[asphaltgambler]

FWIW, last week my JD 430 blew the steering cylinder seals. End of last year started seeping. This year started leaking, then more. These cylinders are not rebuildable. New replacement @$650+............for a 2" bore X 5" stroke light duty, low pressure unit......mmmmm.

So Last week, cut it apart at the weld, dissected and found the end and external seals were 'proprietary' as in, unique to that design........shocking, I know. I found this out by carefully measuring everything and calling a major supplier whos says they stock seals to solve any situation.........................except mine. So I order items that are as close to spec but cannot find the exact style. I assemble all the bits Sunday, weld it back up and last night failure after reinstalling. Turns out JD made the outer seal bore with a step in a way that does not require a circlip. The inner seal design incorporates a weird metal shell casing.........that no one has.

There are no new aftermarket generic cylinders to fit this as it also has class "0" swivel ends welded on. So I called my local dealer this AM, have a new one on the way. So why tell this story? Well, this is an excellent machine in every way and to replace it with similar JD's would cost $15K. It is restored, functions as new, looks almost new and best of all no payments or large outlays of cash for a less than comparable machine. Do I like spending the time and money to do this? of course not. But I tried the best, only alternative, did not work out. In the long run, relatively small price to pay for upkeep / break-fix VS a new machine.