How to Check Hydraulic Oil Level on Excavator?
Table of Contents:
1. Why Should You Check the Hydraulic Fluid Level?
2. Safety Precautions
3. Ways to Check the Hydraulic Oil Levels
4. Dipstick Method
5. Sight Glass Method
6. Need Help with Your Hydraulic Oil Check?
When it comes to the maintenance of your machine, checking fluid levels is one of the standard checks. Among all machine fluids, hydraulic oil constitutes perhaps the most vital component, therefore, we would like to devote this article to checking its level in your machine.
Why Should You Check the Hydraulic Fluid Level?
Let's put it plainly, without the hydraulic oil, the machine would not work. The hydraulic system is responsible for the distribution of power, therefore, every action the machine performs is done thanks to the hydraulic oil.
Firstly, an excavator can move forward and backward thanks to the hydraulic track motor (left and right). This motor is powered by the oil coming from the main pump connected to the engine. Secondly, the excavator can swivel around 360 degrees thanks to the slew motor also powered by the hydraulic system. Also, the hydraulic circuit is connected with cylinders, which operate boom and stick.
Lastly, many attachments mounted on the excavators work thanks to the hydraulic flow. These include augers, buckets, hammers, and many more. Now, it is clear that the hydraulic systems of the excavators are of crucial importance. Therefore, ensuring the appropriate level of hydraulic oil is one of the ways to ensure that the excavator runs smoothly and efficiently.
Safety Precautions
Before any checks can be performed, the proper safety needs to be ensured. Therefore, the excavator should be switched off. You should also take the key out of the ignition. Less obvious, but also important is ensuring there is no pressure in the tank before you remove the cap.
Ways to Check the Hydraulic Oil Levels
There are many models of excavators, which have two separate ways of checking the level of hydraulic oil. These methods use either a dipstick or a sight glass. Below is an explanation and a step-by-step guide on using both ways. Simply choose the one applicable to your type of machine and check the hydraulic oil level in no time.
Dipstick Method
This method applies if your excavator has a dipstick intended for hydraulic oil level checks.
Locate and Clean the Dipstick
The dipstick is most often located near the hydraulic pump or reservoir with the fluid. It will also be labeled with a special symbol or the word 'hydraulic'. Once you locate the dipstick, clean it to ensure an accurate reading. To do that, you can use a piece of cloth or a rag.
Remove the Dipstick and Check the Oil Level
Pull the cleaned dipstick out of the pump or reservoir (do not drop it!). There will be two marks on it: high and low marks. The oil level of your hydraulic excavator should be between those two marks. However, if it is not, you should add or remove oil respectively until the level is between the two marks.
Adding or Removing Oil
Take good care while pouring the oil into the hydraulic oil tank. Removing oil is slightly more complicated, but if you use a turkey baster or a little pump, you can easily extract the excess. At this stage, it is crucial to use the correct oil type for your engine. Otherwise, you will cause failure or even damage to your excavator.
Reinsert the Dipstick and Recheck the Oil Level
After the necessary addition or removal of fluid, make sure that the oil level is appropriate. To do that, insert the dipstick in the hydraulic reservoir once again and ensure the mark is in the correct position. If it is still not right, repeat the previous step.
Sight Glass Method
This method applies if your excavator has a dedicated sight glass intended for hydraulic oil level checks.
Locate and Clean the Sight Glass
Sight glass will be a tiny window or panel located right next to the hydraulic pump or reservoir with the oil. It will also be labeled with a special symbol or the word 'hydraulic'. Once you locate the sight glass, use a piece of cloth or rag and wipe it to ensure it is clean and will provide an accurate reading.
Look Through to Check the Oil Level
Look through the cleaned glass and locate the indicator. Check whether the oil level of your hydraulic excavator is between the high and low mark. If it is not, you should add or remove oil respectively until the level reaches the desired position.
Adding or Removing Oil
If you need to add oil, carefully pour it into the pump or reservoir. To remove oil, use a turkey baster or a little pump and carefully extract the excess. Make sure you use the correct oil type for your engine. Using an incorrect hydraulic oil may cause failure to or even damage to your machine.
Recheck the Oil Level
After the necessary addition or removal of fluid, ensure that the oil level is appropriate by looking through the sight glass again. If the level is still not between the high and low mark, repeat the process from the previous step.
Need Help with Your Hydraulic Oil Check?
Skidsteers.com not only has an impressive range of excavator attachments, but most importantly, we are experts in the field. We will gladly advise you on the types of attachments, oils, and fluids, and give directions if you struggle with the hydraulic oil check. Give us a call or message us for more details.