MAINTENANCE
RMB 1445 11/10 Maintenance Section 5-6
© 2010 Alamo Group Inc.
MAINTENANCE
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Oil Supply

Check daily the oil level in the reservoir. No fixed time period can be quoted for oil changes as operating
conditions and maintenance standards vary so widely. Burnt and scorched oil odors and the oil darkening and
thickening are all signs of oxidation and indicate the oil should be changed.
Moisture which results from condensation can become entrapped in the oil and cannot be removed by filtration
so that contamination is a progressive factor.
Contamination can be reduced by:
1. Cleaning off around the reservoir cap before removal, and keeping that area clean.
2. Using clean containers when replenishing the system.
3. Regular servicing of the filtration system.

Filtration Maintenance

A 125-micron suction strainer and a low-pressure 10-micron full flow return line filter protect the machine.
Suction strainer
The strainer is permanently fixed within the reservoir.
Should symptoms of pump cavitation or spongy intermittent operation occur the tank must be drained and
flushed out with a suitable cleaning agent e.g. clean diesel oil.
Return Line Filter
The elements should be changed after the first 50 hours and thereafter at 500-hour intervals. It is important to
note hours worked because if the filter becomes blocked an internal by-pass within the canister will operate
and no symptoms of filter malfunction will occur to jog your memory.
HYDRAULIC HOSES
The condition of all hoses should be carefully checked during routine service of the m achin e. Ho ses that h ave
been chafed or damaged on their outer casing should be securely wrapped with waterproof adhesive tape to
stop the metal braid from rusting. Hoses that have been suffered damage to the metal braid should be changed
at the earliest opportunity.

Hose Replacement

1. Replace one hose at a time to avoid the risk of wrong connections.
2. When the hose is screwed to an additional fitting or union, use a second wrench on the union to avoid
breaking both seals.
3. Do not use joint compound on the threads.
4. Avoid twisting the hose. Adjust the hose line to ensure freedom from rubbing or trapping before tightening
hose end connections.
Before changing hoses, study the installation. These are carefully calculated to prevent hose damage during
operation. Always replace hoses in exactly the same manner. This is especially important for the flail hoses
where they must be crossed, upper to lower, at the dipper and head pivots. The 90 degree elbows at the head
bracket must point directly across the pivot and the hoses must have no slack at this point.
Two hoses clips are provided at either end of the large bore suction and return hoses. These should be
positioned so that their worm drive barrels are opposed at 180 degrees to reduce the possibility of air entering
the system. A stop tap is provided to enable the suction hose to be changed without draining the tank.