9.18.2025

Jim made some calls to investigate the excavator cylinder repair.  Bobcat said a new cylinder would be about $1,500 or he could buy a repair kit for $45.  Hmm...which do you think Jim would pick?  That's right, he ordered the repair kit.  It should be in tomorrow.  That meant that today's task would be getting the cylinder off the excavator.  Starting to figure out how to get the cap off - unfortunately the spanner wrenches he had weren't a precise fit.

Part of the seal came off - obviously needs repaired...

He first had to take the hose off...

Hose off...

Without a spanner wrench, he had to resort to a big pipe wrench...

He got it loosened, so next step was to take the pin out from the top...

Banging the pin out...

Trying to see if the cylinder would come out...

He loosened up the nut on the other hose to release pressure...

He was able to get it partway out but not all the way...

So he got a rachet strap to see if he could pull it out...

It's coming out...

Out!

Putting a cover over the open cylinder opening...

Then he brought it inside so he can work on it on the steel table...

Starting to tear it apart...

A have a friend who said that I should be making a PowerPoint presentation of pictures of Jim doing his "normal" work to show his doctor.  I'm not convinced she would agree that taking out this cylinder would be considered "normal" at this point in his recovery!  But Jim is being good and taking care not to strain and do any more harm.

Today was National Cheeseburger Day so of course it required celebrating at The Local!

High 82.7/Low 47.5