Question about securing hydraulic cylinders

[Brucifer]

Hey...howdy all!

So I'm working on my front end loader for my rebuilt 1863, and I've come across an issue with my plan for putting in flanged sleeve bushings the the cylinder attachment points. My thought was to add flange sleeve bushings welded in place which would strengthen the pinned area on the lift arms, and provide a secure "sleeve" for the pin to ride through the cylinder cross tube. Please see attached pic.

The issue I'm running into is the stupid high cost of flange sleeve bearings of the appropriate size. I have yet to find steel flanged bearings at a decent price. Most seem to run $20 plus each. I do have access to a lathe, so I could make them myself, but that takes time...time I really don't want to spend if there are bearings available.

So my question is for anyone who has completed their FEL build or someone who loves to tinker (which we all must love doing to own old CC tractors)...do you know of a source for decent flanged bearings at an economical price, or should I be considering a different attachment design?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Ambush]

Not sure what you're getting at, but typically the cross pin is stationary and the cross tube turns on it. Either the pin has a zirk or the tube does.

[Brucifer]

Thanks for answering Ambush!

The cross-tube does have a zerk on it. The issue is the cost of the flange bearings...so if you have a suggestion on mounting the cross-tube cylinders to the FEL lift arm without the flange bearings I would love to hear it, or even a source for flange bearings that don't cost an arm and 1/2 a leg.

Would welding DOM tubing (without flange) on each side to center the cross tube work just as well? My guess is yes but not having done this before, I am second guessing myself.

Thanks for your help!

[finsruskw]

Send me the spec's and I'll turn 'em for Ya.
Not a big deal.

Are you building a loader or what?

[Ambush]

^^^ That solves that problem!

I didn’t use any bearings or bushings in my loader build. Just hardened pins and regular greasing.

[Brucifer]

Hi Finsruskw,

Thanks for the offer! Yes...building a loader.

[Brucifer]

Thanks for the info Ambush! I was under the impression that there should be an insert to provide adequate support for the pin, so knowing of your success with just a hardened pin is darn good to know. I really appreciate it!