Yeah, it's a light yellow, right? A few on my Formerly (well, since it refuses to keep running, it's back to "parts SEE", formerly known as Formerly) are that color.
Can't remember what I used, but WD-40 should work. After all, it has to be good for something, other than bug splatter removal.
If you're still under snow and ice conditions, consider putting some sort of oil or light grease (I've even used Vaseline) on the exposed parts of the rods. It seems to help when de-icing the rods before using the backhoe.
The same applies to the loader's cylinders, of course.
When you get bored, or have insomnia, read through this entire thread. There's lots of good info to be had from peakbagger and others who have resurrected, properly maintained, and improved their SEEs. I'm about due for reading it for the third time.