Removing ram from Kubota KX 61-3

[ladycrofter]

Needing advice thanks. I have to remove the centre ram for welding, one of the inlet bosses is cracked and spewing oil when under strain. There's evidence of a previous repair .

Is there a procedure? I read that I need to turn the ignition to ON but not start, wiggle controls to release any pressure. Are the hoses self-closing or will oil come out everywhere? Do they need plugged somehow?

 

[Cocomac]

Let the pressure off like you’ve said then take the hoses off and plug them or they’ll leak everywhere. Then knock out the pins and job done. What end is it need welding? You’ll have to be careful not to meld the seals and don’t cap the ram when you’re welding it.

 

[ladycrofter]

Thanks @Cocomac that's what I thought. Will get some blanks. It looks like a hose boss broke off and they welded the hose boss to another piece of metal and then welded that to the ram. When we were looking at it we realized there's a big pencil arrow drawn on the actor pointing to it, so it's obviously been a source of trouble.
I just spoke to a ram repair place and they said don't touch it, they would never weld a ram. I was concerned about the integrity of the tube metal after that level of heat so we've got the number off it, and going to replace it.

 

[Cocomac]

Aye makes sense often as cheap replacing the whole thing when you have to pay for repairs anyway

 

[Wesley]

You can weld rams ok. But it isn’t always successful. Sounds like someone had a proper go at fixing it rather than just blobbing some weld over the leak. If the last fix didn’t work I’d say replacement is the correct option.

 

[milkloss]

It's okay welding rams.... it's how they are manufactured after all. I suspect you might be pushing your luck fixing a fix though.....

 

[ladycrofter]

Spoke to the Kubota guy, new one costs £1200

He suggested phoning H&M and that's where it's going tomorrow for a look and hopefully much cheaper resolution.

 

[Cocomac]

You won’t get it repaired cheaper than that I wouldn’t think. Last ram I priced to get repaired was £2000 new and repair man said it wasn’t worth trying to fix at that price (was more than just seals). Plus with a new one you should be back up and running quicker

 

[hoff135]

Cheaper to get a ram made that go to the main dealer. Try Paul Mcloughlin in Evanton if you are anywhere near. Does all my ram work and can't recommend enough

 

[ladycrofter]

@hoff135 thanks for that. Will try them first.

 

[Zebbedee]

H and M and Paul Maclaughlin both professional outfits in my book good work and helpful

 

[YELROM]

Can you put some photos up of the ram

 

[hoff135]

Needing advice thanks. I have to remove the centre ram for welding, one of the inlet bosses is cracked and spewing oil when under strain. There's evidence of a previous repair .

Is there a procedure? I read that I need to turn the ignition to ON but not start, wiggle controls to release any pressure. Are the hoses self-closing or will oil come out everywhere? Do they need plugged somehow?

What I would do if you haven't got it off is romove the pin at the rod end of the ram, then retract it fully with the machine. Then undo the hoses but leave the hose at the gland end attached to the ram and undo it from the machine. Put the end of the hose in a bucket and pull the rod to full extension manually (if possible it's easier on smaller machines) this will drain the ram and waste the least amount of oil. Make sure the other hose is disconected to allow air in.

If the hoses on the machine continues running a plastic bag over the end and a cable tie or elastic band should do the trick.

 

[quavers]

http://ramtechhydraulics.co.uk/ if you fancy a run down the road these folks will repair your current ram at a reasonable price . Mintlaw direction

 

[ladycrofter]

Here's the problem area. 3 cracks in the top weld spray under load, not visible otherwise. Looks like someone had a few goes at it

 

[Cocomac]

Did the fella that did the repair wear a Stetson by any chance?

 

[hoff135]

Here's the problem area. 3 cracks in the top weld spray under load, not visible otherwise. Looks like someone had a few goes at it

I don't know if that can be fixed or not but they may be able fit a new tube using the existing rod and end

 

[ladycrofter]

Did the fella that did the repair wear a Stetson by any chance?

Don't know but looks like it! Bought that way at the machinery sale a few years ago. I was whacking into stoney ground and must have jarred it.

 

[YELROM]

As hoff135 says I think if you can get someone to make you a new tube up would be the best fix

 

[ladycrofter]

Off and taken to H&M since I had to go to Inverness anyway. A real mess of a weld. They said they may replace the barrel after they have a look. I'll need to get more shims for one end, there were none , probably in the grass wherever the ram was last off. Thanks to everyone for the input!