Tilt-Bed Trailers
8
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
1. Wipe all external surfaces of the pump and reservoir tank to
remove dirt, dust and oil residue.
2. Inspect unit for leaks and rectify as necessary.
3. Clean reservoir filler cap, remove and renew if cap and/or seal is
damaged. Check oil level and replenish with clean hydraulic oil.
This should preferably be carried out with actuator (and thus the
body ram) at minimum stroke, i.e. with the trailer body down. The
oil should be approximately 25mm (1”) from the top of the reservoir
tank when full.
4. Fully replace the hydraulic oil at intervals depending upon the
severity of the duty and environment conditions:
Very dirty, dusty and damp: 6months to 1 year
Otherwise, in more favourable conditions: Approx. 2 yearly
Draining the Tank
With the body fully lowered, remove the main pressure supply hose
from the ram (fig 8) and dip into a suitably sized and positioned
container or oil drum. Switch on the electrical operating system (or
operate the manual pump) to pump the oil into the container.
Continue until the oil flow virtually ceases.
DO NOT RUN THE PUMP FOR LONGER THAN IS NECESSARY
WHEN THE TANK IS APPROACHING EMPTY
Filling the Tank
Use clean, filtered oil of the correct grade. Use a filter unit with a
filtration level of 25 microns (25
?
m) or better.
Use only clean jugs and funnels.
CONTAMINATION OF HYDRAULIC OIL ACCOUNTS FOR THE
VAST MAJORITY OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURES
Connect the hose to the ram but do not tighten. Fill the tank to the
level mark. Bleed the system by operating the motor briefly whilst
observing the release of air from the hose connection on the ram. As
soon as there is no sign of air escaping, tighten the connector. Check
the oil level and top up if necessary.
Fig.8