Need Help. Using tractor while bucket cylinder is out for repair?

[KubotaTom]

One Bucket cylinder is removed and out for repair. Is there a safe way to either plug the hose ends or reroute the two hoses temporarily
so that I can stll use tractor for mowing? Thanks

 

[Henro]

I'm no expert by any means, but you probably don't have to do anything except maybe put plastic bags over the hose ends to keep debris out, and NOT move the loader control lever in either direction to tilt the bucket.

If it really worried me, I would probably just find a fitting to hook the two hoses together, as in normal operation what goes out one hose comes back in the other.

Just a couple ideas...I would like to think they are logical, but only follow them at your own risk.

 

[Roadworthy]

Can you even lift the bucket so it's out of the way? Henro's ideas should work but you may also wish to investigate how you can remove the loader for mowing. You could also see which hoses to disconnecting the loader when removing the loader from the tractor. Or remove the loader completely. The front end will be a bit lighter if you remove the loader completely but otherwise mowing will be normal. Check you manual for loader removal instructions. Most can be removed with no tools.

 

[lugbolt]

yeah find plug fittings for the hoses. Probably 3/8 JIC? Then you can use it normally although the loader will have zero power, it will be very fast acting. Then you can mow. Most Kubota's have 2 lift cylinders and 2 bucket cylinders. The two cylinders run off of the same pipe so if you just plug the hoses on one side, the other will still get fluid-twice the volume, so it'll be real jerky/fast....but it'll still kinda work. Kinda hard on the loader frame though.

Or just make you a metal rod to length, weld a pair of pin bosses on, lift the loader and insert the rod where the missing cylinder is. Basically a dummy cylinder that will lock that side of the loader in the up position. Plug the hoses and off you go.