I have TWO bobcats (a 751 & a 773) that have this same problem. I am considering the cutting procedure you did just to get the bucket out of the way. Mine are all clogged ? hung up because of very fine concrete dust in the joint, on the 751, & heavy rust, on the 773. I really don't have a ton of time to deal with these two machines, as I Have other pressing / higher paying jobs to do right now. If I could get the 773 apart, that machine would be close to perfect for its age. The 751 I have, is covered in concrete waste, so focusing heavily on that machine is not the best use of my time right now anyways.