Excavator Final Drive Repairs. What's Wrong & Can I Fix It?

[@FarmCraft101]

Permatex rust treatment: amzn.to/4hZqH46 Rusty metal primer: amzn.to/4hVczcd Have an awesome weekend folks!

[@jamesmanxbuggy]

Love your videos but FOR GOSH SAKES USE SOME PENETRATING OIL JOHN!! Heat and cool the bolts with penetrating oil multiple times before even trying to remove them and I promise they will come out without breaking especially steel on steel in a blind hole like that!

[@jamesmanxbuggy]

Correction if I had waited literally 20 more seconds into the video you begin mentioning penetrating oil 😂sorry

[@guytech7310]

John, use RUST BULLET Automotive Rust Inhibitor Paint: Achieve a cool metallic gray look with this rust encapsulating paint. It acts as a rust remover and converter, ensuring rust doesn't spread further. Paint over rust or clean metal with a brush, roller, or spray. Much better than POR-15: Rust Bullet is flexible and can expand and contract with temperature changes, which helps it provide long-lasting protection. POR-15 is brittle and can crack and chip over time.

[@guytech7310]

Also consider getting a "line socket set" for those zero clearance hydraulic line fittings (ie Lisle 12320)

[@junor747]

Anti seize and you can take those bolts off by hand next time. Btw OSPHO is amazing rust converter Sherman Williams sells something similar called GEM if you can’t find it locally. Ace usually has it.

[@Jerry-hh5eb]

I know your hour long videos take a lot of work on your part but I sure do like them. I could watch your content all day long. Thank you so much.

[@jjonsolomon]

I was just watching this one thinking about how I keep watching these and remembering my childhood goferring on a farm and how bored I would have been watching in person with a worse viewing angle. Good camera work, Jon!

[@jonbacon4364]

This is one of the few channels where both the production and the videos themselves just keep getting better. Good job!

[@Locane256]

I can't tell you how disappointed I was that you didn't say "Can't be stuck if it's liquid!” when torching that bolt at the beginning 😂

[@dannys2561]

my thoughts exactly!

[@TheCoffeehound]

Don't worry. I said it a couple times for you!

[@larryparrish6460]

Buy a role of Stainless & harbor freight benders,is not bad to work with & cheaper than hydraulic lines

[@brian_2040]

I know right, big let down.

[@lesnewsom6000]

Love my torches!

[@robertclark2714]

I liked the "working" critic at the end of the video. It was all in fun and good humor. Thanks for including that. We all need and appreciate a good helper behind the scenes.

[@chuckandcharlie6915]

hes my uncle. and john is my great uncle

[@LukesMovies]

It would be cool to see a behind the scenes spinoff channel farmcraft10B lol

[@katbeck1867]

That poor girl has seen a lot. So satisfying watching dirty messes cleaned, things fixed/replaced, painted, glass fixed. She's getting back to her ole self. You should be so proud of all your hard work!

[@cranefly23]

Superb video! As someone who can’t knock a nail in straight, I am in absolute awe of your amazing skills and incredible patience. I don’t know why I find the removal of broken bolts and ‘leaky, leaky’ pipe work so fascinating- but I do. Thanks for keeping me entertained.

[@brian_2040]

I can't say enough great things about this channel. Mr Jon im sorry your line broke, however topics like that, and the way you go about fixing it is what I love the most about your channel. The fact that you are a farm and not a full on equipment shop and handle these issues like you do is what myself and probably a bunch of people love. Hands down Farmcraft101 is my favorite channels.

[@island7458]

Nailed it!

[@michaelmustermann6527]

I gave this a Like for the shots at the end where you showed the steps of the repair again. That was a new feature, I like it and I appreciate you for putting it in. Very satisfying.

[@ibid49]

Some of my subscribed channels I watch because I can learn so much from an expert in their field. Some because they are entertaining to watch. Some because I just like the topic. I watch your channel just to be reminded what sheer tenacity looks like. You just don't give up no matter how impossible the problem seems or how much is hidden from you as to what has even gone wrong. It is no melodrama to say that when I run into problems on my own property, I find myself thinking "What would John do?". Much respect sir, and thank you.

[@jlf5376]

I watch your videos multiple times and I have only one regret. My regret is I can only give you one thumbs up. Absolutely the best site on you tube.

[@jimpowell9205]

John, of all the many videos of yours that I have watched, it occurred to me how very good of an editor you are. Each time I think I’m going to ‘fast-forward ‘, some portion……..you do it for me! Kudos!

[@georgebishop6745]

Jon*

[@markbrown6236]

I've noticed that also.

[@Lego70001]

I don't have a large marge, tractor, bucket loader, or any other big equipment, but you have helped me tremendously trouleshooting my automotive issues. Your trial by fire methods give me ideas how to fix things.

[@josephperkins4163]

Large Marge is quickly becoming your new best friend. You two hang out a lot and are always doing something together! People are starting to talk. Just saying!

[@bonzai2380]

I use cosmoline on steel lines like you have. It holds up better than paint. It dries a sticky waxy coating that doesn’t dry up. It is also good for salty environment. A company that I use to work for coated large steam turbines parts, crated them and shipped them by freighter over seas only to weight months before assembly. Never had any rust problem. Cosmo line is great to prevent corrosion

[@FarmCraft101]

Thanks for the info!

[@Locane256]

OH my God sir, you have the patience of a saint. I would have driven Marge out to a field, leaks and all, and blown it up after that second Dremel disk flew off. 😂

[@richardphelan8414]

I'm with you this thing have been one cluster after ,I hope John gets High viewership from these videos

[@paulmanson253]

In the old days,dynamite was available in some hardware stores. Ditching dynamite is not optimal for large equipment explosive disassembly ,but add enough and invite the neighbors. At a distance. For a party. Nowadays,one must be more creative. Unquestionably, this man has far more patience than I ever possessed. But you know,if he persists,he just might get worthwhile use and life out of this here particular very tired iron. He is no longer on Plan B,perhaps on Plan Q. At least for him,the cattle are nice and quiet.

[@kidd3003]

I think his patience is normal human male level. I think his tenacity is off the charts high. Nice work, John.

[@rexmyers991]

The patience of a Saint! AMEN

[@shaunolinger964]

For future reference... use the black reinforced Dremel cutting disks. They work far better.

[@Pdblee]

I’m never stop being amazed by how you can just make the item you need. My brother-inlaw has his own mill shop and he makes things for different companies he got his start back in the days making things when they were building the SR 71.

[@Dieselmekkie]

Hey John, I,m from Holland and I am a mechanic of machinery. I always repair those lines by cutting them and fit in a new piece. For example when the line is 20 mm I use GV20L fitting with a new piece of hardline 20 mm. In high pressure configurations we use the same type it is only Called S for example 20S.

[@jinnygaatjenietaan306]

Ik vraag me af of ie dat daar kan begaan, DIN materiaal is al moeilijk aan de video's te zien...

[@citymotorfabuk]

Next time you got bolts like that try welding a ball of welding on the end of the bolt first then put nut on and welding it makes a lot stronger welding to it keep up the good work watching from the UK 🇬🇧

[@FarmCraft101]

@Dieselmekkie -Thanks, good to know. Would the fitting working on such a heavily corroded line with pitting and an incorrect OD?

[@omw-bavaria]

​@@FarmCraft101on these pipes i would recommend bending new ones, not that expensive. 6m pipe 10mm Diameter costs about 76€ here in Germany. There are 3 Types of fittings, LL, extra light (used mainly only for pressurized air), L, light duty and S, heavy Duty. You add the duty to the pipe diameter, in your case it looked like a 10L, so 10mm pipe (outside diameter), light duty (M18x1,5 thread). The dutys have different thread sizes for the same pipe diam and different cones for sealing, not compatible. Greetings, Chris

[@luminox1]

lol, how many of these issues could have been avoided if her previous owners cared enough to clean her up after every job. Some people just like throwing money away or something

[@leeczaplinski9781]

Your ability to not implore expletives after the second bolt snapped off is quite admirable. P.S. ( I did it for you in case you were wondering).

[@FarmCraft101]

Thanks! lol

[@william6526]

The miracle of editing​@@FarmCraft101

[@mikesnider8718]

Great job John Love your channel. Not sure if anyone said it yet I always weld on a washer first then the nut to the washer I've always had much better luck this way. also I have better luck using heat and a candle or crayon as a penetrant.

[@arustydodge2111]

Brother John, my hat is off to you, once again! You are not afraid to tackle any job! Incredible. Great Repair!!!👍👍

[@georgebishop6745]

Jon*

[@william6526]

The gift that just keeps on giving. Everything you fix is one step closer to have a great piece of equipment that will last you as long as you will ever need it. Considering the condition marge was in when you got her youve made a lot of great progress. One thing about equipment they always need work. But preventive maintenance is worth more then most people realize. Love your video ,after running equipment most of my 55 years of working you are without a doubt my favorite utube channel.ì

[@andersskog7589]

Great tip for those broken bolts. Get a piece om scrap flatbar with a hole at the end. Put the bolt trough the hole and weld it. Then you can hammer the bar back and forth til it comes loose. 👌

[@mattappleyard92]

I find your tenacity and dogged determination inspiring.

[@erik_dk842]

My whole body is starting to ache just watching Jon working so hard.

[@donprater2754]

I love how methodically you fix repairs on Marge…no leaky leaky👍..BEST CHANNEL ON UTUBE.

[@bobwollard9105]

I'm looking forward to the time when all of Marge's mechanical problems are solved and you move on to the appearance issues. That bucket thumb is screaming for extensions. Great work, Jon.

[@gerlagerweij]

Next: "Large Marge getting a stabilising blade..." John, I truly admire your perseverance, it's inspiring me to pick up soms odd jobs I've been neglecting around the house. Thanks for that one!

[@georgebishop6745]

Jon*

[@heartchase6284]

Pro tip for stuck bolts and such you can get cans of compressed air (like for blowing dust off your keyboard) and spray the bolts with the can upside-down, it will super freeze the bolt and sometimes make it shrink enough to break free.

[@rogeriocosta1035]

That channel became one of the my favorites. So many troubleshooting and sills involved. It is just fun to watch and think along imagining the best solutions.

[@anthonyromano2793]

Just about to sit down for lunch and Jon drops a video. Life is good!

[@chickenhawk212]

The hardest part about having a family friendly KZbin channel must be not being able to swear when the project requires it

[@maynardcarmer3148]

Better you than me working on Marge. I took more than my share of hydraulic oil showers over the years, and dealt with a lot of rusty iron too. I don't miss those days at all.

[@cv990a4]

Mrs Farmcraft sneaks out at night and breaks stuff to ensure steady content.

[@maynardcarmer3148]

@cv990a4 Yeah, wives can be that way.

[@Gandalfa82]

And we all love her for it

[@craigevans9617]

Really good to see her up and running after so much work. It looked like a rough ride but so much power. It would be interesting to see a side by side comparison of the two excavators ability to dig holes.

[@DialedIn57]

Awesome job. Man, as those bolts were breaking off I thought you’re screwed. Your middle name is perseverance.

[@rA4410d]

You should invest in a magnetic induction heater kit with all the equipment you are constantly working on they're a little pricey but they really really work. Love your content. Good luck with cranky large Marge

[@jameslarson6555]

Seems like the covers could be sealed from dirt with some type of rubber or plastic edging. Have to admire how positive and matter of fact you are when problems arise!

[@louisross9691]

I love how you always have a plan B when starting a project. Statistically it might be the most often used plan. I would love to see some out-takes on your videos as there MUST be some. No one can stay as calm as you. Please keep these coming. You are the best by far that I follow. Thank you !

[@FilomenaMckerley]

Each video is better than the last. You’re unstoppable!

[@TrailRat2000]

Watching you clean large marge's undercarriage brings back some memories of cleaning heavy plant, ready for export, back in my teens!!

[@larryparrish6460]

Sassfras roots make excellent tea & dried leaves also for spice for other dishes

[@jimandnena4]

Large Marge is getting quite a weight reduction program with each repair. Marge must have lost a ton wirh all the debris cleaned out. As for the 4 legged vistor, I believe someone told it there was a GOAT by the shop so it came to look, not knowing that YOU are the G O A T . Loving these videos.

[@joemissanelli3395]

Jon, only with you would I watch an hour plus video with 8 minutes of custom making a threaded rod! Great video as always!,,👍

[@brembodream]

Wow! Have never clicked a link as fast as this, and I’m allso a Andrew Camarata fan 🤩 Greetings from Oslo Norway 😊

[@laurapitre5797]

Try touching a candle to a hot bolt and the wax will wick into the threads and lubricate them. This often works better than pb blaster etc.

[@tgiacobbi]

Rust-Oleum makes a rattle can rust converter (Rust-Oleum 248658). I live in Michigan, where rust is a fact of life. I've used it on several projects, and it's fantastic.

[@jc-d6179]

Love the way you film the dozer while in the background is the most amazing sunset!

[@sirlancer23]

I think it started leaking because you fixed all the other stuff that increased the pressure, exposing a weak spot that couldn't hold up to it.

[@kentuckytrapper780]

Excellent job buddy, try some spray foam to seal those cracks, razor blade the edges and they come off very well..great video, keep'um coming.

[@Disinterested1]

this is how you beat panels!! great video as always sir! best wishes to you and family have a great day :)

[@chrispy3866]

Pretty awesome. You have a properly prioritized list of things to still do. I’d love to see the one louver for the engine breather window on the left side pulled back up in parallel with the rest. It’s come SO FAR!

[@edwardhugus2772]

That was extremely satisfying! Watching you fix up the old girl with such care and attention to detail. I'm glad the 2nd side sprung the leak now while you already had everything apart instead of in another week or so. I WAS amazed that much dirt could get in there behind that cover......does it come in from the back? Edit: well now, you just showed how the dirt got there....at least in the smaller compartment, but how did it pack around the fina and drive behind that big cover?

[@deborahlynch3139]

I hate when a project starts off like that. Batting .600 on those first 6 bolts gets you Hall of Fame in Cooperstown! You deserver it.

[@stevewilke8524]

Glad you got Marge to stop leaking! Seems like a good fix, and keeping the dirt out will do a great deal to preventing more corrosion.

[@cennsa140driver]

After you prime and paint the lines I would recommend spraying Fluid Film all over those lines to protect them. Up in the rust belt in upstate NY I swear by this stuff. It will flow and stay soft to prevent and moisture from getting at the lines. Whoops, I spoke too soon in the video! You got it. What I find with treating and painting over time it will flake off in areas. The fluid film will flow over that and keep it sealed

[@kubaczek20]

Marge put this tree like it was nothing. Those previous ones would be so much less work if you had her then. Awesome one :)

[@TheGrimReaper1]

You say its not going to be easy, well i have every confidence that you will end up fixing it properly. I actually like the films you make when you are fixing up stuff like this, very interesting and i know nothing about this sort of thing.All the best from England

[@dquick282]

Great work James…. Knew this entire time he had true helpers!! Haha

[@r.volker6845]

It is a good idea to let James clean up. This way we get more content from the really important work😉 Thanks Jon

[@TheDrewCharles]

Thanks to Large Marge I expect to see a lot of really interesting videos in the future keep them coming

[@JC-sc4il]

I never get tired of watching this channel and the (perfect) work that John does ! 👌 Thanks for sharing. 👍 JC

[@stephenhoran7597]

Great middle of the road great to watch videos😂. The excavator that just keeps giving 😂😂

[@davediesel90]

I actually found myself smiling during various different bits, knowing I'd been there before and the feeling of satisfaction overcoming thise obstacles

[@scottblackwell687]

Thanks!

[@durangodave]

great job i enjoyed watching that. Maybe one day you can add a inside fender so the dirt comes off the treads and slides right back on the ground. Your very talented. Marge is getting more reliable by the day.

[@clanreignfire]

I legitimately wonder how much weight you've removed from Marge in terms of compacted dirt/grease etc. from all the various nooks and crannies and behind plates, etc. Has to be a decent amount at this point. Of course, it is negligible compared to her overall mass (Marge, its ok, you're not fat I promise) but still notable I'm sure.

[@FarmCraft101]

Yep. Probably over 1000 pounds at this point I would think.

[@clanreignfire]

@@FarmCraft101 That much? Holy cow, I was thinking maybe three to five hundred pounds or so.

[@wolf359loki]

I came to say the same thing.

[@songweaver6076]

The Dedication is REAL!!! Impressive!

[@JCWren]

Do you have one of the Bauer 58079 surface conditioning tools? It'll remove rust from flat surfaces like the access plate in no time flat.

[@FarmCraft101]

Good to know, thanks.

[@sayeretmatkaal]

​@@FarmCraft101 That cup-like wire-wheel on an angle grinder does a great job for it's price.

[@turtuhl]

Perseverance defined. You are no ordinary farmer. You fix things right. Also, you make great content that is engaging and funny. Yeah, I caught that sly joke near the end. Appreciated.

[@AlexeiTetenov]

1:00 Please try using a Magnetic Induction Heater to heat bolts without heating the surrounding area.

[@timderks5960]

Induction heaters aren't magic. Heat will still conduct through the metal, and the surrounding area will still get hot. The main benefit of induction heaters is how fast they heat things up, which means the heat has less time to spread out, which _can_ reduce damage to surrounding parts. However, if you want the heat to penetrate into the bold and also heat the threads, to potentially melt Loctite, an induction heater isn't gonna be any better than a regular torch.

[@chrisfairbrother9197]

Another excellent video. My suggestion is to drill a small hole in the hydraulic shutoff valve handle and attach the excavator keys to it when it is closed. Then you cannot run the machine with the valve closed 😊

[@Spitter-ud8jd]

Never heard of anyone having any luck with POS 15. My mason spent 12 k to have his dump frame done and it peeled off in 3 years. I do all my equipment with Ospho same shit as the Permatex you used then Rust oleum Rusty Metal Primer then top coat. I did an old hay rake 25 years ago and it's still intact.🍻

[@CGT80]

I used POS 15 an the engine bay of my old truck and it looked like crap and didn't hold up that well. The prep work was great since I was a building painter and the rust was minor surface rust. The next time, I sprayed 2 stage auto paint and it turned out far better. Rustoleum is better, even though it isn't anything great compared to the oil based paints I used to buy 20 years or so ago. Actually, I used rustoleum on the frame and door for my toyhauler trailer and it has held up well and has only lost sheen from the sun. It would be easy to lightly sand and top coat again, plus it is less expensive than that POS 15......perfect name for it.

[@jimlondon1]

It's great to see the progress you've made on the old girl. These old Poclains were notorious for leaking hydraulic oil which was coloured blue by elf. They were a great machine once you got them going right and kept them maintained.

[@heighRick]

It definitely can't be stuck if it's liquid 😉 Great video, you did a great job, she tidied up pretty well. Thanks, helps a lot!

[@pcmiller2710]

John, for future reference, just get a cheap set of instrument tubing benders and a flare tool at harbor freight, and then buy locally or order online some stainless steel instrument tubing of the size you need and bend it to match the other line you removed. Instrument tubing is made to handle extreme pressures, and you can get fittings to match the thread.

[@1n5uff1c13n7]

I love that you included that end there, Jon. As always a pleasure to watch you repair your big toys!

[@311Bob]

anybody else have to fight the urge to skip ahead? I like the long play its not that, its my curiosity or they call it Adha now. keep the long plays coming lots of good content in it! you and Andrew have the best interesting content .

[@jasoncampbell5518]

You have defiantly mad some amazing progress on restoring Large Marge back to working condition. Can't what to see what you do with it when it's done !

[@anthonyhoult152]

Hi Jon, well what can I say after watching over an hour of farmcraft? Enjoyable Entertaining Educational I certainly feel your pain when yet another bolt breaks or another fault rears it head. I can't begin to think the time and effort you put in to making these brilliant farmcraft videos. I just hope you haven't jinxed yourself yet again! Looking forward to watching your next video and keep up the brilliant work.

[@goodboyringo9716]

Fixing all the other leaks put more pressure on the final lines, you caught them at the right time. Take your time John , Rome wasn't built in one in one 1 year. Doing great so far.

[@johnhamilton9229]

Congratulations for reaching your goal of no leaks. Can't tell you why it's enjoyable to watch your videos. Maybe it's a little jealousy of your farm

[@rodmacisaac5963]

Thanks John! I also put anti seize on everything. It works! I tend to hang onto things too long so it comes in handy. 👍

[@removechan10298]

good grief count: 6 Great episode! The rust converter is great, replacing these small pipes is such a task, but you're giving life back to this!

[@mikeburton7077]

She's so clean! Great job getting those cover plate bolts, pleased to see the Marj work,well done.

[@jamiefultz5937]

Hey bud next time you have to weld nuts onto bolts to get them out weld a washer before the nut it allows you to get a better weld onto the broken bolt

[@russtuff]

Congratulations on a successful test. I love this project!

[@THEBULLETPROOFGARAGE]

Hey Jon - Nice work on the finals! I know the feeling when the bolts come out; have had to do that job several times. Also, thanks again for the great camera work; takes a fair amount of planning and time to get the right shots and it's much appreciated. Scott/BPG

[@handyguy480]

Always impressed by your patience Jon, let alone your skillset. Recording this for us to watch is very entertaining. Everything you had to repair on Ole Marge is due to neglected maintenance. At least once a year clean the machine, put a full day towards removing panels and clean her up! Marge is gonna be your best machine I think. KC is due to neglect of maintenance. Burns my Arse!

[@1957user]

When I was a kid in Mass, we had small Sassafras trees all over the woods. We used to chew on the roots all of the time! Great memories.

[@Jayf1981]

I love the Excavator repair content! Women are a lot of work and large Marge is no exception!

[@116RonH]

It might not be as good as new parts but cleaning, converting the rust and painting makes everything look so much better.

[@markh2128]

As always, I love the videos! The guy that was giving you a hard time at the end, tell him you never ever never get to be boss with a manbun 😎

[@EdBrumley]

Beautiful! I would have been defeated on the very first bolt that broke off. Amazing patience, and tenacity!

[@odnine]

Painting it seriously makes it look a billion times better!

[@woody95124]

You done a lot a work on this( Large Marge)..Seems real good now...Good work bud...Congrats

[@loafdad]

That is good repair work John and a great watch too. I love these large marge fix it videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnpyle8027]

I just happened upon the video of you converting your log splitter a day or so ago. I liked it and your wit while working on that and especially this excavator. I live on a small acreage and use different equipment and have to fix things now and then. I don't know if things are getting more difficult, or I am just growing out of patience with age. Sometimes I ask if it is worth it and after every cussing success the answer is yes. I am 59 and I know I don't have what I used to, but I am far from moving to FL and giving up! lol I don't know if it would have made a difference in snapping those bolts, but I have found that those induction heaters are amazing, they really focus the heat down into the bolt. Keep at it, it builds character!

[@Mr.Engineer.]

For the dirt behind the cover plates, why not have a small strip of rubber mat / conveyor belt cut to proper size and on top to the main structure with a little metal strip? Then it will shed the dirt and water outwards as it is overlaying, just like shingles on a roof :)

[@heel57]

I like repairs which are actually better than new. Nice work.

[@gbentley8176]

Great job. I think she likes her cosy new home and the TLC. Any mention of work and she sheds an oily tear. Bonus though it is better than with axle stand space! Thank you for posting best wishes from the UK.

[@CzarManish]

Most awesome series on the grand restoration of 'Large Marge' .. loved your spirit and hard work.. I bet the next things will be that small thumb and rattling bucket 👌🏻