Post #4 by gecko.cx » Tue Oct 10, 2023 7:46 am
I've been working my way through mine as they need it (later model, but not much different).
Suggestion - do the job, but leave the cylinder in place. Undo the nut/gland and only then remove the pin holding the rod to the tilt linkage.
Once the rod has been extracted from the cylinder, point it forward and pin it back into the linkage so you've got something to work against when removing the piston. (use some rag etc. on the shovel to protect the rod surface too).
Stilsons will be fine, but I've needed 18" plus pipe to get mine moving.
Now the 'gottcha' with mine is there is a dowel hidden under one of the piston guides. Not sure this is present on yours, but you don't want to miss it if it's there. [can someone confirm if it will be present?]
Guessing your serial is in the 290~400 range, the manual (see downloads section) shows locking tab washer and wire retainers used on the pistons, so probably no dowel to watch out for.