Aftermarket hydraulic cylinders vs OEM for L285

S

Squawker Ranch

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L285
Oct 29, 2020
15
1
3
Topanga CA
My L285 needs new hydraulic cylinders due to pitting of the piston shaft. This tractor spend a lot of time outside in the elements. Are there aftermarket options? If so, who is a good source?

Thanks

Tim
Squawker Ranch
Topanga CA
 
G

GreensvilleJay

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if pitting isn't too bad, 'hone' with 1000g sandpaper and oil.
if possible, at end of the day...retract picton into cylinder, spray with the thick 'RustCheck'.
I got an extra 7 years out of mine doing this.
 
Henro

Henro

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Who determined the cylinders are not repairable?

If it was someone who does cylinder repair as a profession, then obviously new cylinders are called for. Be prepared for sticker shock if you buy replacements from Kubota!

Just asking before suggesting you get a professional opinion on rebuild possibilities, if you have not already.

Sometimes people get lucky finding replacement cylinders at the surpluscenter.

Hydraulic Cylinders | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Hydraulic Cylinders,Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders,Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinders,Double Rod , Tandem Hydraulic Cylinders,Rephasing Hydraulic
www.surpluscenter.com
 
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North Idaho Wolfman

North Idaho Wolfman

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S

Squawker Ranch

New member

Equipment
L285
Oct 29, 2020
15
1
3
Topanga CA
Ok, sounds like best next step is determine if its repairable. I figure it needs a rebuild at minimum, but am concerned about the amount of pitting. Next challenge is to find a local shop
 
Orange L285

Orange L285

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L285 1200FEL
Jul 14, 2014
48
20
8
Texas
Squawker Ranch said:
Ok, sounds like best next step is determine if its repairable. I figure it needs a rebuild at minimum, but am concerned about the amount of pitting. Next challenge is to find a local shop
Click to expand...
Not familiar with the 700 loader but I just rebuilt my bucket cylinders (1200 FEL) and it was VERY EASY to do. This is something you can do; no special tools needed just a little patience and knowledge. What are the cylinder part numbers?
Good luck and FYI a seal kit is $35ish so might be worth a try before you spend several hundred for replacements.
 
Henro

Henro

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B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini Ex.
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Orange L285 said:
Not familiar with the 700 loader but I just rebuilt my bucket cylinders (1200 FEL) and it was VERY EASY to do. This is something you can do; no special tools needed just a little patience and knowledge. What are the cylinder part numbers?
Good luck and FYI a seal kit is $35ish so might be worth a try before you spend several hundred for replacements.
Click to expand...
Certainly true if you can do the rebuild yourself, that is the cheapest option.

In my case, for a LA401 loader, the seal kit from Kubota for the curl cylinders was something like $60 each, and the repair by a hydraulic shop was $100 each. AND replacement cylinders from Kubota were over $600 each! I did not research after-market cylinders, or possible replacement cylinders from surplus center or other sources.

Just an additional data point...
 
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Orange L285

Orange L285

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Equipment
L285 1200FEL
Jul 14, 2014
48
20
8
Texas
Henro said:
Certainly true if you can do the rebuild yourself, that is the cheapest option.

In my case, for a LA401 loader, the seal kit from Kubota for the curl cylinders was something like $60 each, and the repair by a hydraulic shop was $100 each. AND replacement cylinders from Kubota were over $600 each! I did not research after-market cylinders, or possible replacement cylinders from surplus center or other sources.

Just an additional data point...
Click to expand...
WOW Your local shop charged (or wanted to) $100 to rebuild? DANG I would have had mine done for that price!! The shop the Kubota dealer refered me to wanted $500 (in Fort Worth) so I did it myself and will again if needed. Crazy I usually default to the dealer for parts and service outside my "knowledge and ability" but they have priced themselves out of my market so I learn and develope new found talents...
 
Henro

Henro

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Orange L285 said:
WOW Your local shop charged (or wanted to) $100 to rebuild? DANG I would have had mine done for that price!! The shop the Kubota dealer refered me to wanted $500 (in Fort Worth) so I did it myself and will again if needed. Crazy I usually default to the dealer for parts and service outside my "knowledge and ability" but they have priced themselves out of my market so I learn and develop new found talents...
Click to expand...
That is what I figured too. Out of pocket for me was about $40 per cylinder. AND all I had to do was drop them off and pick up later. Granted, it took about a week or so to get them back, as there was one seal they had to back order. But that was not a big deal for me...Would do it again without question. Especially since I do not have a good place to do the rebuild myself. Would like to though, as a learning experience.

But getting older, there are some things I do not really need to learn, and some things I need to relearn! But they are not tractor related... :ROFLMAO:

As they say, the memory is the second thing to go! :eek:

Edit: I meant $40 over what it would have cost me to buy the seal kit from Kubota...
 
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D

ddiaz396@aol.com

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2550
Jun 25, 2012
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Kissimmee,Fl
Orange L285 said:
WOW Your local shop charged (or wanted to) $100 to rebuild? DANG I would have had mine done for that price!! The shop the Kubota dealer refered me to wanted $500 (in Fort Worth) so I did it myself and will again if needed. Crazy I usually default to the dealer for parts and service outside my "knowledge and ability" but they have priced themselves out of my market so I learn and develope new found talents...
Click to expand...
How do you remove the cylinder cap to replace the seals? I want to do it myself but I can't remove the cap!! I have an L2250.
 
Orange L285

Orange L285

Member

Equipment
L285 1200FEL
Jul 14, 2014
48
20
8
Texas
ddiaz396@aol.com said:
How do you remove the cylinder cap to replace the seals? I want to do it myself but I can't remove the cap!! I have an L2250.
Click to expand...
Please post a picture of your cylinders for a better idea of what you are working on. I'm not sure what FEL you have so only way is to see it.

The 1200 FEL has a "lock wire" that holds the end cap on. It was very easy to remove.
 
Orange L285

Orange L285

Member

Equipment
L285 1200FEL
Jul 14, 2014
48
20
8
Texas
Henro said:
That is what I figured too. Out of pocket for me was about $40 per cylinder. AND all I had to do was drop them off and pick up later. Granted, it took about a week or so to get them back, as there was one seal they had to back order. But that was not a big deal for me...Would do it again without question. Especially since I do not have a good place to do the rebuild myself. Would like to though, as a learning experience.

But getting older, there are some things I do not really need to learn, and some things I need to relearn! But they are not tractor related... :ROFLMAO:

As they say, the memory is the second thing to go! :eek:

Edit: I meant $40 over what it would have cost me to buy the seal kit from Kubota...
Click to expand...
You got a great deal for $40 (over)!!! And got some extra time to "remember or relearn"... Youtube might be able to help too 😂
 
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