Hydraulic cylinder advice

[shelby27604]

I was logging with my Kubota this afternoon and realized I have popped a seal on one of the bucket cylinders. I am looking for the quickest solution to get up and running, does anyone have a good source for hydraulic cylinders, or a recommendation for somewhat local rebuilders?

I am in Efland, which is basically Mebane (Tanger outlets) for those not in the know.

Messicks (my standard go to for Kubota parts) has a cylinder on the shelf, but it is $650.....a cheaper option would be awesome!

PN: 7J273-64013

I am thinking about buying a replacement cylinder and a seal kit, so I can bench build the one that went down today and be ready for the next cylinder to start leaking.

Also, school me on hyd cylinders, any brand to stay away from or are they pretty simple across manufacturers (or are they all coming out of the same factory in China)?

Bucket Cylinder for Kubota Front Loader These guys are the first, cheaper option that came up in my search today.

 

[jeepyjman]

just yank the cyl off and replace the o-rings and seals. <$100 and takes an hour or 2

 

[shelby27604]

just yank the cyl off and replace the o-rings and seals. <$100 and takes an hour or 2

Always an option, I see $150 OEM seal kits, and $15 amazon seal kits. Has anyone used the cheapo kits? Are they worth entertaining, or just pony up the $$ for the oem kit?

 

[benmack1]

I am in Efland too. I’ve taken several over the years to Bo’s hydraulics in South Boston, VA. An hour drive or so but always have done me right and reasonable price IMO.

 

[Shreddinlettuce]

If the cylinder has a slot near the gland like a lot of smaller kubota ones, buy a nice harbor freight pick set, you’ll have to fish a square wire outta that hole

 

[untchabl]

Atlantic Hydraulic in Sanford rebuilds cylinders. I've never used them but just another option.

 

[Jeff B]

get the oem kit. Be mindful of how seals come out, take pictures.

 

[YJJPWrangler]

I just fixed the cylinder on my farmall this week. OEM reseal kits are $60ish if in stock. I broke the cylinder down and took it to Custom Hydraulics in Charlotte and in 5 mins they had matched up all the o-rings and I was out the door for $30. Already back on and working. I'd get the OEM kit if you plan on ordering vs cheapo kit.

Granted this is on a 50's era tractor so things were a lot simpler but it shouldn't be a terrible job.

 

[Kickdeez]

Not a tractor, but I just rebuilt the steering cylinder on my buggy yesterday. Seal kit from PSC was $40. It was not an overly difficult job. Just take your time and make sure you clean parts really good. If there are any nicks/dings on the rod, just lightly sand down the high spots with a fine grit paper so they don’t cut the new seals/o-rings.

Edit: If there is a wear band that goes inside the gland, they can be a little tough to squeeze in there. I soaked mine in some hot water for about 10 minutes to make it a little more flexible.

 

[shelby27604]

I am in Efland too. I’ve taken several over the years to Bo’s hydraulics in South Boston, VA. An hour drive or so but always have done me right and reasonable price IMO.

I called around, and Bo's said they thought they could give me a 1 day turn around, so I made the drive to south boston. I was surprised, a couple of shops I called quoted time and materials and estimated 2-3hrs @ $160/hr....a new cylinder from Kubota is $500-$600 (I hate to be part of the throw away culture though). No free lunch I guess, I needed this machine back up and running ASAP, hopefully next time I can take my time and bench rebuild the cylinder. As the bucket has dual cylinders, I might get that opportunity sooner than later.