Door gas strut 331/66778 JCB 3CX/4CX, genuine

For the JCB 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders: door gas strut 331/66778, a genuine JCB part. This strut is for the cab door.

A gas strut consists of a cylinder and piston filled with pressurised gas; it holds a door, bonnet, window or seat open with a set force or cushions its movement. On a cab door it stops the door slamming in the wind, and on a bonnet or rear window it keeps it safely open. A strut that has lost its gas cannot hold the panel, so a bonnet or window may close by itself and cause injury. A leaking strut shows traces of oil on its rod. The strut's ball-end fittings also wear and may need replacing. An open cab door must not close by itself with wind and vibration, which protects the operator from being trapped between door and frame.

Specifications

Compatibility

According to the product card, 331/66778 is a gas strut. The card also lists 331/14573. Fit is confirmed by the part number. The catalogue also has the aftermarket version of this part. Other parts are in Cab.

Fitting

Before the change, prop the door, bonnet or window open with a separate support. Release the old strut's ends from their clips or bolts. Fit the new strut, usually with the rod pointing down, and lock the end fittings. After fitting, open and close the panel a few times to check it stays fully open. The prop holding the panel is not removed until the job is finished. A new strut's force settles after the first few openings.