Thanks to you guys identifying my tractor/loader backhoe I now have seven manuals on order from johndeeretechinfo.com. For the 440 ID tractor it's, operator, service, parts and engine. For the model 51 backhoe it's, service and parts. For the model 71 loader, only the operators manual. A lister on another site says it will provide the parts requirement. Total with shipping and tax = $338.00.
That's steep, but if they allow me to DIY on three or four projects, a lot of it will be paid for. I've never been around JD equipment and books, but if they match Toro, it will be money well spent.
I may have alresdy paid for my books with a no-cost fix within hours of receiving the books.
My worst identified problem was a massive fluid leak from the swing cylinder. I spent two hours reading how to reseal the unit and was not sure if I was up to it with all the heavy lifting required.
While reading maintenance requirements, I ran up on this statement "At least once a week, torque swing cylinder top and bottom cap bolts as illustrated in fig 20-5-12." Sure enough, cheater bar tight and no more leak.
My other major leak is the left loader cylinder. Is this DIY job? I'm welled tooled, an ex USAF jet engine mechanic, and work on old Mercedes diesels all the time. I even split a Ford backhoe twice for a converter replacement. The second split was because I forgot to remove the plastic protector in the new converter, duh. But I've never had a cylinder job.
Can I do it with normal tools?
Thanks
Harry
