Do not overfill the pump reservoir as this will
adversely affect pump performance.
Draining and Flushing The Reservoir
Wipe the pump exterior completely clean before attempt-
ing this procedure.
It is important that after 300 hours of operation, the pump
be drained of oil completely and flushed out with a suitable,
compatible flushing solution before refilling it with clean
hydraulic fluid. To do this, unscrew the reservoir cap from
the reservoir and properly discard the used hydraulic fluid.
Flush the reservoir vigorously to ensure that no contami-
nants remain. Clean or replace the pump intake screen at
this time. Refill the reservoir in the manner described
below in the section entitled “Refilling The Reservoir”.
NOTE! Drain and clean the other hydraulic system
components (hoses, cylinders, etc.) before
reconnecting them to the pump. This will prevent
contaminated oil from reentering the pump.
Refilling The Reservoir
NOTE! Always retract the ram completely before
attempting this procedure.
Place and support the pump in a vertical position with the
filler cap facing upward. Unscrew and remove the reser-
voir cap from the reservoir. If additional oil must be added
to the reservoir, use only an approved high grade hydraulic
oil. Clean the entire area around the open rim of the
reservoir cap, visually inspect the o-ring which seals the
cap/reservoir assembly. Replace this o-ring if it is dam-
aged. Reinstall cap to reservoir and tighten securely.
Check for leaks.
Do not overfill the pump reservoir as this will
hinder pump performance.
Tool Storage
WARNING
Tools must be kept indoors or well covered in rainy
weather. Store the Hydraulic Knockout in a locked
area that is out of reach of children and people
unfamiliar with these tools. This tool can cause
serious injury in the hands of untrained users.
Ridge Tool Company
7
Bleeding Air From The System
During the initial moments of activation or after prolonged
use, a significant amount of air may accumulate within the
hydraulic system. This entrapped air may cause the cylin-
der to respond slowly or behave in an unstable manner.
To remove the air, operate the system through several
cycles (extending and retracing the ram) free of any load.
Make certain the ram is at a lower level than the pump
with the coupling pointing upwards to allow air to be
released into the pump reservoir. Once all the air has been
bled from the system, inspect the oil level and fill the
reservoir to the proper level if necessary.
Inspecting The Hydraulic FluId Level
IMPORTANT: Always retract the ram completely before
attempting this procedure.
Check the oil level in the reservoir after approximately
every ten hours of use. Place the pump in a vertical posi-
tion with the reservoir cap up. While holding the reservoir,
unscrew the cap to determine if the oil level is between the
fill marks on the inside of the reservoir
(Figure 5). If oil is
low, add enough to bring level between lines. If oil is
dirty, following instructions below in the section entitled,
“Draining and Flushing the Reservoir”.
NOTE! On Foot Pump Model HF-18, a dipstick is
attached to the filler cap. To check oil level,
hold pump in a vertical position with filler cap up,
remove dipstick and wipe clean. Insert dipstick
and remove to view oil level. Proper oil level is
indicated by upper mark on dipstick
(Figure 5).
Figure 5 – Checking Oil Levels
Before replacing the reservoir cap, visually inspect the o-
ring which seals the cap/reservoir assembly. Replace
this o-ring if it is damaged. Reinstall reservoir cap to
reservoir and tighten securely. Check for leaks.
HKO-186/1810, FKO-186/1810 Hydraulic Knockout Sets
Filler Cap
Proper
Oil Level
Filler Cap
Proper
Oil Level
CAUTION
CAUTION
