Hordraulic loader ram seals leaking

[Johnmcm]

I have an old Horndraulic loader on my Dexta. The rams have started leaking oil. I would like to replace the seals myself if possible. It looks like the rams have an aluminium cap. I have no idea where to buy replacement seal kits for it.

Here is a picture.



Any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks
John

[Billy26F5]

I can't really help much but a specialist seal factor will hopefully be able to make some. Be careful as those caps are probably very tight. The ram rods could do with a polish too as they will otherwise never seal. Nice Dexta, some pics and serial numbers would be nice.
Sandy

[Johnmcm]

Yes I was pondering how to get the caps off. Some sort of chain or pipe wrench perhaps. I think Steelfab made the Horndraulic loader for Ford so New Holland probably had the seals back in the day. The whole cylinder is easy to take off the tractor so I might try and find somewhere local.
I’m using the tractor at the moment for log splitting but I need to fix it before using the loader again.

[Billy26F5]

Steelfab did indeed make it, and back in the day the Ford dealers would have had spares of the more common implements from other manufacturers in use on Fordson's. At the time New Holland were independent and made combines and balers (Major powered of course). If you get suitable plugs you can remove the rams while you do your log splitting, if they follow typical hydraulic sizes they'll be 1/2" BSP but check to make sure.
Sandy

[Johnmcm]

Yes thanks for that. Luckily I have a little lever on the banjo to shut off the loader connection and the oil diverts to the tipper connection where the log splitter connects.

[Hair Bear]

Would still be good practice to cap off the connections though, keeps dirt out, threads clean, and on occasion those connections can have razor sharp edges ready to catch the unwary.

[Johnmcm]

Ok thanks

[kiwiland dexta]

I'd think any hydraulic maintenance business would have those caps off and new seals in in 1/2 an hour!
If you do it yourself so long as you can get the old ones out, take them in and see what's in stock!
My father in law made a tool for unscrewing ram cylinder caps, if you are still pondering I can send a photo.

[Daves rusty bits]

I agree, I messed about for a week with seals bought online that didn`t fit although I was assured they were "right"for my loader. Eventually took the piston into the local hydraulic specialist and they measured it, went upstairs and got the correct seals and offered to fit them which they did for free. I was only in there for 15mins and the cost was £7 cheaper than the online set. Live and learn, next time I`m using the professionals.
My loader is a Bamford Marquis 600. The end cap is held in place with a piece of thick wire pushed in through a hole in the cap and around a groove in the cylinder.Dave

[Old Hywel]

The tops of those rods will need a good clean and polish before installing new seals, or damage is inevitable. Also there’ll probably be a lip formed below the pin hole which will need removing.
If entrusting the work to a specialist hydraulic repairer beware of mission creep. I recently took a leaky digger ram to my local specialist. They reported damaged barrel and rod, estimating repairs at £2000. Since the machine is nearly 50 years old, and only does a handful of hours a year, I thought that excessive. We settled for new end seal, no guarantee.
So far so good.

[Billy26F5]

The tops of those rods will need a good clean and polish before installing new seals, or damage is inevitable. Also there’ll probably be a lip formed below the pin hole which will need removing.
If entrusting the work to a specialist hydraulic repairer beware of mission creep. I recently took a leaky digger ram to my local specialist. They reported damaged barrel and rod, estimating repairs at £2000. Since the machine is nearly 50 years old, and only does a handful of hours a year, I thought that excessive. We settled for new end seal, no guarantee.
So far so good.

Very good points there.
Sandy

[Johnmcm]

I agree, I messed about for a week with seals bought online that didn`t fit although I was assured they were "right"for my loader. Eventually took the piston into the local hydraulic specialist and they measured it, went upstairs and got the correct seals and offered to fit them which they did for free. I was only in there for 15mins and the cost was £7 cheaper than the online set. Live and learn, next time I`m using the professionals.
My loader is a Bamford Marquis 600. The end cap is held in place with a piece of thick wire pushed in through a hole in the cap and around a groove in the cylinder.Dave

Who did you use please Dave

[Daves rusty bits]

It was Ram Reman at 3 legged cross near Wimborne, don`t let the name put you off. I found exatly the same as Old Hywel, they wanted to polish and faf about with something I saved from the scrapheap and used now and again untill we agreed on new seals with no guarantee. Works a treat now.

[Johnmcm]

Ok thanks for all your help