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    Common Hydraulic Cylinder Problems and Repairs

    Check for a scored rod or cylinder before replacing the seals. New seals won't last long if the surface they're riding on is already damaged.
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    Where do you usually buy used tools?

    I'm starting to replace a few of my old tools and would rather buy used if I can find decent quality. I've checked Marketplace a few times, but it's been pretty hit or miss. A lot of the listings look good until you see the tools in person. I recently stumbled across Ritchie Bros. while looking...
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    How do I set my excavator thumb so the bucket can overpower it?

    I installed a hydraulic thumb, but I can't get the settings right. If I set it one way, the thumb is too weak to be useful. If I change the settings, the thumb becomes so strong that it overpowers the bucket. I'm trying to set it so the bucket can overpower the thumb to prevent damage.
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    Why did my Case 688 hydraulics suddenly stop working?

    My Case 688 suddenly lost almost all hydraulic power while unloading from a trailer. Any hydraulic function loads the engine heavily, but the tracks barely move and the machine will hardly turn. I replaced the turbo because the old one was in bad shape, but the problem is exactly the same. The...
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    Why is the first boom section on my Liebherr LTM 1400 not unlocking even though the solenoid valve is working?

    If the solenoid is working but wire 110 has no power, I'd definitely start chasing the electrical side before digging into the hydraulics. A bad relay, limit switch, corroded connector, or even a broken wire somewhere in the boom harness could be the culprit.. sometimes it's the simplest...
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    Why does a 2015 Cummins QSB3.3 in a JLG telehandler blow white smoke and lose power under heavy load?

    If it's only happening under heavy load, I'd be leaning toward a fuel delivery or injector issue before the turbo. White smoke combined with a power loss can sometimes mean the engine isn't burning fuel completely, so checking injector performance and making sure the fuel system is maintaining...
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    Heavy Equipment Mechanic vs Operator: Which Career Is Better?

    hey, I'm considering a career in the heavy equipment industry and I'm torn between becoming a heavy equipment mechanic or an equipment operator. Both seem to offer solid opportunities, but they require different skills and day-to-day responsibilities. For those who have experience in either...
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    What’s the Sweet Spot for Financing Used Bulldozers or Excavators?

    For used equipment, I usually try to put enough down to keep the payments comfortable and avoid stretching the loan too long.
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    Does the crankshaft pulley come off on a 1961 Allis-Chalmers D grader?

    I'm working on a 1961 Allis-Chalmers D grader and need to remove the crankshaft pulley. Does the pulley come off separately, or is there a specific procedure to remove it?
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    How Long Do You Typically Keep Equipment Before Selling?

    Reliability matters more than age.
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    Backup Camera Systems for Dump Trailers—Worth It?

    Absolutely worthwhile.
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    Why will my Case 580K backhoe swing fully right but only halfway to the left?

    I'm working on a 1997 Case 580K backhoe and the swing function is acting strange. The boom will swing all the way to the right, but only about halfway to the left before it stops. Everything else seems to be working normally. I'm trying to figure out if this is a hydraulic issue, a mechanical...
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    Does anyone have a service or wiring manual for a 2021 Sany 235C excavator?

    I'm dealing with alternator wiring issues after replacing the voltage regulator and brushes, and the wiring no longer matches.
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    How much does it cost to ship a CAT 797?

    Shipping a Caterpillar 797 is extremely expensive because the truck is far too large to move assembled.
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    Has anyone repowered a TS14 scraper with a 5.9 Cummins, and how hard was it to adapt the bellhousing and drive pumps?

    I've been thinking about repowering my TS14 scraper after running it on a pond project last year. The machine actually loaded pretty well overall, but it still feels a little short on power when working hard.
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    How Often Do You Service Your Log Trailer Brakes?

    If the trailer starts pulling unevenly, getting hot hubs, or needing more pedal than usual, I'd inspect it right away instead of waiting for the next scheduled service.
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    Been scrolling through the Boom & Bucket auction yard and there’s a lot of good iron sitting there right now.

    First thing I usually check is the undercarriage on tracked machines - that can turn a "good deal" into an expensive mistake real fast. After that, I look for hydraulic leaks, cold start behavior, and whether the service records actually make sense for the hours showing.
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    What's the best way to diagnose a right speed sensor warning on a John Deere 750K dozer, bad sensor, wiring issue, or something else?

    I'm hoping someone here with experience on John Deere 750K dozers can point me in the right direction before I spend money on parts I may not need. My machine recently started showing a "right speed sensor unresponsive" warning on the display. The dozer still moves, but I'm trying to figure out...
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    How exactly do cold planers work?

    They're definitely used a lot for asphalt removal, but cold planers can handle more than just asphalt.
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    Thinking about bidding on an ARTEER QB-480. Is it worth it?

    Honestly, the ARTEER QB-480 actually looks pretty solid from what I've seen. Sometimes the lesser-known brands surprise you, especially if you can grab them at a good auction price. If the specs fit what you need and the machine looks clean, it might be one of those "hidden gem" buys that flies...
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