Hydraulic Oil Temperature
It is extremely important that the hydraulic oil temperature be checked periodically during operation. Continuous operation of the machine with high hydraulic oil temperatures will cause rapid wear and failure of pumps and motors.
If the hydraulic oil temperature rises to 210°F (99°C) and remains there or continues to rise, shut the engine down and thoroughly clean the exterior surfaces of the hydraulic oil cooler and radiator. Use an air hose to remove any loose material and then, if necessary, use a steam cleaner to remove any remaining material. Also check the condition of the engine coolant and, if the coolant shows signs of system corrosion, flush and clean the cooling system.
COOLING SYSTEM RETURN FILTER
If the hydraulic oil temperature continues to register too high, the return filter elements are clogged and the hydraulic oil is bypassing the filter AND THE OIL COOLER (see page 2-24). Shut the engine down immediately and change the cooling system return filter elements (see page 5-38).
Wheel Drive System
If during operation the wheel drive system seems to be responding sluggishly and/or there is a rattling or pinging noise in the wheel drive pump, shut the engine down immediately and change the wheel drive pump suction filter element (see page 5-38).
If the system continues to respond sluggishly and/or the rattling or pinging noise continues, refer to the Sundstrand Service Manual.
Water Spray System
Although it may not appear to be important, the water spray system is one of the key factors to effective machine operation. If the system does not work properly, excessive dust can settle in the radiator and oil cooler and cause damage because of overheating. It is therefore important that the operator watch for any indication of plugging of the nozzles. If the nozzles appear to be plugging up, the operation should be stopped, the nozzles cleaned (see page 5-6) and the strainer screen removed and cleaned (see page 5-23). If the water in the tank is excessively dirty, drain the tank and refill it with clean water.
To avoid needless down time:
- 1. Always use the cleanest water possible.
- 2. Visually check the operation of the spray nozzles periodically during the day by performing the following:
- a. Raise the main cutter and auxiliary cutter to their upper limits. Block the cutters up.
- b. Set the cutter controls at "Off".
- c. Turn each cutter spraybar on.
- d. Check the pattern and amount of spray for each nozzle.
- e. Remove and clean the nozzles as required (see page 5-6 for procedures).
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INADVERTENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE CUTTER CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY. SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. |
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- 3. Flush the strainer screen daily by opening the valve on it and allowing the water to flow out for a minute or two.
Cutter Belts
New cutter belt sets will stretch when they are first put into operation. If the belt tension is not readjusted as the belts stretch, the belts will start to slip or slip-and-grab, causing the belts to break. IF the belts do not break, the slipping will cause overheating, burned spots, and excessive cover wear.
After new belts are installed, check the belt tension (see page 5-30), at the following times:
- 1. After the first 1/2 hour of operation.
- 2. After the first 4 hours of operation.
- 3. After the first day of operation.
- 4. After the second day of operation.
- 5. After the first week of operation.
- 6. Every 150 hours of operation.
- 2. After the first 4 hours of operation.
Cutting Asphalt
The operator must be particularly alert when cutting asphalt because the physical properties of a given type of asphalt vary considerably with ambient temperatures. When the asphalt is cool it is harder and more brittle, making it easier for the cutter bits to cut. As the asphalt gets warmer it get soft and gummy, creating a drag on the cutter bits. The possible cutting speed in a given type of asphalt will vary between winter and summer, morning and afternoon, and between shaded and unshaded areas. The operator must be alert for changes in the asphalt and make the required changes in machine settings.
CUTTING BIT
Avoid cutting large amounts of asphalt and then cutting concrete with the same set of bits. Asphalt tends to wear the supporting metal away from around the carbide tip, leaving the carbide center shaft exposed. If the exposed carbide tips then hit concrete, they may break off at the level of the supporting metal. This same problem may be encountered when cutting asphalt overlaid on concrete if the bits occasionally hit the concrete base. Replace the bits anytime the distance from the end of the supporting metal to the holder is 1 1/4 inch (3.175 cm) or less.
Caring For The Cutter
The life of the cutter bits will vary greatly with the type of material being cut, the temperature and the speed of operation. Check the length of the bits periodically during the day and be sure they are replaced if they get worn down to a length of 1 1/4 inch (3.175 cm) from the tip of the bit to the holder. If the bits are not replaced when required, the holder will start hitting the concrete and will be severely damaged or even cause damage to the cutter.
Uneven bit wear can result from a variety of reasons. One cause is the cutting of long stretches of material that are not as wide as the cutter. Another possible cause is the cutting of asphalt overlaid on concrete in such a way that the cutter bits are hitting concrete on one section of the cutter and hitting only asphalt on another section.