mud on cylinder rod= impending doom!

[JL Sargent]

As some of you know I bought a 10+yr old backhoe a few months ago. After a couple of days use the dipper cylinder started mudding the rod. I had noticed the wiper was all cracked up and didn't think too much about it. Apparently dirt gets in next to the packing and just kinda sits there until the packing starts leaking slightly. At some point dirt/hyd fluid starts working its way on the rod. I my case that was a warning shot that seals are about to go. Im two for two now. Gonna get to rework the boom cylinder real soon.

Im wondering if the above mentioned description is the expected scenario with hydraulic cylinders in general? Also, if the wiper is cracked is it just a matter of time before the cylinder has to be rebuilt. I'm starting to think thats the case. Your input appreciated.

 

[kennyd]

Yes, continued operation after the wiper is damaged will lead to seal failure. It can also lead to a damaged piston since the dirt and debris getting under the seal will rub on the chrome and accelerate wear, or even cause scoring.

 

[Kernopelli]

Im wondering if the above mentioned description is the expected scenario with hydraulic cylinders in general? Also, if the wiper is cracked is it just a matter of time before the cylinder has to be rebuilt. I'm starting to think thats the case. Your input appreciated.

I think so as well. Last winter I damaged a wiper on a FEL lift cylinder rod that was covered with ice from a heavy ice storm we had. When I retracted the cylinder, the ice cut the wiper. Consequently, by summer I was replacing some seals. Good news is it generally isn't too hard or expensive.

 

[JL Sargent]

Im also guessing that a tractor kept out of the weather will have longer lasting wipers and therefore usually goes longer before packing jobs. In my case the backhoe's pins and bushings are in real good shape but the hoses and wipers not so good. I suspect its been sitting alot.

Looks like another good reason to keep your tractor parked under roof.
I would think parking any machine for long periods of time outdoors is NOT a good thing.

 

[john_bud]

"impending doom" might be a touch melodramatic, but once the seals are toast there is more dirt packed into the seals and that is a bad thing.