PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-578
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 578
JANUARY 2001
here’s no doubt that cold weather
can slow down the excavator’s hydrau-
lics—especially the front and rear
buckets.
But a bucket that moves slowly or
erratically could mean a low hydraulic
fluid level or a clogged filter element
on a hydraulic reservoir tank.
So 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 fluid level is be-
tween the ADD and FULL marks on
both tanks.
SEE . . .
Rear system’s gauge in red?
Element needs changing
Check fluid level
Red button popped up?
Get element replaced
.
The rear bucket’s tank has a gauge.
If the needle’s in the red, you need a
new filter element.
Otherwise, make sure your mechanic
replaces both elements during sched-
uled services.
In dusty conditions, tank filter ele-
ments clog up and restrict oil flow
to the bucket’s hydraulic cylinders.
That slows the bucket’s movement.
A quick way to tell if the filter
element is clogged is to look for red.
The front bucket’s tank has a red
indicator button that pops up
when it’s time to change
the filter element.
Alcohol Reservoir Full
Make sure the compressed air
system antifreeze unit is ready for
winter. The unit shoots ethyl
alcohol into the air
brake system to keep
water from freezing
in the brake lines.
Just eyeball the
alcohol reservoir to
make sure it’s filled.
Set for Winter?
Make sure the automatic defrosting pump
is set to the number 1 (open) position for
winter.
Also, make sure the reservoir is filled—
even in summer—so dirt and dust can’t get
in.
Rough Starting?
Your SEE may be hard to start when the
temps drop below 32
o
F. That’s why the cold
weather starter system has a fuel canister
that automatically injects ether into the en-
gine when you push the cold start button.
If your excavator’s engine starts rough
after pushing the button, chances are the
ether canister is empty. So, have your me-
chanic replace the canister.
Do
not
use spray-can ether to start the
vehicle. Too much ether can damage pis-
tons and connecting rods.
this cold
weather is really
slowing down
the
bucket.
before
you blame the
weather,
check
out
your hydraulics!
PS 578
PS 578
perators, cold weather can play
havoc with your small emplacement
excavator.
HERE ARE
A FEW PO
INTERS
TO KEEP IN MIND when
the temperature
drops.
Alcohol reservoir full?
Replace canister when empty
23
1 for winter
0 for summer
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