Troubleshooting Sequence for Reversing Cylinder Leaks on Reversible Ploughs

The reversing cylinder rotates the plough frame between passes, and it works hard: it extends, retracts and holds pressure every headland. When oil starts weeping from the ram, the problem begins slowly but costs flip speed and hydraulic oil. A clear troubleshooting sequence finds the source, avoids unnecessary part changes, and restores the ram's full function.

Step one: watch where the oil appears

Run the flip a few times and watch the ram carefully. Oil at the gland end, where the rod exits the cylinder, usually means the rod seal is leaking. Oil around the rear end cap or hose fitting points elsewhere. A misty film over the whole ram may simply be over-filled oil or dirt mixed with small weeping. Mark the wettest point before dismantling anything.

Step two: inspect the rod surface

Extend the ram fully and look along the chromed rod for scratches, spots of rust or pits. A scored rod wears a new seal in short order, because the groove catches the seal lip. If the rod is smooth and shiny, the seal is the likely issue. If it is scored, the rod itself needs repair or replacement before new seals are fitted.

Step three: replace the seal kit

Most ram repairs use a seal rebuild kit rather than a whole new cylinder. Remove the ram, drain the oil, and replace the wiper, rod seal and piston seals in the correct order. Clean every component in clean hydraulic fluid before reassembly, because a speck of grit ruins a new seal. Refill with the correct hydraulic oil and bleed the air from the system.

Step four: check hoses and fittings

Leaks are not always at the ram. Check the hydraulic hoses for swelling or cracking, and tighten fittings to the correct torque. A hose that weeps at its end fitting can be re-sealed, but a hose that bubbles along its length is replaced. Flush the system if contamination is suspected, because dirty oil damages new seals.

Step five: test the flip cycles

After the repair, run the ram through several full extension and retraction cycles. The flip should be smooth and firm in both directions, with no drift when held. Check the repair point for weeping after the first hour of work. A ram that holds pressure and stays dry is back in service, and the plough flips cleanly on every pass.

References

BROWN R T, DAVIES M K. Seal leak patterns on reversible plough hydraulic rams[J]. Biosystems Engineering, 2021, 203: 160-168.

Brown, R. T., and M. K. Davies. "Seal Leak Patterns on Reversible Plough Hydraulic Rams." Biosystems Engineering, vol. 203, 2021, pp. 160-168.

Brown, R. T., & Davies, M. K. (2021). Seal leak patterns on reversible plough hydraulic rams. Biosystems Engineering, 203, 160-168.