Simplicity Prestige Power Steering Cylinder Leaking

[Catenary Kid]

Troops,

I have a 2013 Simplicity Prestige (27 hp Kohler) which I am going to sell because I bought a new mower. When I moved it in the garage, I found a small oil spot that turned out to be from the hydraulic cylinder. So I got online and looked the part up and had to be defibrillated when I saw the price. I also tried to find rebuild kits, as often it is just one seal that leaks and the repairs are fairly simple. After over 2 hours searching, I found nothing. Is this really true? No rebuild kits? No fair pricing on these parts? What gives here?

So I would be deeply grateful if someone could steer me to a site or business that can repair this cylinder without bankrupting it's owner - me!

 

[ILENGINE]

The question is does the cylinder come apart. Some of those steering cylinders on mowers are a one piece welded cap style. A good shop could chuck the cylinder in a lathe and cut the weld to separate the cap, replace the seals and then weld the cylinder back together.

 

[Catenary Kid]

Y'know, Ilengine, that's a damn good point! I hadn't thought to check that out - no wonder that crap is so expensive! I think though, that going through the lathe - cut - repair - weld thing would quickly eat up enough cash to make a new purchase the better option. Thanks!

 

[ILENGINE]

Y'know, Ilengine, that's a damn good point! I hadn't thought to check that out - no wonder that crap is so expensive! I think though, that going through the lathe - cut - repair - weld thing would quickly eat up enough cash to make a new purchase the better option. Thanks!

Not sure if the simplicity cylinders are rebuildable but I know of several on JD that are non repairable.

 

[slomo]

Doesn't help the OP much but this is the main reason why I will never have a hydro mower. Belt drive system is way cheaper, lighter and takes less HP to operate. Oh and way faster getting the mower back in service doing driveline repairs like this. Mower shop will have a hydro drive for 3 months in peak mow season around here.