Hydraulic cylinder gland removal

[Harry]

I've been in the process of rebuilding the hydraulic cylinder for the bucket of my 644 lbh. I removed the cylinder from the tractor and removed the two spiral clips and spacer. The gland is being stubborn and does not want to come out of the cylinder. A few years ago I rebuilt a similar bucket cylinder on my 646. It also was stubborn but finally came out. I removed it by putting the cylinder in a vice and sliding a round bar into the end of the cylinder ram, I pounded with a sledge hammer until if finally came out. This one does not want to budge after consistence pounding.

One guy told me in the past to apply air to the cylinder until the ram and cylinder fly out. I've never attempted that not wanting any missiles flying in the shop.

Any successful ideas would be appreciated.

Keep the Peace
Harry

[DavidBarkey]

I've been in the process of rebuilding the hydraulic cylinder for the bucket of my 644 lbh. I removed the cylinder from the tractor and removed the two spiral clips and spacer. The gland is being stubborn and does not want to come out of the cylinder. A few years ago I rebuilt a similar bucket cylinder on my 646. It also was stubborn but finally came out. I removed it by putting the cylinder in a vice and sliding a round bar into the end of the cylinder ram, I pounded with a sledge hammer until if finally came out. This one does not want to budge after consistence pounding.

One guy told me in the past to apply air to the cylinder until the ram and cylinder fly out. I've never attempted that not wanting any missiles flying in the shop.

Any successful ideas would be appreciated.

Keep the Peace
Harry

I have not done one of those cylinder yet , but have years doing cylinder ect. I do not recommend that procedure . Do you have a " farm jack / jack all "??

I have pulled apart many of stuburin cylinders with one of these.
Link the top of the cylinder to the movable jaw and the bottom to the the foot .
Sometime need to do some McGivering , but you get the idea' .
Way more control , less mess , no one gets hurt and nothing is damaged .
If more height is needed an extension can be made up to add extra length to the bottom .

Dave

[Eugen]

Did the inner rod move out all the way and only the gland is stuck in the cylinder? Or the inner rod is stuck in the original "in" position?

How about putting a chain on the rod eye and the cylinder chained to a tree. Then pull it out with a tractor. You can slide some cardboard over the cylinder entrance to keep dirt away, or put a piece of plastic foil on the ground.

[Timj]

I've been in the process of rebuilding the hydraulic cylinder for the bucket of my 644 lbh. I removed the cylinder from the tractor and removed the two spiral clips and spacer. The gland is being stubborn and does not want to come out of the cylinder. A few years ago I rebuilt a similar bucket cylinder on my 646. It also was stubborn but finally came out. I removed it by putting the cylinder in a vice and sliding a round bar into the end of the cylinder ram, I pounded with a sledge hammer until if finally came out. This one does not want to budge after consistence pounding.

One guy told me in the past to apply air to the cylinder until the ram and cylinder fly out. I've never attempted that not wanting any missiles flying in the shop.

Any successful ideas would be appreciated.

Keep the Peace
Harry

I'm with you Harry, I would be very apprehensive about putting that much air pressure on it if you can't pound it out.

[Spike188]

If the snap-ring hammered the grove there may be a slight ridge that is stopping the gland. Use a small die grinder or drimmel to remove the ridge the gland will pull out with very little effort.

Spike.

[Harry]

If the snap-ring hammered the grove there may be a slight ridge that is stopping the gland. Use a small die grinder or drimmel to remove the ridge the gland will pull out with very little effort.

Spike.

Your exactly correct Spike! I went back and checked for a burr and there was a slight one. I cleaned it up with a Dremel and it came right out.
I then cleaned everything up and inspected the cylinder and piston for wear then installed a seal kit. It is all back together and ready to install tomorrow. Then I can get into the backhoe cylinders. It's more difficult to find a vendor that has the seal kits. I did find one and will order them as soon as I can determine the number on the cylinder barrel.
Tomorrow is another day and I appreciate everyone who answered my post. Thanks GT tractor brothers!

Before I do the rear cylinders, the 444 winter project is ready to fire up!

Keep the Peace
Harry

[Eugen]

Really good catch there @Spike188! I never would've thought there would be a ridge but I was wondering if it moved freely up to the end and I asked where it was stuck. Well, this was a good lesson!