Suggestions on testing/using old cylinder on Ford tractor....use it or rebuild it

[Rford]

I bought an old Ford loader that has a single hydraulic cylinder. Its a one arm loader, no reservoir or pump, as it runs off the tractor. Its a one-way valve deal I guess. One hose. I don't know a thing about hydraulics or these cylinders. The hose is rotted, its been sitting outdoors a long while.

Do I dare just change the hose, hook it up to try it? Or should I take it off without trying it and just have the shop test/rebuild it?

I guess another way to ask the question is can a hydraulic cylinder sit out for 20 years and still work fine? The "rod" was not extended so I assume its not going to be rusted.

Thanks in advance.

 

[shaeff]

My '64 MF sat for many years without use, probably more than 10yrs. No rust and the fluid looked as good coming out as it did going in.

If you're really concerned, you could flush it first maybe my disconnecting it, extending it using the pump, disconnect the line and compress it by whatever means necessary to get a look at the fluid coming out.

There's an easier way but I won't post it because of safety police and I don't want to be partially responsible if someone gets injured.

 

[BHD]

the one way cylinder is collapsed, there is very little fluid in it, the loader will no hydraulic down pressure beside it own weight,

 

[Dave M7040]

New hose and good to go.

It does not have much value so a new cylinder or even a seal kit would be worth more than the loader.

Dave M7040

 

[4570Man]

I’d swap the hose try it out. I do agree with checking the fluid before it could contaminate the system

 

[Rford]

New hose and good to go.

It does not have much value so a new cylinder or even a seal kit would be worth more than the loader.

Dave M7040

Thanks. I'll try a new hose and see what happens.
I wish the guy bidding against me yesterday at the auction thought that way.....he thought it had a lot of value .

 

[PILOON]

Had a similar unit once on an old Massey. (Massy had 2 arms)
Really only good to muck out manure and just better than a wheelbarrow.
The bucket is longish as the front load is what makes it tip by gravity.
The single action cylinder does the lift and gravity does the rest.

OK, it beats using a shovel but not much more.
LOL, remember that I had paid all of $50.00 for the old Massey.(think it was a Massey 20)

 

[Dave M7040]

Thanks. I'll try a new hose and see what happens.
I wish the guy bidding against me yesterday at the auction thought that way.....he thought it had a lot of value .

Call the guy back who was bidding against you and offer him a great deal

Since the cylinder is single acting, it is simple to avoid contaminating your system.

Before you install the loader and after the new hose is installed, hook the hose up to your tractor and extend the cylinder about 1/2 way.

Open the end of the new hose or cylinder port and manually compress the cylinder forcing the fluid out.

Most of the fluid will be your tractor's fluid which you throw away.

Dave M7040

 

[Rford]

Thanks. If it warms up I'll see what I've got.

 

[Rford]

Well it works. Hooked up the hose while it sits on the trailer and it pushed right out. Not sure exactly what the valve set up is on my tractor and whether it will raise and lower the arm once I've got it mounted. Posted some pictures on another thread.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/389754-does-ford-19-209-711-a-3.html