Old Machines Hard to find, or non-existent parts

Hello!

I have a Case 1740 Uniloader. Just bought it last year, have made some repairs, and overall it is a nice machine. But, unfortunately, it is an old machine, and thus I find myself not able to find some parts I am in need of. The machines brakes no longer seem to work. I was unaware of this when the machine was bought, and found out the hard way. Living in Western Pennsylvania, I find myself needing to constantly do work on a hill. Not being an Operator, nor do I run, or have I ran, a skid steer professionally, I find it to be a rather big issue. I have the parts numbers, but being an old machine from the 1970s to 1980s, these parts are no longer used, or produced by Case. And, there seems to be little to no aftermarket marketplace for these parts. If I have been able to find these parts, they are used, which is fine, but for some reason(s) they are unavailable or "out-of-stock." The brake system is hydraulic. Master cylinder, was dry, had no brake fluid in it. Seems to hold it just fine after filling it up. Once I bled the air from the lines. It sounded like the brakes would work on the left side, but not the right. When operating the machine shortly after this, the brakes still seem not to work.

I am stuck. Can't get the parts I'm looking for. And, don't know what to try, or where to look now.

The brakes are probably similar to car or truck parts, if you can match them up to something automotive, likely parts can be found.

What do you think the issue is, rusted/stuck/leaking "wheel cylinders"?

Or???

Some photos would be helpful.

Worse case scenario, look in antique auto magazines (Hemmings Motor News, for example), there are a number of places around that will bore out and sleeve brake cylinders to original size. Will cost some $$$ but would salvage the machine.

If you are looking for wheel cylinders or a master cylinder, there should be a casting number on the part. A good old school auto supply, especially one that deals with trucks or equipment can use that number to find them.

Brake shoes can be relined. Search "brake shoe relining". If they are oil or fluid soaked, they will need relining.

A year ago I got a 1967 Datsun on the road. While some parts are available through normal channels many were not. I found many on Ebay. There are many old cars and machines that are being parted out so the parts are being offered. There are many after market parts dealers who use ebay just as much as an advertising tool as to actually sell parts, so a search for one part can enable you to find a small business that has many parts for your old Case.

The reason you can't find parts anymore is because there weren't many of these to begin with, most of them are gone, and demand for parts is almost zero. Shelf space costs money; manufacturers can't keep a stock of parts just in case someone happens to need something 40 years down the road. They plan to support a machine for 10 years or so after production is ended. After that unless they move enough parts for a particular model to make it profitable, they don't restock.

What you really need to do here is troubleshoot the real problem. Is it a bad wheel cylinder, bad lines, bad brake shoes/pads/drums/rotors? Most likely the wheel cylinder can be rebuilt. Lines can be fabricated from standard tubing. Oil soaked brake shoes/pads can be baked in an oven to remove the oil.

Should be able to find wheel cylinder kits at a NAPA store.

On my old Erickson built Gehl with no brake parts available I had to figure out who used these brakes except Gehl. Once I did that it was easy as all parts were available from Rock Auto.
If you can find a parts person who knows stuff back to the 40s that would be a good start. Master cylinder L25419 looks to be easy enough. Good luck!

There are shops that still re-line brakes .Hemmings
Motor news may help.

Sounds like you still have air in the system. Check ebay for a new master cylinder. Stan

some of the comments are hilarious,, I agree with all who said parts can be found though,, not a problem at all as CASE did not build the master cylinders and shoes ect of the optional brake system, but remember they are not for use while in motion other than in a emergency, they are for Holding the machine in place After it is stopped,, we sold Hundreds of 1740's i know lots of other dealers who did as well,, Great machines,, one of the Best made at the time,, I could out work any other brand with ease with one,, I did lots of demos against competitor units,, we out sold all other brands here with Uni-Loaders 3 to one