18
5.6
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FLUSH
It is recommended that as part of an annual maintenance program, the hydraulic system be drained and fresh Vegetable Grade
hydraulic oil installed. RGC recommends
CITGO Aqua Marine Hydraulic 46
(or equivalent biodegradable oil) be used.
1.
Lower the platform until the cylinders are fully retracted.
WARNING:
FOLLOW THE SAME SAFETY RULES WHEN WORKING INSIDE THE CONTROL BOX AND
AROUND THE BATTERY THAT APPLY TO ANY CAR OR BOAT BATTERY. A BATTERY
CAN EXPLODE AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.
2.
Disconnect couplings between cylinder hoses and control box.
3.
Unscrew reservoir oil fill cap.
4.
Siphon old oil from reservoir using a hand siphon or vacuum pump. If not available, remove the 12-volt battery from
control box, and very carefully tip over the control box to drain oil from reservoir into a bucket.
5.
Remove reservoir from pump assembly to inspect oil filter screen. Be careful not to damage O-ring seal for reservoir. If
necessary, clean the filter screen with soap and water.
6.
Reassemble reservoir and pump assembly, then fill reservoir with fresh
CITGO Aqua Marine Hydraulic 46
.
WARNING:
LIQUID UNDER HIGH PRESSURE CAN PIERCE THE SKIN, CAUSING DEATH OR SERIOUS
INJURY. IN CASE OF INJURY, GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
7.
Depressurize cylinder hoses as follows:
a.
Depressurize the cylinder hose with male coupling by wrapping a rag around the coupling (to prevent spray) and
carefully pressing the end button against a hard flat surface. Use caution to avoid damaging the coupling button.
b.
Depressurize the cylinder hose with female coupling by wrapping a rag around coupling (to prevent spray) and
carefully press the internal button using a 3/8” bolt. Be very careful not to damage the internal O-rings. Be sure that
both couplings are kept clean at all times.
9.
Clean the lower cylinder hose coupling and reconnect to the control box.
10.
Connect a spare coupling or remove quick-disconnect from the upper cylinder hose assembly.
11.
While holding open hose end over a suitable container, press the UP button until cylinders are fully extended.
12.
Reverse the hoses so that the spare fittings are on lower cylinder hose.
13.
Be sure to keep reservoir filled with new oil.
14.
While holding open hose end over a suitable container, press the DOWN button until cylinders are fully retracted.
15.
Repeat steps 10 to 13 until oil coming from disconnected hose is clean. Then reconnect hose couplings to control box.
16.
As these procedures are performed, additional oil may need to be added to the reservoir. Perform a final check of oil
level with cylinders fully retracted.
