in the top position. I cant recall what levers I pushed next (either operational or draft) but I then heard a loud bang and found that one of the bolts under the lift cover had snapped :thumbdown:
I then lost all lift up and down. The lower linkage arms were basically hanging loose.

I managed to find a local mechanic to tackle the job and he sent me through the photos of the aftermath. looks like the ram cylinder is cracked and the piston has a big dent in it.

Question; Does anyone know what may have caused this? (When the bolt snapped I heard a loud pop and the bolt shot up on hit the bottom of the seat/chair)

 

[ch1ch2]

My first WAG would be your pressure relief valve is not working.

 

[Stimw]

Hydraulics have to have a relief valve in the circuit to keep from dead heading.
Without relief valve or malfunctioning valve pressure will exceed working pressures and cause damage.

 

[Dabrowski]

thanks guys.
Just got a call from the mechanic.

He mentioned the it could have been 2 of the following;
1) relief value could have been damaged/stuck by water corrosion or
2) piston damage could have been from a dislodged piece of steel from elsewhere that got caught against the piston and cylinder wall causing it to crack

other observations;
- judging by amount of water in the oil and the sludge on the top of lift cover seems like oil could be decades old. fresh oil to be replaced
- gaskets leaking near bolts that hold the foot
- PTO has a fair amount of play in and out, its not leaking so he mentioned just to keep an eye on it

His going to replace the whole cylinder and piston with a bigger later unit (with bigger bolts, replace all gaskets, relief valve, fill with fresh oil

fingers crossed I can then starting using this thing!

 

[Dabrowski]

Update,
Getting the tractor back from the mechanic tonight and his sent me the bill. For anyone interested here is the breakdown of repairs
NOTE THIS IS IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS

 

[3Lfarms]

I don’t know what the exchange rate is, but it looks like he did a good job and detailed exactly what he did. If you think his labor rate is fair, then I think he did a fine job.
I’m surprised the parts were that inexpensive.

 

[Jstpssng]

In Us dollars that would be about $1112.56. More importantly though it's now fixed and the OP is happy. :thumbsup: