skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

[Barlow]

I've got a 'newer' Gehl 7610 and have been pushing it pretty hard lately (to say it lightly ) .. truth is, I'm hard on equipment -always pushing it. <br /><br />I'm not too impressed by how the dealers service department runs and how they do things so I'm looking for some general 'REAL' things I should concern myself with in the hydraulics system. If I can prevent or lessen the chances of failures by doing a few things or using certain products in the future - I'm all for it.<br /><br />its not used constantly.. close to 60hrs on it and I try to keep it as clean as possibile. <br /><br />and yes, if I wasn't so hard on it, it would last longer .. but reality tells me this isn't going to happen <br /><br />I'm an idiot on this stuff so be nice please

 

[Laddies]

Re: skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

On most skid steers the drive chains run in the hyd. oil, the oil is in the frame that houses the drive chains, I don't know for certain on a Gehl, keep the filter clean and as long as the oil is clean an don't smell burned ya got her made--Bob

 

[Barlow]

Re: skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

thnx Bob I'll keep an eye on it.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

I would just follow the maintenance schedule to the letter. <br />Overheating, loss of oil (not keeping on top of leaks) and contamination are the 3 biggest killers.<br />Cleanliness is the most important aspect you can directly control. Add fluids from their original containers. clean and blow out funnels etc. Watch out for dirty oil living in your attachments (don't attach them to other "dirty" machines and then back to your machine). <br />Buy OE filters. Use the right oil.<br />Having done tech training on compact equipment (Cat and Bobcat) I know some exact models that have some serious shortcomings and specific "watch for"s... too bad you don't have a better relationship with a dealer tech in the know on your model...

 

[Pascal]

Re: skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

With the serious $$$ involved in the repair or replacement of the hydrostat pumps and motors, you might want to consider setting up an oil analysis program for the machine to go along with the good maintenance that Hystat recommends. A reputable oil lab will help you spend your money most efficiently in this area and you will more than likely know in advance if a component is about to fail.<br /><br />JD

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

Barlow---Just for future reference if you should happen to pop a line(metal,not rubber)give me a shout.I make my living "Fabricating hydraulic tube assemblies for hydraulic equipment." <br /><br />>>>>>>>HAPPY BOATING DREAMS<<<<<<<

 

[fixin]

Re: skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

All great advice...only thing I can add is to let the hyd. warm up a little,when it's cold,before dogging it to hard.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

ditto on the oil sampling. gives you insight on the elemental stuff below 20 microns.<br />They will need a sample of the new oil you are using for reference.<br /><br />Also, buy a proper filter cutter (not a hacksaw). Cut EVERY filter that comes off that machine and look in the pleats. Free diagnostics as you are tossing the filter anyways. And we all like free things.

 

[Barlow]

Re: skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

wow.. thanks guys! I appreciate it very much!<br /><br />'preventative maintenance'.. a bit more refreshing than dealing with an older worn machine . <br /><br />yea hstat, I learned that I should've taken the time and traveled an extra 20mi. or so to another dealer but, thats my hind site talking now as I continue to live and learn. Would covering the attatchent hose connections with say some plastic bags and rubber bands help here too? or ...??<br /><br />If I'm in need Bart Sr. I'll definately look your way. <br /><br />Always go through a warm up period and I've been going through full ram cycles (when I can) before running it. Good idea or am I off here?<br /><br />hmmmm.. Tech #'s .. how do I locate an oil lab? and how do I determine who's who/good?<br /><br />and for gods sake I hate to even ask this but the fluid/oil .. (I'm askin' for it but, please don't do it ) what brand type do you guys recommend?<br /><br />thanx again guys!

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

I wouldn't worry about the oil brand. Just make sure it's the viscosity recommended by Gehl. Gehl might be recommending an engine oil in the hydraulics therefore they would spec it on an SAE grade like 10 or 10W30. OR, they might spec it on an ISO grade like 46 if they are recommending an industrial hydraulic oil. Since the advent of the powerstroke and other hydraulically actuated injector engines, diesel oils have had all the properties of a good hydraulic oil. There's no combustion byproducts etc. like in an engine to disperse so the oil's job is actually much simpler in hydraulics. But nonetheless, many manuf's are just calling for 10W30 diesel in the hydraulics (Cat does this if you opt not to buy Cat oil)to make life simpler.<br />Your manual might call for a certain ppm of zinc dithiophosphate. Most diesel oils have around 1000ppm which is fine for most hydrostatic manufacturers (rexroth, Sauer Danfoss etc) Many industrial hydraulic oils only have around 600ppm zinc.<br />Most Caterpillar dealers have good labs. WearCheck is one up here that's also good.

 

[Barlow]

Re: skid steer hydraulic maintenance ??

thanks for the help hystat. <br /><br />take the rest of the day off