Alamo 803213C, FC-FL-0001 HYDRAULICS

MAINTENANCE

INTERSTATER 03/09 Maintenance Section 5-12

MAINTENANCE

HYDRAULICS

The INTERSTATER hydraulic system consists of two circuits. The power circuit drives the cuttershaft. The

control circuit lifts and tilts the cutter unit.

A tractor with a cutter unit installed on each side will have two independent power circuits with two sets of lift

and tilt cylinders, and one control circuit with a four-section control valve (instead of a two section valve).

NOTE: It is important that pipe thread sealant be used on solid connections only; never on connections

between swivel fittings or fittings with “O” rings and straight threads. Use pipe thread sealing compound. DO

NOT substitute other types of sealant, such as teflon tape, paint, shellac, etc.

Whenever the hydraulic system is drained in order to service a hydraulic component, the following start-up

procedure should be completed.

1. Check all nuts and hex head capscrews to be sure they are tight and that all lock washers are fully

compressed.

2. Check all hoses and hydraulic connections to be sure that they are tight.

3. Inspect all moving parts, and make certain that no wires or hoses will be caught or pinched when the

tractor is in operat ion .

Secure all wires and hoses.

4. Thoroughly lubricate the INTERSTATER. Refer to SECTION 2, Illustration 4.

5. Change the hydraulic filter and fill the reservoir to the sight glass with new hydraulic oil. Refer to SECTION

1 for specifications.

Remove all objects from, and stand clear of the front of the cutter unit. DO NOT GET NEAR

ROTATING KNIVES.

6. Turn mowers off, then start tractor and run engine at low idle. Operate the lift and tilt circuits, and the

power circuit (turn cutter units on ONLY when mowers are fully lowered). Operate until the system is fully

charged. Recheck the fluid leve l and add oil, if necessary. If undue noise continues af ter the system is fully

charged, stop the unit and determine the cause.

7. After the hydraulic system is fully charged and functioning properly, switch the mowers on and increase

the engine speed to run the PTO at 540 RPM. Maintain this speed for 5 minutes and look for any leaks or

possible problems.