replacing lift arm hoses in a 743B

[OLE4]

One of the hydraulic lift arm hoses on my 743B has sprung a leak. The arm in question is on the right side as if you were sitting in the machine. The hoses connect to metal pipes behind the plastic coolant reservoir which I can get to, however the connections to the hydraulic arm are inaccessible. Was wondering how to get to it. I was thinking of first removing both hoses at the metal pipes then removing the lift arm pins and seeing if I can just take the hydraulic cylinders out with the hoses. Anyone done this before have any tips or is there a better way? Thanks, Orlando

 

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yeah i was going to do it in my 643, but they didnt leak and it was too much of a dog to do it. i think you have to take the pistons out to really get at it. i'd repack the pistons while they are out. most of the work is taking them out anyways.

 

[Tazza]

yeah i was going to do it in my 643, but they didnt leak and it was too much of a dog to do it. i think you have to take the pistons out to really get at it. i'd repack the pistons while they are out. most of the work is taking them out anyways.

That is the easiest way, put a block where the bobtach touches the chain case, ensure it's laying flat so it can't fall and squash you. This will leave the arms up enough to get the cylinder out from under the lift arms.
pop both lift arm pins and slide the cylinder out with hoses still attached, remove the damaged one on the ground. Even replace both if the price isn't too bad for a new hose. Any signs of cracks, replace it.

 

[wings5j]

That is the easiest way, put a block where the bobtach touches the chain case, ensure it's laying flat so it can't fall and squash you. This will leave the arms up enough to get the cylinder out from under the lift arms.
pop both lift arm pins and slide the cylinder out with hoses still attached, remove the damaged one on the ground. Even replace both if the price isn't too bad for a new hose. Any signs of cracks, replace it.

I am in the process of doing the same. While at it I decided to replace all four hoses. In addition, I had to replace one of the hoses to the remote and for that I needed to have the loader in the up position. After extending the loader, I braced the cylinders in position until I could get a bottle jack in position to lift the loader and place jack stands at each loader arm. In the process I found it necessary to put jack stands under each back corner of the machine for stability. One thing I didn't think about was using a chain to prevent the tilt cylinder from extending from the weight of the bucket. Overnight, the bucket curled out and knocked the jack stands out of place. Fortunately the bottle jack held everything in place and I was able to reset the jack stands. For good measure, I have the lift cylinders at the shop getting new seals and getting the fittings leak checked. As a bonus, while the cab was up and the loader braced up, I crawled in and grease my U-joint! It wasn't due for another 50 hours but it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I wish you well, and be careful. John