Hi! I have a BH92 in a fairly humid environment that will see infrequent use. I was hoping for some details on keeping the hydraulic rams rust free... I can see in the manual and on this forum that coating the rams in grease is one way to do this. Do I just slather the exposed portions of the cylinders in grease? Any particular grease? Does it get wiped off before the next use? Do I have to worry about any residual grease getting past the seal and contaminating the hydraulic oil? Should I "clean" the rams after greasing, or will just a cloth wipe-off work?
Preventing hydraulic rust
- Thread starter jrdjhnson
- Start date
If you really want to, spray something like WD40 on them. I've got cylinders that are 40/50 years old, never protected and never rusted.
same situation here as I store in pole shed with dirt floor.
I store hoe with hydro shafts retracted keeps majority non exposed and rust free.
can of PB blaster silicone is what I use on exposed surfaces and never had a problem. And I do not clean before use.
I store hoe with hydro shafts retracted keeps majority non exposed and rust free.
can of PB blaster silicone is what I use on exposed surfaces and never had a problem. And I do not clean before use.
The rams are hardened chrome and will not rust. Coating them with grease will attract dirt and grit and will likely damage the oil and dust seals and create leaks. Wipe them with a clean rag lightly sprayed with WD40 is all I’d ever do.
GreensvilleJay
Well-known member
Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
retract the rams for sure !
if exposed to rain condensation, spray with a 'rust check' spray or thick oil, then lightly cover with a 'hat'. Some kind of waterproof cover that will keep water from 'pooling' on the seals/ends of the cylinders BUT allow air to get there.
if exposed to rain condensation, spray with a 'rust check' spray or thick oil, then lightly cover with a 'hat'. Some kind of waterproof cover that will keep water from 'pooling' on the seals/ends of the cylinders BUT allow air to get there.
All very helpful responses, thank you! The manual just states to grease the cylinders, without any additional detail, so the comments here are helpful to understand how things play out in the wild. Obviously would love to store it with the cylinders retracted, but just not practical with my current storage and such a big hoe. I'll look into all the suggestions here.
btw. welcome to OTT and good on you for asking such a great question.
It is very expensive to replace / rebuild cyl. so being proactive is well worth it. A little care and attention and a BH 92 will give you lots of years of great service
Seals can generally handle significant amounts of common dirt / sand / etc... from regular use but rust over the seals is a killer.
Finding a way to retract if at all possible strongly recommended.
It is very expensive to replace / rebuild cyl. so being proactive is well worth it. A little care and attention and a BH 92 will give you lots of years of great service
Seals can generally handle significant amounts of common dirt / sand / etc... from regular use but rust over the seals is a killer.
Finding a way to retract if at all possible strongly recommended.
If the equipment is operated near a corrosive environment like road salt or salt water, I would use a product made to be a corrosion inhibitor. Long term storage demands protection as well. I use Rust-Lick spray on surfaces I want to protect. WD-40 is about as close to nothing as you can get.
Look to a marine corrosion protector in spray form. I have a few cans of Pennzoil marine protectant but it seems that is no longer available. These products are great at corrosion protection without building a film on the hydraulics.
Exactly. I saw a widowed friend of ours ruin her log splitter by leaving it extended, and it rusted. Yes, chrome steel WILL rust.
I like Fluid Film. Great for a lot of things.
Boeshield T9
One of the places to buy it. Definitely price shop.
www.theruststore.com/Boeshield-C20.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Rust - Keyword&utm_term=boeshield&utm_content=Boeshield
I used this on my milling machine and lathe when it was in storage in an unheated, uninsulated steel building for a year. Zero rust.
One of the places to buy it. Definitely price shop.
www.theruststore.com/Boeshield-C20.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Rust - Keyword&utm_term=boeshield&utm_content=Boeshield
I used this on my milling machine and lathe when it was in storage in an unheated, uninsulated steel building for a year. Zero rust.
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
WD-40 is consumer junk that evaporates while you look at it!
Use a good quality silicone spray, or for even better protection use LPS-3.
LPS-3 is somewhat thicker, (good stuff) and actually has a MIl. spec.
It will provide rust protection for months!
It is available in spray cans or a trigger spray bottle.
I keep everything I own inside, but if I stored outside, I would use LPS-3 on any metal surface not painted.
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GreensvilleJay
Well-known member
Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
consider building a shed for it, open on 2 sides ,at least 1 foot taller than BH. Allows for good airflow, keeps sun off, reduces condensation problems. For sure 'oil down' the WHOLE unit when warm and dry, before storing.
Partner, WD40 is a water dispersant and it was the 40 formulation that provided the protection needed for the aerospace industry. It gets a bad rap because folks thinks it's a lubricant and use it for other than it's intended use. If used to spray on saw blades, cylinder rams and other bare metal things moisture gets on, rust will be reduced/eliminated.
WD-40 History | Learn the Stories Behind the WD-40 Brand | WD-40
The WD-40 brand has a rich history of helping mechanics, motorists and DIY enthusiasts with their projects in the garage or on the job site. WD-40 is engineered to provide superior lubrication and break through greast and grime with corrosion inhibitors.
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
WD-40 is a LIGHTWEIGHT water dispersant, with very poor protective/exposure longevity!Partner, WD40 is a water dispersant and it was the 40 formulation that provided the protection needed for the aerospace industry. It gets a bad rap because folks thinks it's a lubricant and use it for other than it's intended use. If used to spray on saw blades, cylinder rams and other bare metal things moisture gets on, rust will be reduced/eliminated.
WD-40 History | Learn the Stories Behind the WD-40 Brand | WD-40
The WD-40 brand has a rich history of helping mechanics, motorists and DIY enthusiasts with their projects in the garage or on the job site. WD-40 is engineered to provide superior lubrication and break through greast and grime with corrosion inhibitors.www.wd40.com
WD-40 DOES NOT HAVE A MIL. SPEC.
What does Mil Spec. mean?
Approved for military use.
WD-40 is NOT approved for military use!
That rating, or lack thereof, provides a most obvious impartial review!
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Chrome won't rust? WD40?
Oh my...
Here is my go-to for such things:
Or Fluid Film
Oh my...
Here is my go-to for such things:
Or Fluid Film
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
You are one of the FEW who actually understands the protection that LPS-3 provides.
I buy it by the gallon.
It can also be used to prevent bilge corrosion in steel fishing vessels.
WD-40 would NEVER be used in such an application.
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I don't use nor have I bought WD-40 in the last 50 years. Fluid film or as you say LPS.
I knew someone who would use WD-40 on his firearms and wouldn't listen.