Power Drives Inc., a manufacturer and distributor specializing in fluid transference and filtration, was faced with a unique challenge when a customer came into one of their Express Hose Centers with the intention of fully restoring a 1960 Case 430 backhoe loader.
To help refurbish this machine, the PDI team at the Tonawanda, N.Y. Express Hose Center, identified each hose and fitting, taking into account the pressure ratings and internal structures, in order to replicate 18 new hydraulic hose assemblies.
The customer was looking to bring the tractor back to its former shape and condition — in order to use it to start and cultivate a greenhouse operation. He started researching options, to determine what was required for the project, and experienced difficulty finding such information for a restoration of this scope, as the original Case Corp. no longer exists. The tractor clearly needed a lot of work, and he pored over what information he could find; it was immediately clear that he had to completely rebuild the frame and engine, as well as replace all of the hydraulic hoses.
The damaged hydraulic hoses were brought to the PDI team at their Tonawanda, N.Y. Express Hose Center, where they identified each hose and fitting, taking into account the pressure ratings and internal structures, in order to replicate 18 new hydraulic hose assemblies. The expertise of the Eaton Aeroquip-certified technicians allowed for a quick turnaround on this order. Additionally, the customer took care to ask for added hose protectors, to help preserve his new investment.
After completing the restoration and installing all of the new hoses, the 1960 tractor now runs like it is brand new. Not only is the tractor a sight to behold once again, but it is helping this loyal PDI customer fulfill his dream of creating and maintaining a self-sustaining greenhouse, which will produce both heat and electricity. Now he has a reliable machine for decades to come.
Restoring agricultural machinery — especially machinery that is no longer produced — can sometimes feel like a heavy burden. In this case, Power Drives was able to quickly identify and rebuild the entire hydraulic hose system on this Case tractor. It’s important to not try to take on a project of such magnitude alone; any mistake in hydraulics can be a dangerous one. When you don’t quite know where to start, it’s always best to consult the experts.
Power Drives Inc.
www.powerdrives.com
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