PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-555
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 555
FEBRUARY 1999
Dear Editor,
Hydraulic problems in the M9 ACE’s valve bank and compensation
pump are a nightmare to track down because of the ejector.
When the ejector is completely back, like TM5-2350-262-10 says,
there’s no room to track down a hydraulic leak. Even if you could track it
to the source, repairing the leak means digging dirt out of the bowl and
using a winch from another ACE to pull the ejector forward—a time-
consuming effort.
During training, I tell my operators to leave the vehicle’s ejector out
about two feet when digging or extracting dirt.
With the ejector forward, there’s enough room for the operator to look
for a busted compensation pump or a leak in the valve bank and for the
mechanic to make repairs.
SSG Michael Harrington
C Co, 91st Engr Bn
Ft Hood, TX
Armored Combat Earthmover . . .
Thanks for the tip. Since you and
the ACE’s operator’s manual don’t
agree on the ejector’s position, be
sure you have your commander’s OK.
Small Emplacement Excavator . . .
Rear system’s gauge in red?
Element needs changing
Check fluid level
PS 555
25
FEB 99
PS 555
24
FEB 99
keeping
my ejector
forward
makes
it
easier
to track
down
hydraulic
leaks
.
then you
ought to check
me
out!
Red button popped up?
Get element replaced
perators, when a SEE bucket moves
slowly or erratically, it could be low
hydraulic fluid or a clogged filter ele-
ment on a hydraulic reservoir tank.
Eyeball the fluid level on both tanks.
The tank for the front bucket is behind
the spare tire. The rear bucket’s tank is
on the other side, behind the cab. make
sure the level is between the ADD and
FULL marks on both tanks.
Otherwise, make sure your mechanic
replaces both elements during sched-
uled service and as needed during dusty
conditions.
button. If it has popped up, it’s time to
get the filter element changed.
The rear bucket’s tank has a gauge.
If the needle’s in the red, you need a
new filter element.
In dusty conditions, tank filter ele-
ments clog up, restricting oil flow to
the bucket’s hydraulic cylinders. That
slows the bucket’s movement.
A quick way to tell if the filter ele-
ment is clogged is to look for red. The
front bucket’s tank has a red indicator
these
bucket
problems
have
me seeing
red
!
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