have a two piece swing chain, need to replace one side. im a good mechanic but figured somebody has done this before and might have some hints for me. whats the best way to pull the broken side cylinder out far enough so i can replace the chain
assuming it is like a 4500, turn the machine off and tie the swing handle like it would go to swing away from the broken chain and you can probably pull the cylinder out by hand. These are single acting cylinders that only retract, they are pulled out by the opposing cylinder. BTW, is this actually a 5500, or is it actually a 5100 somebody has put a hoe on? A 5500 was an "industrial tractor" which almost always had a loader, and usually a hoe, a 5400 was a "utility tractor" that frequently had a loader and occasionally a hoe, and a 5100 was a "general agriculture tractor". The easiest way to tell is the front axle, a 100 had a high arch adjustable width axle, a 400 had a heavier high arch non adjustable axle, and a 500 had a straight axle. On edit: you may be able to find a piece of multi-leaf chain at an industrial supply place, and reuse or make new end pieces and save a bunch of money. Sit down before you ask the dealer for the price of the swing chains, they are over $800 a side for a 4500.
actually i was wrong it is a 5500 and i also found a swing chain new aftermarket of course for $245.00 although i do need new front bearings and axle pins any good websites you know might have them? and thank you for the info it worked with a little persuasion