Skid Loader
Cylinder Replacement Alternative
Page 4
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How to replace a costly loader cylinder
The cylinder on some loaders are just too ridiculous in price, $800 plus, verses an
after market model for $150. It doesn't make sense. So I came up with my own fix. To
get the same length cylinder with the same small diameter is tough. I couldn't find any
and I wasn't going to pay $800 for a new one from Bobcat or $400 or so for one built to
my specifications. So I shopped around for the closest size I could find, but they all had
these oversized end caps or had the right small diameter but too long. The large caps prevented
it from sliding in between the mounting frames, see image arrows where the cylinder mounts.

The fix was a slightly shorter cylinder with and extension welded on to make up the
difference. I also welded on my own cross tube. The cross tube required cutting in half to
fit in between the tight mounting front slot. A reciprocating saw does the job easily.
Granted the stroke is shorter, you'll never notice it if your just moving dirt around and not
loading very high truck buckets. The new cylinders were of a much better design instead
of the crappie loose fitting one's that came with my loader. The rod clevis that is threaded
on the cylinder I couldn't use because again, it was too wide to fit in between the mounting
front slot.

The hose fittings on the original cylinders were welded on to make for a more compact
piping arrangement. I used regular appropriate threaded fittings that cleared in the front when the
cylinder was down, but were hitting on the back side when down. So again it was just a matter of
getting the reciprocating saw to cut two slot's on the lower frame in the back mounting area
just under where the hose fitting was hitting. Then from the engine side I used my vise grip to
bend it down away from the fitting. I made my own clearance. My new loader cylinder works
fantastic. Two years now with no problems.

Note; you could just mount the oversized cylinder diameter on the outside of the frame. This install
would be much easier but your cylinder would be sticking out. No big deal. All you'll need is extra
long mounting pins. See drawing lower right side image. And of course make sure the load and pressure
specifications of your replacements are equal or greater. And diameters of cylinders on both sides match.

I got my stuff from Bailey International Corp. 1-800-800-1810
Great selection of cylinder stuff. For fittings and hoses from Northern
Tool & Equipment Co. had what I needed. 1-800-556-7885.

Also to protect myself: I take no responsibility if you screw up, your on your own. This is just
advice to help out the commoner. Modify at your own risk.

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