front "feet" and cylinder bushings for 371

[erwin]

Today, I received 2 bushings for the tipping cylinder and bucket joint. When I took a closer look at the part, I was deeply disappointed. It’s the same diameter as the ones on the machine. When I first bought the 371, I truly thought that the last owner did not install any bushing to that 2 joints because there seems to be a rather large gap. When the cylinders are moving, the bolts and bushing on the feet (I don’t know what they’re called. If the bucket is the shoe, the parts go into the pockets of the bucket) warble around the holes on the lower end of the cylinders. The diameter of the hole measures 30mm, whereas the outer diameter if the bushing only measures 25mm. I guess the parts I got are the right ones, and the movement inside the joints is normal the standard at that the time of design. I just feel really weird to see that gap. I’m glad that I did not open the package. Hopefully they will let me return it w/o the 15 or 25% restocking fee! (those two pieces of little bushing costed 50 dollars each!). Erwin

 

[jerry]

Is there anybody in your area that fixes machinery more as a pastime than occupation? Seems as though for those prices you might be able to find a local that would measure it and make the bushings you need. If you have to take the machine to a general machine shop and have them look at it and estimate the repair. Sometimes they can be very reasonable compared to buying dealer parts. Or take it apart measure the holes and bolts and check with industrial supply they may be able to help you get what you need.

 

[erwin]

Is there anybody in your area that fixes machinery more as a pastime than occupation? Seems as though for those prices you might be able to find a local that would measure it and make the bushings you need. If you have to take the machine to a general machine shop and have them look at it and estimate the repair. Sometimes they can be very reasonable compared to buying dealer parts. Or take it apart measure the holes and bolts and check with industrial supply they may be able to help you get what you need.

Thanks jerry. I think that is what I'm going to do. I will try to return that parts and have someone make it to closer to the diameter of the hole, yet enough room for greasing. Maybe ven a greasing grove in the middle. Erwin

 

[Tazza]

Thanks jerry. I think that is what I'm going to do. I will try to return that parts and have someone make it to closer to the diameter of the hole, yet enough room for greasing. Maybe ven a greasing grove in the middle. Erwin

Is the worn part where the pin goes through the eye of the cylinder or the actual boss on the bobtach where the bolt goes through to prevent the pin from falling out?
I personally hate the design Bobcat use for these pins. The pin is allowed to rock back and forth wearing the boss out and in time you need to replace it. In my mind, the pins sholud be fixed so they can't move at all causing wear.
If its the boss, they are generally able to be ground out, get new ones made and weld them in place.

 

[erwin]

Is the worn part where the pin goes through the eye of the cylinder or the actual boss on the bobtach where the bolt goes through to prevent the pin from falling out?
I personally hate the design Bobcat use for these pins. The pin is allowed to rock back and forth wearing the boss out and in time you need to replace it. In my mind, the pins sholud be fixed so they can't move at all causing wear.
If its the boss, they are generally able to be ground out, get new ones made and weld them in place.

Thanks Tazza. I'm very glad that there is no parts got excess wear yet and wobbliness is just the way it's designed. I agree with you that there should be no movement other than the rotation of the pin. After I returned the ill-designed bushings, I'm going to have a pair of good bushing made to match the size of the eye. There will be a grease grove in the middle to allow grease to spread.