Loader Maintenance: Reattaching the Dump Cylinder Arm to the Bucket
One of our dedicated Little Buck Loader owners, Glenn Plungis from Ohio, recently tackled a challenging repair on his Little Buck Loader attached to a John Deere 318. Glenn’s loader, purchased in March 2019, had a dump cylinder that needed reattaching. His story is not only inspiring but also full of practical tips for anyone facing similar maintenance issues. We’re grateful to Glenn for sharing his experience, and we hope it’s helpful to other members of the Little Buck Loader community!
Here’s how Glenn approached this repair, including his insights on tools and techniques that made the job possible:
Glenn's Story:
“I finally got a chance to work on fixing my Little Buck, and I got the dump cylinder fully reattached. The mounting bolt was frozen solid in the bushing, and getting it out required a bit of creativity. No amount of beating on it with a conventional hammer made a difference, so I decided to use an air hammer with a pointed punch bit, focusing on the center of the bolt. After a lot of persistence, I was able to free it.
When re-mounting the yoke to the ram, I ran into another problem: the first few threads on the ram were damaged from a previous attempt to reattach it. I took a small file and a Dremel with a cutting disk to carefully follow and reshape the threads. It was a slow process, but it worked.
To mount the yoke securely, I held the ram with a pipe wrench at the base of the threaded portion, where any minor damage to the threads wouldn’t cause issues. I used a small chisel to spread the retaining flanges of the yoke as far as I could, then started threading it onto the ram by hand as much as possible. From there, I used a large pry bar on the yoke while holding the ram with the pipe wrench to thread the yoke on, one turn at a time. This process was physically exhausting, and I definitely hope I won’t need to do it again anytime soon!
Finally, I tightened all bolts very securely and made a personal note to check the ram every time I use the loader, just in case. I’m back in business and a happy camper! Keep up the good work, Little Buck!”
Key Takeaways and Tips for Reattaching the Dump Cylinder Arm
Freeing Stuck Bolts: When bolts are frozen, standard methods might not work. In Glenn’s case, an air hammer was essential for removing a seized bolt that wouldn’t budge with a regular hammer. Remember that using the right tools can save time and reduce frustration.
Repairing Damaged Threads: If threads on the ram are damaged, it may still be possible to repair them with precision tools like a small file or Dremel. Patience and care here are crucial to avoid further damage.
Using Leverage with Care: Glenn used a pipe wrench and pry bar to carefully reattach the yoke, applying torque gradually to prevent any sudden damage. When you’re in a similar situation, use tools that give you precise control.
Regular Maintenance Checks: After any significant repair, it’s a good habit to inspect the area before each use. Keeping an eye on connections can help catch early signs of wear or loosening.
We hope Glenn's story gives you confidence in handling similar repairs. At Little Buck Loader, we’re proud to see customers like Glenn who are hands-on and committed to keeping their equipment in peak condition. Thanks again, Glenn, for sharing your story and inspiring the community with your can-do attitude and repair skills!