Removing Tilt Rams from Bobcat S205

[MikePhua]

Tilting Cylinder Basics
The tilt rams—also known as tilt cylinders—on a Bobcat S205 are hydraulic actuators responsible for tilting attachments up and down. They consist of the cylinder housing, piston rod, gland (end cap), seals, and connection pins. Over time, seals can leak or the piston rod can become bent, requiring removal and repair.
Removal Procedure
A trusted technique starts with laying the attachment plate flat on level ground. Keep the machine secured and depressurize the hydraulic system for safety. Remove the keeper (retaining) bolt and then carefully tap out the hinge pin that connects the rod end to the attachment.
Loosening the gland nut at the cylinder housing before attempting rod removal helps retain pressure and makes the rod easier to extract. In many cases, the rod can be pulled straight out while the cylinder remains mounted to the machine—no full disassembly needed. Cleanliness is paramount; keep parts free of dirt, and observe the exact order and orientation of seals for reassembly. With clean rods and a light film of lubricant—such as petroleum jelly—the cylinder can often be reassembled in under an hour.
Bent Rods and Rebuild Costs
Sometimes you may discover the piston rod is bent or the gland is distorted—often appearing egg-shaped due to impact or overload. One technician had to send the bent rods to a hydraulic shop for inspection and custom remake, because replacement was more economical than trying to straighten them. Bobcat's official price for a new complete tilt cylinder ran around $1,100 each—prompting operators to explore rebuilding instead of full replacement.
Why Did My Rod Bend?
A common cause of rod bending is improper use. For example, operators who stand the bucket cutting edge on the ground and drive forward with extended tilt arms can create excessive leverage. If the bucket hits an immovable object while forward motion continues, that force can buckle the rod. In some cases, a rock or debris wedge between the coupler and rod amplifies pressure on the end cap, causing deformation. Understanding consistent misuse is important—knowing how the damage occurred helps prevent recurrence.
Tools and Techniques
For reassembly, a pipe wrench or chain-style wrench can help remove or tighten the aluminum gland nut. If the nut is seized, some operators apply heat cautiously to break corrosion bonds without damaging the nut. In stubborn cases, a punch and hammer may turn the gland incrementally until it loosens. When removing seals or O-rings, small picks are helpful for extraction without scoring surfaces.
Practical Tips Summary

• Position the attachment plate flat; depressurize hydraulics before starting.
  
• Remove keeper bolt, tap out pin, and loosen the gland nut first.
  
• Keep everything clean; mark seal order and orientation.
  
• Lubricate the rod with light grease or petroleum jelly for easier reassembly.
  
• Use pipe or chain wrench on the gland—heat gently if seized.
  
• If the rod is bent or galling has damaged the gland, consider rebuild vs. replacement cost.
  
• Investigate root cause of damage to prevent recurrence.
  

Terminology Notes

• Tilt Rams (Tilt Cylinders): Hydraulic cylinders that control tilting of attachments.
  
• Gland: The threaded end cap of the cylinder; often made of aluminum.
  
• Keeper Bolt / Pin: Fasteners that connect the rod end to the attachment plate.
  
• Seals / O-rings: Rubber components that maintain hydraulic pressure and keep out contaminants.
  
• Bent Rod: A piston rod that has deformed, impairing cylinder alignment and function.
  

Machine and Manufacturer Context
Bobcat Company, now part of Doosan Bobcat, introduced the S205 in the mid-2010s as a compact skid-steer loader known for its balance of power, agility, and operator visibility. The S-series, including the S205, has remained a workhorse in construction, landscaping, farming, and snow clearance—favored for its durability and simplified maintenance. While specific sales volumes are not publicly disclosed, the S-series has been among Bobcat’s core best-selling mid-compact models due to its versatility and strong service network globally.
A Brief Field Anecdote
One operator shared a story from a bustling urban construction site: after a long day, his S205 started leaking at the tilt cylinder. He propped the attachment plate, removed the pin and bolt, and—with surprise—pulled out the rod intact. Within 45 minutes, he replaced the seals, lubricated the rod, and reassembled everything without needing a shop. The loader was back on the job before shift change—testament to the value of methodical, clean, and fast fieldwork.
In Closing
Removing and servicing the tilt rams on a Bobcat S205 is entirely feasible for operators or maintenance technicians equipped with basic tools, a tidy workspace, and attention to detail. Tackling the job with proper technique can keep repair costs down and minimize downtime. Should you like, I can also prepare a handy checklist to bring into the field—or even tailor this into a decision guide to help evaluate repair versus replacement based on condition and cost.