1953 Clark Yarlift 60

[shor2832]

I have a 1953 Clark Yardlift 60 that I use at my shop in Portsmouth, RI. Does anyone know where to get the seal for the lift cylinder? I had a local shop, Moy Works in Newport, replace it twice but it has failed both times. They had to have the seal fabricated at a different shop as it is made out of leather. The replacement, however, was thinner and different looking than the original. Has anyone run into this problem?
Also, does anyone have any insight on the transmission/clutch setup to these machines? I am starting to lose my clutch and its a damn shame because the engine starts right up every time and she is a big girl. I looked into replacing her and a used machine with high hours starts at about 14k.. yikes. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Sean

 

[rustyjames]

Have you tried any seller's on ebay who are selling Clark lift parts? I'd try contacting some of them, it might pan out finding that seal.

 

[A_Pmech]

Which seal is failing, the piston seal or the rod seal?

Most seal failures are the result of surface defects in the cylinder or rod. Simply installing new seals in such circumstances will not solve the problem.

Any decent hydraulic - capable machine shop should be able to supply the seals and do the work for you. If you were local, I'd say extract the rod and bring it over here.

 

[EOC_Jason]

^^^ I have to agree with Pmech... Might require some surfaces to be re-ground.

If you don't know of any good repair places, maybe start by calling some of the rental companies, some of them also do service work, or at least could point you in the direction of a good repair shop.

I don't know if there is a H&E Equipment in your area, but we bought a used scissor lift from them and their service has been great. They also service forklifts and pretty much any type of construction / yard equipment.