Hydraulic cylinder rebuild

[trialframe]

I've got a small Steelhead crane on my boat & the hydraulic cylinder which elevates the jib has a rusty piston rod. I'd like to get the cylinder rebuilt.
Can anyone recommend a good firm to do this.

 

[Scarron]

You could try HP Hydraulics based in Fareham.

 

[Assassin]

I've got a small Steelhead crane on my boat & the hydraulic cylinder which elevates the jib has a rusty piston rod. I'd like to get the cylinder rebuilt.
Can anyone recommend a good firm to do this.

Its actually an easy jod to do yourself and many suppliers sell the seal kits and the components for them.
From considerable experience of these things I would suggest a reconditioned cylinder may be your best option as when the piston becomes corroded it tears the top seal to pieces and lets in a lot of water and salt water into the top of the cylinder which corrodes the cylinder bore and does more unseen damage often necessitating an new cylinder anyway.

If you have a good vice then place the cylinder in it and clamp, look at the head (where the piston comes out) and carefully undo the top but beware as you may need to clean the paint off and check its not capticated with grub screws for example.

With the top undone you can pull the piston halfway out and the top to the end of the piston and see if water has penetrated the bore and rusted it, if not you can remove the piston and ascertain which type it is.

One piece systems have the rod and a piston made as one piece and the larger piston at the bottom has the seals on it, you simply measure it and any supplier has most of them in stock.

If it is a two piece type (heavy duty or larger working loads) it has the piston rod with the piston on the bottom, the piston slices over a machined portion of the rod at the bottom and is held by either a nut or bolt depending on type.
Undo the bolt ot nut and pull the piston off and slide the cylinder top off, measure up and get the new piston rod and top seal kit.

 

[trialframe]

Thanks very much for for your replies.
I will include a few of photos.
The potential problem seems to be that the bottom of of the piston rod is integral with the square fixing block (as far as as I can ascertain)

 

[BruceK]

That looks like chromed steel where the chrome has come off. Common enough on old motorcycles front forks. If you get it apart like Assasin says I reckon it's best asking the classic bike enthusiasts where they get their re chroming done @Kawasaki

 

[Scarron]

Apologies for the brief reply before.

Best thing is to safely prop the crane jib on something [ratchet strap it down] then having removed and plugged the hydraulic hoses and ports, unbolt and remove the the complete cylinder. [bound to be some drips and mess]

Take it to a hydraulic ram repairer; HP or Ram Reman in Verwood come to mind.

They stock the chromed rod. They will cut off the square at the base end then machine a new piece of rod to suit the piston inside the cylinder and weld the end back on. Also fit a new set of seals and paint it to suit.

A few hundred later and Bobs your Uncle!

 

[penberth3]

Its actually an easy jod to do yourself and many suppliers sell the seal kits and the components for them.....

I wouldn't call re-chroming at home an "easy job".

 

[trialframe]

Ok thanks again. I'll give that a go!

 

[Assassin]

I wouldn't call re-chroming at home an "easy job".

That wasn't what I said, I said it could be taken apart and the OP has the option of having the piston rod re-chromed OR just getting a new piston, his choice.

 

[Piers]

I've got a small Steelhead crane on my boat & the hydraulic cylinder which elevates the jib has a rusty piston rod. I'd like to get the cylinder rebuilt.
Can anyone recommend a good firm to do this.

Hi. We also have a Steelhead crane (model MC800) and the pistons (gas springs / gas struts / pistons - all the same) have rusted regularly. In the past, I've ordered replacement from Steelhead, but since they only provide painted pistons they rust again.

Last month, I commissioned two stainless (316L) gas springs from Alrose Products (Home | Alrose Products Ltd) which will be delivered in January - the delay is caused y COVID. If they fit, they will be provide a long life. At £80+VAT each, I really wouldn't bother rebuilding old the old ones. Call Alrose and ask to speak with Julie - really helpful.

BTW, I called many gas spring manufacturers, but only Alrose wanted to help.

 

[Paul1962]

I've got a small Steelhead crane on my boat & the hydraulic cylinder which elevates the jib has a rusty piston rod. I'd like to get the cylinder rebuilt.
Can anyone recommend a good firm to do this.

Recommend Mechanical Services over on Mereside at the bottom of Portland - no relation or Interest

 

[SEARANGER ANCASTER]

we can do this if you still need it done. We can either supply parts or do the complete job for you - www. hydraulicramsandparts.co.uk

 

[trialframe]

Ah - thank you all for those new leads - very helpful. Andrew