Boom Lift Repair - Main Hydraulic Cylinder. What a BEAST! & Cutting Down Dead Trees.

Last week I fixed the carburetor and king pins, and thought I was done. She had other ideas. While using the lift on a tree job, the main lift cylinder started spraying hydraulic fluid everywhere. So this week, it's removing, fixing and re-installing that cylinder. And changing the hydraulic fluid, just 60 gallons worth! I had to put some money into her this time, but even so, my total cost in the lift now is $10,500 and it's starting to seem like a solid machine. Still a great deal in my book.
Last week's video: • Fixing and Using a VER...
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[@FarmCraft101]

I don't feel like the video conveys the scale of everything well. That cylinder is huge, but the lift is just massive making it appear normal. Even the posts that were propping up the boom are 8' tall, but the lift and tractor make them look small. This was quite an adventure! I thank you all for your support, especially my patrons! And have an awesome weekend everybody!

[@justinthomas2458]

Yes sir I also have a dirty mind!

[@JCWren]

When you're in need of viewers to help align cylinders and such, can you not use the preview mode on the GoPro or just set the drone somewhere, and watch it on your phone? I've had to do "remote viewing" like that a handful of times, and I've found that works really well. Also works well as a backup camera ("beep beep beep" type backup) when you're trying to put something in a tight spot and can't see it.

[@N0d4chi]

You did a fine job. Felling some trees in an easy afternoons job :D

[@DieselRamcharger]

use a fisheye flattening filter and i think the scale will convey better....but scale never shows up well on film. what editing software you use?

[@hhlkhmdgkmbfhnk]

Do You know Andrew Camarata? He should be a good friend

[@Rob89139]

I hate it that you have these failures but I'd be lying if I didn't say I have learned so much watching how you go about getting these repairs done. Far more value than I think you realize. Is it wrong if I say can't wait to see what breaks next? Love this channel and in the interest of keeping it's growth if you are reading this click on the like button just below the video and then click on that share button and send it to a few of your friends who like this stuff. It makes a big difference

[@ianedwards8553]

Just about got the back window of your truck. Whew!

[@proberts34]

@@ianedwards8553 I know, right? I was yelling "Lift! Lift!, Lift!" at the screen, and even doing the hand signal for "take 'er up". I think my microphone was off or something, because Jon wasn't lifting it above the roof of the truck. 😉 Even rotating slowly that big hunk of steel would have a lot of momentum against a piece of glass.

[@bernarddt]

Probably the best "split screen" use I've seen. The close up and far away gives you that perspective of the scale but also you can see what is going on. Amazing boom lift, and amazing how that cylinder came out of there. I was sceptical of how to get it out of that tiny hole. On the previous the cylinder was like a cliff hanger... couldn't wait for the repair video to be completed!

[@Locane256]

I 100% agree with this!!

[@csmithy3057]

@Bernard du Toit Hi how are you? Hope we can be friends..

[@depeltenburg6916]

It’s insane how one man (you ) can do what a four men strong team have difficulty doing it… so much respect sir!

[@spo307]

i agree but that why like him i use machines to help

[@M.TTT.]

four man would usually get it done faster plus different cleanup/methods.

[@rocksfire4390]

time scale isn't shown in the videos at all, days, weeks, months go by for most videos. the editing makes it seem like it's all done in one sitting but it's not...not even close. it doesn't matter how good you are, the projects hes doing take a LOT of time with a team...let alone by yourself.

[@scottmilano2940]

That was impressive work. The scale of the boom lift repair seemed well beyond a normal backyard mechanic. On the trees, given you needed a crane to complete the tree work, it’s easilly a $5000 USD job.

[@JonMarinello]

Agree this is easily a $5000 job

[@Hickamfield]

@@JonMarinello Just had one tree taken down in Middle TN and it cost over 2K for one tree and one branch so i am guessing closer to 6-7 K

[@tristfall1]

Yeah I could easily see this. Had to take down a tree where there was nowhere to drop it, relatively easy access and still climbable, and that put me back nearly 1500, although they were rope lowering the cuts they made so as not to damage the garden around the tree. Also they would've charged extra to haul out the logs.

[@MekazaBitrusty]

Now I think that I didn’t pay too much to get rid of 2 cocos palms in my backyard. They were nowhere near as tall, maybe 20 to 25’, but much heavier than any normal tree. Left sizeable craters in the ground. All up $1500AU.

[@gjlindn]

I paid $2500 for 3 trees that could all be easily felled, but that included grinding the stumps and leveling/reseeding the lawn. I agree, though, this is easily $5k.

[@warbirdwf]

My gosh! To pull and then reinstall that huge hydraulic cylinder BY YOURSELF with the equipment you had on hand was VERY impressive. Talk about tenacious and persistent. You do more manual work/labor in one of your video's than most Americans do in a year. And, at your age, it makes even more impressive. Well done!

[@wilco897]

Don't have a farm but love watching you fix basically anything, your video's are amazing. Always looking forward to a new video

[@molotov303]

It would be interesting to send a sample of that old hydraulic oil off to a lab for analysis. Both from the perspective of whether the oil truly needed replacing and also what dissolved metals are present giving you a sense of what might break next.

[@johnruppe1699]

Dig your content. If it we’re me, the rebuilt cylinder would have gone straight through the back window of the truck. Both times.

[@lukelovell1055]

If you continue making content like you have been lately you’ll have a million subscribers soon. As you should. The combo of live action narration and voice over is great. It’s obvious you take great care in setting up camera angles and editing etc. I absolutely love watching you work on equipment and building things.

[@justinmijnbuis]

KZbin at its best; smart people doing smart things.

[@slip0n0fall]

The lift cyl is considered a "power down" cyl: it is valved so that the maximum weight+load on the boom is not enough to overcome the check. The hydraulic pump has to actually generate MORE pressure than the natural/gravity downward force, to open that check and lower. This way if you loose a control valve it doesn't drop out of the air.

[@AceRph]

The bad shaft is gonna be a great addition to your machining material cache.

[@matel1s]

Not so sure about that. Shafts are usualy very hard on outside, and very soft on inside, witch makes it very difficult to machine.

[@JosephStory]

@@matel1s Mine feels opposite.

[@matel1s]

@@JosephStory oh you

[@SickofTired]

You are the only KZbinr I've seen who reduces the audio for loud noises. Thank you. I still turned it down out of habit when you first went for the pin

[@mattfleming86]

I can't wait to see the lawn art from the hydro oil. Asplundh+AEP popped a line while doing some line clearance and replacing a pole in my front yard. Made some nice green and brown tie dye for a month or two. Spray pattern was like 30+ feet. It was one of the small boom trucks but holy moly they lost some tonnage. Best part was when the foreman came up to me with that "he is gonna be mad" look on his face and I was like "WHAAT??" then laughed and explained to him I couldn't give any fewer f*cks and thanked him for not murdering my little plum tree. I don't even like lawns I just try to keep the ticks under control.

[@dubmasterz3261]

Dude! I watch every single video from beginning to end. This is great content. Almost at the beginning of every video I am saying “what he’s trying to do is impossible”, and then you do it. Love the ingenuity and the innovation that you use to overcome the challenges like getting the hydraulic pins and stuff out. Great job. Keep up the good work! Charge $5000. It’ll be worth it!

[@weekendstuff]

Nice job. I've been a bit nervous because of your trucks window while taking the cylinder out of the bed but it survived gladly ;-)Thanks for sharing. Weekend Stuff

[@tonytango6676]

I was thinking the same thing myself.

[@chucksmalfus9623]

Yup I puckered a little when it swung around 🥴

[@Timothy-lb2vr]

OMG, regarding that cylinder, your casual over the shoulder remark - IF IT FAILS YOU DIE- cracked me up.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

The trees surrounding this house just a stunning view @FarmCraft101

[@dannywilsher4165]

Words can't express how thankful I am that you did that job and not I!!! Although back 15 or so years ago I would have jumped on it without hesitation. I also like how you use your head to think things through and figure out a solution to make it happen. You are blessed with an extraordinary amount of common sense. Awesome ! ! !

[@michaelmcnaughton1535]

You mean uncommon common sense :-}

[@dannywilsher4165]

@@michaelmcnaughton1535 Yea, something like that...🙂

[@billykitchens2797]

What a great channel! As a 60 year old who grew up on a farm, I am thoroughly enjoying the content! Thank you sir.

[@scottbalak7123]

Nothing like a working in jerky bucket 70ft up to pucker you up! :) Love the channel and all the content variation.

[@twalsh29]

This comment made me laugh pretty good. Good to see there are others watching who know.

[@primaltempest9218]

I realized something after watching this video several times. The two nuts for the hoses on the bottom of the cylinder are close together so they do not come out. It works like locking cables like on the King Pins.

[@michaelsedway9703]

On the bright side, you got to have this fun in your yard at home with the support of your dogs, much better then some construction site in 110 degree weather in Arizona or Nevada.

[@robertmatthews7527]

Seven trees down using a quarter of a million dollar piece of equipment. I'm in GA and here that would be at least 5K or more. Love all the content and your sense of humor. I have 35 subscriptions I regularly watch and you are at least number one or two that I look forward to. Thanks for all your work and I'll be a patron as soon as I move some others around. Again thanks and please be careful.

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

What's the other one that you look forward to, my guess is watch wess work, yes?

[@kelleysimonds5945]

The more i see of this lift, the more I'm convinced you got an incredible deal. Not for everybody but, for your skill set and property needs, the perfect buy.

[@mc.arthurclarke]

I love your seals jokes. Very good job removing and replacing the cylinder.

[@Wordsnwood]

Love the ending, how you build a tree... 😁 As for a cost... I'm no tree guy, but I would guess that it would cost around an 8" cylinder rebuild + a whole ton of oil. 🤔

[@WayneWerner]

pretty accurate for that number of trees. They might not even fix the fence after :P

[@s.j.jeanne8408]

Agreed

[@darellsunderlin4670]

I have 5, 40' trees I got an estimate on just taking out the top 15' and he quoted me $ 1,700 and that was just dropping the branches and I would have to clean them up . I've never had a tree done but with his equipment it seemed a little steep.

[@evandrewmartinez1]

@@darellsunderlin4670 1700$ is nothing when you can fall and lose your life

[@GaryT1952]

Nothing but respect for your mechanical abilities, determination and the depth of your pockets! 🙌

[@GregsStoneYard]

I had a hydraulic shop rebuild a large cylinder for my 15k forklift, it's similar diameter but longer than what you replaced. They rechromed the rod, it was about $2300CAD ($1800US), so I think what they charged you seems reasonable.

[@David_in_Thailand]

In the 1980s I bought old motor oil from a nearby garage, added pigment and painted our newly erected paling fences. It worked a treat and the oil soaked into the timber preserving it for years. Every time your tension wrench "clicks" I laugh. Every single time :)

[@theoldbigmoose]

You did a mighty fine repair on this job! From a guy that busted his gut just repairing backhoe lift cylinders...

[@jamesogle99]

With a channel name with farm in it spending most of their time repairing equipment sounds about right! 😂 great job, love your approach to this stuff.

[@billrotundo7814]

Great job. Down in Florida a tree removal cost anywhere between $750-$1500 per tree minimum.

[@ingelvossmann5185]

In estonia one tree cost about 500 euros or more

[@MrErichonda30]

Damm

[@ravenyangwenda368]

Well it's dangerous. They earned it with their lives on the line. I'll pay if needed

[@joachimgrek6920]

@@ravenyangwenda368 Yes, and the equipment they use are very expensive, so that price isn´t strange at all. Here in sweden you need an aurborist education and a special "drivers licens" for the chainsaw to cut down a tree in a city.

[@luxordeathbed]

The quality of the video speaks for itself. Learning things I didn't know indirectly.

[@larsk3254]

I worked on these machines for 15+ years, your v board is a great idea. A vacuum attached to the hydraulic tank helps greatly with keeping the oil from dripping everywhere.

[@craigduddles5650]

GoPro connected to a smart phone or pad is another really handy remote vision. You are braver than me to attempt this kind of repair. Expensive all told but that main lift cylinder really needs to be right. I'll never blow a seal again without thinking of sea mammals.

[@brianbeasley7270]

Price--around about $3K-4K according to the price I had for a couple of trees.

[@gordonb1240]

This is coming from a hydraulic guy. Your hydraulic repair is amazing, I tip my hat to you. I work on hydraulics all day, you make it look too easy!

[@johnnym1320]

Try pouring the oil with the pail turned round so its off set to the top, lets air in and pours way better, Love your videos!

[@curtfreeman7066]

I do appreciate the precision of a cut made by operating a tape measurer and chain saw one-handed! Well done!

[@jimmeroniuk8266]

Great job on editing,content and sense of humor two thumbs up

[@stevenpierno9793]

Tip for next time, draw vacuum on the hydraulic tank from the cap using your shop vac, this will almost stop the flow of liquid when you open it, so you don't make a mess. I am not sure how well it works with oil, but with diesel it works a treat.

[@LemonGray]

You Sir are Wild in the head. I salute you. This is the best example of lateral thinking I have seen in forty years of self repairing. The level of tensity, tenacity and ingenuity is incredible. I would expect if a ship landed near your shed you would have a reasonable chance of understanding the reverse warp ion drive rotor collimator. With their tools, ( a few might go missing), you would have a fair chance of fixing it. The risk you took here, thought thought out, would have left the three booms only fit for Penguin rooster boxes. Your land seems short of lime. The following adage seems applicable - x place born, x place bred, strong in the hand, wild in the head! Your videos are very pleasing and would be very informative in a classroom environment for teenagers, for life lessons.Great example of how not to be thick in order to do something successfully. Well done.

[@TheNeverendingProjectsList]

I've said it before but I'll say it again... I love how this channel has so much different stuff going on. Keep up the great content.

[@severalwhitespaces]

Real clean work. Doing it solo is pretty impressive.

[@khalsida300]

Those are the ultimate toys for a man Good to see you having fun with them

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Betsy is like Ahhh No your on your own on that cylinder buddy @FarmCraft101

[@Embassy_of_Jupiter]

That cylinder deserves a proper name like "Stiff Johnson" for keeping it up during all those leaks

[@DieselRamcharger]

Johnson Erectus.

[@MrImhotep2287]

You've got to love the boom lift. I bought one two years ago and I think that it's my favorite large machine I own. No more ladders for anything anymore.

[@earlhildebran1733]

I was charged $2K for each tree. The ones you did were way harder to cut. You deserve it for the effort you put into it.

[@Frank-bh3cm]

9:41 😂 Your guardian angel doing overtime yet again!

[@WFCSmiffy]

Brave to tackle that lift cylinder removal yourself, very impressive. Enjoying the Channel👍

[@michaelrosanske3277]

A seal walks into a club…save the seals. Love your sense of humor. Great content, keep up the good work. I think the tree removal price would be the cost of a cylinder repair and 50 gals of hydraulic oil. That is a lot of work and I have heard people say that it’s not cheap to have a good tree removal service come in and take down trees. Ones that don’t leave hydraulic oil on the grass. Lol.

[@Jason-iz6ob]

I don’t know what it is but it cracks me up Everytime I hear the Click!

[@davey4731]

Your ingenuity is both incredible and inspiring!!!

[@wakaphwap]

I really enjoy the content man! It takes a lot of effort to do all this work and record it all, really excited to see your next videos

[@paulsvensson5247]

It takes a good brain too fix that kind of work. Muscles is'nt enough. 👍👍👍

[@johnrizzato9192]

I love your motto of “try this, OK, then try this, well, then try this, etc.! “And in the end, you always get it done

[@BillLeLievre]

I just had 14 trees removed. One was close to the house so they had to climb it a lower the pieces with a rope. They ground the stumps on 11 trees and took all the wood away. They left a huge mess in the yard from the skid steer and the wood chips. Cost 8k.

[@tncountryboy06]

8k for 14 trees? dang i paid 1800 for ONE tree.. you got a hell of a deal.. as far as the mess from wood chips. theres literally nothing that can be done about that when you grind the stump. my guy used the chips to fill the hole where the stump was.. they also used a skid steer to pick up limbs.. again, nothing they can do to help, just part of it

[@patrickd9551]

@@tncountryboy06 one tree or 14 scale pretty much the same. It's the upfront costs of planning, driving, setting up, etc that's gonna cost you the most.

[@wizzie2k]

You are doing a fantastic job, really enjoy the videos and the content!! Looking forward to the next one!!

[@russse2793]

Great few hours of Sunday morning TV. Thank you.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

You could always attach a Ball valve for Draining the Hydraulic oil tank @27:57 @FarmCraft101

[@rickeyman2215]

What a job! You are so very talented as well as focused on getting it done. Thanks for sharing.

[@Devin82m]

Awesome video as usual. I really enjoy when you fix things, you're very informative and go about it in a logical manner. Please keep the videos coming.

[@willekille092]

It's nice of you to have the metricsystem too in your videos because i'm from sweden and that makes me understand things better.

[@iainhetherington4608]

Better than a movie, lack of CGI a bit disappointing, but doing your own stunts that is worth every cent! Cheers from Aus

[@tommicks53]

Without knowing the time involved in the removal, several years ago we charged $1000 per day for a fully insured crew

[@Mhakeman]

absolutely incredible. been anxious to watch this video. one of my top favorite channels on youtube!

[@louis111]

What a great way to start my saturday morning, enjoying this fantastic video with a cup of coffee!

[@Luke-Cant-Stop]

I'm just learning how hard it is to come up with content fast, you make it look easy even if it isn't!

[@JPRD2379]

This is DEFINATELY one of the the more dangerous jobs I've ever seen on your channel.There is people from my old job (retired) that would have FREAKED out at the way the boom was supported,and I did momentarily pucker when you stuck your fingers and hand in top pin hole cylinder MTG checking alignment(it only takes a sec.to make stub out your arm). Please be careful because I love seeing more of your videos,🙂

[@MM-24]

what would have been the correct way to support the boom?

[@h34evr]

@@MM-24 The correct way would not have been economical. But. There is no replacement for an amputated arm. The cheapest way to do ths safely would probably be to fab up some sort of crude cradle made from all the timber he has laying around. A single wobbly post or 2 doest cut the mustard

[@analog56x]

@@h34evr could have also taken the pivot pin for the arm out, and lifted the back of the boom up and out of the way. granted, lining that back up would have been absolutely terrible. i was cringing at a few points during this, but all in all, he understood the risks, and mitigated them as best he could. he is still alive, and he didnt have any near misses (or didnt show any, which is unlikely as he seems to show everything). i did yell at the screen when he stuck his fingers in the pin bore to check alignment though haha!

[@h34evr]

@@analog56x the fact that he understood the risks just carried on made it so much worse

[@lewsdiod]

Oh no, another whole week for another one! 😅 thanks for all the videos! New to the channel, been a great binge so far - always fun to watch the repairs and ultimately use of your repaired big hardware. I was quite worried that Big Ol' Pisty would kiss the rear window of your truck there when loading or unloading it, looked like it came close?!

[@dombogchi]

I haven't seen anyone on KZbin intelligent and multitalented like you sir . Respect .

[@mdfogarty]

38:56 I love the self-calibrated torque wrench "click!"

[@JesusThineBeTheGlory]

Glad you were able to fix it in the end. That looked like a difficult and unpleasant job but you did it well. I just subscribed. God bless you

[@Locane256]

26:40 "I'm hoping this isn't gonna come out of here gushing everywhere" Me: "I HOPE IT DOES!" 😂😂 Sorry FC 😂

[@shelbydog1100]

I’m not exactly sure how I found your channel but I truly enjoy it. There’s always something new and different. Which makes it enjoyable to see what’s coming next.

[@M.TTT.]

10:00 aww, good pups

[@WayneEarls]

Gettin high on the job I see.

[@99andrianmonk]

Thanks! Appreciate your hard work and sense of humor.

[@FarmCraft101]

Thank you, sir!

[@charlesjenkins1225]

When you were pulling the piston out of the lift with your tractor.... I had memories of the game "Operation" :)

[@dlaitch]

Awesome cylinder replacement on the boom lift. Finessing the lift to cut 70 foot trees also impressive skill set and lack of fear. You are a rare breed of craftsman ! Bravo ! 👍👍👍

[@johnobiro5202]

Wow! You never fail to impress. The scale of tasks you take on alone amazes me. I can only congratulate you and wish you all my best. I think you could afford to have a bit of help on some of the work you do. As for going up in that thing, that’s gotta take some bottle. I’d have white knuckles going up that high. Well done. Can’t wait for your next one. 👍🇬🇧🔧😅

[@mikepettengill2706]

You are a work MONSTER. I have pretty good stamina and I am also strong and don't quit, like you, but I am certain, even knowing what I needed to do that I would not have been able to keep at this with the pace you have AND have covid. You are an inspiration my friend.

[@4doors_morehors722]

Oh yeah good Ole BIG JOHNSON!!!

[@glenpaul3606]

It was amazing you were able to remove and replace that huge hydraulic cylinder on your own. Initially while watching the process I was expecting that you would give up and end up hiring a company to do the job. Needless to say but your persevere nice and skills allowed you to get it done....again....again amazing. Great video...high quality in every way...thoroughly enjoyed it. I've watched many of your other videos and also found them truly enjoyable and informative. You do some of the best stuff on you tube and deserve all the support and praise you get.

[@walterverlaan1286]

Very very good stuff and some excellent video editing as well.

[@nigelqflarp]

Your advice of not “blowing a seal” is well advised, but with the amount of shmoo in the money shot, I’d say that you did it well. Love the vids John, keep it up. Just stay away from the seals! Keep yer **** in a vise. 🤣

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Well done . A job for two done all alone . Great work . Cutting Down trees in 25 m hight from a wiggeling shaking basket is not everybodys thing. I know that i was a firefighter for over 25 years. Take care have good weekend Yours Frank

[@michaelbedell6523]

I will never have to deal with the equipment you have, but am taking away skills and insight in dealing with everyday household challenging situations. Your awesome personality and laughing at yourself in goof ups makes it more enjoyable to watch your videos. Thanks for being you

[@christiangruenwied3780]

Thank you for the video - it was (as always) a pleasure watching you explain what you do, fail, stand up again and get it right. Hope that Covid does not hit you too hard and that you get well soon!

[@zefallafez]

Did he post on other social media he has covid?

[@christiangruenwied3780]

@@zefallafez No, he said it in the video - somewhere where he wished he had a helper, but ist still Covid positive

[@denjhill]

You're braver than me. Wrenching on stuff with either loaded springs or suspended weight has always cost me some pain. Just when I think I understand the forces involved something lets loose and kicks back at me. Good job.

[@34k5]

So happy this update came out this week. Thanks!

[@one567]

I'm so invested in the channel i can't wait to watch what you have on the go, plus, you are a genius.

[@HazItMade]

When you lifted the repaired cylinder out of the bed of your pickup and it started to spin, I was sure the rear glass of the cab was history. Whew! Almost as big as your... outboard motor? And I must say how very impressed I am. I have never before seen ANYONE with a torque-control, ginormous crescent wrench! "Click" lol Yet one more good reason to enjoy watching your channel so very much! After the poison ivy is dead, instead of cutting it down, you should try your hand at chainsaw carving! Even just a simply totem would be cool. John, regardless, take care, be safe and to quote Mr. Spock, "Live long and prosper!"

[@stephengordon8968]

Yep same here !

[@crashland5711]

Yep I puckered when it started to spin.

[@alphonsotate2982]

He need a pickup window guard

[@Sludgepump]

Tremendous video! Looking forward to more of your stuff breaking down. ;)

[@FarmCraft101]

BOOOO! ;-)

[@johnnybagofdoughnuts4193]

I frequently watch your videos while working out. You describe enough of what’s going on, I don’t have to watch every second

[@doucetrr2007]

Waste oil is also a perfect protective coating for rough cut lumber buildings. The dirtier it is, the better it looks. Airless sprayer is a good way to apply.

[@mattmccauley4059]

Great job per usual buddy, still learning sumn new from every video, which is amazing. and anywhere from $3,500 to $5k, especially if it would have required ropes to lower the pieces, regardless if u used a lift or not.. ur doing great 👍🏻