09
Nov

Maintenance Routine for a Compact Wheel Loader to Reduce Downtime

Compact wheel loaders have several operational as well as cost advantages. On hard surfaces, you get less wear because of the tires, and in some other cases, you get a better fuel efficiency. This is perhaps the reason why a lot of contractors look for compact wheel loaders in Dubai and across the UAE. However, if you are looking to get the desired level of performance from the machine, you need to maintain it the right way.

The maintenance needs of different loaders are different. So, to make the maintenance as well as the operation easier for you, you need to invest in the right machine. The SEM 636D wheel loader is one of the most preferred options when it comes to compact wheel loaders in UAE. It delivers a high level of productivity as well as excellent fuel economy. It comes with a large bucket and an advanced hydraulic system to make your job easier. To know more about the machine, click here.

The next thing to do would be to follow a proper schedule for preventive maintenance. In the case of compact loaders, you should follow the 50-hour rule. Every week (when the machine has worked for about 50 hours), you need to take certain measures to ensure that it keeps running smoothly. Apart from that further inspection is also needed for every 100 hours & 500 hours, as well as 1500 hours. You should also run daily checks and fluid refills to ensure proper upkeep. Follow the Operations and Maintenance Manual (OMM) to do what and when,

Maintenance at Every 50 Hours (Weekly Maintenance)

The first 50-hour check will probably happen after the first week of the wheel loader being used. Much of it is quite similar to your daily work. You need to check the engine, hydraulic oil, and brake fluid and refill them if they are low. You would also need to clean the dust valve on the air filter housing.

The next thing that you should do is to check the engine and hydraulic oil coolers and look for any signs of contamination. The V-belt also needs to be checked every 50 hours as well. Check the tension and the overall condition. You would also need to drain the water from the fuel/water separator. At the same time, you need to clean the filter and insert it into the fuel pump.

Lubrication is another important task that needs to be accomplished during the 50-hour maintenance routine. The bearings located in the following areas should be properly lubricated:

  • Driveshaft
  • Steering cylinder
  • Articulation joint
  • Lift arm linkages
  • Tilt rod, tilt lever, and tilt cylinder
  • Lift cylinder
  • Quick-hitch as well as all the hinges, joints, and fittings

Once all that is done, you need to check the functioning of the service and parking brakes, the steering, lights, and the electrical system. Check the Ground Engaging tools such as wear plates, tips and shanks for wear – rebuild / replace as necessary. Check the tires for damage, air pressure, and tread depth. The following components would need to be checked:

  • Air intake line
  • Engine lubrication points
  • Fuel lines
  • Cooling, steering, hydraulic, and brake systems.

Maintenance at 100 Hours

After 100 hours of operation, your SEM wheel loader should get its first formal inspection. The focus is primarily on the oil and filter components. The following parts would need to be checked:

  • Engine oil and oil filter
  • Fuel filter
  • Hydraulic oil filter insert.

The brake pads of the service and parking brake systems should also be checked at 100 hours. The axle oil should be checked for any signs of contamination. Small things should not be ignored. For example, you would need to check the screw connection for its tightness. You would need to put your attention on engine bearing, steering, and hydraulic systems. Apart from that, you would also need to check the loader unit (pin locking), counterweight, axle mounting, driveshaft, and cab. Check the electric and ground connections, as well as chafing on the wiring, harness, and battery terminals.
Please Note: All the work to be done at 50-hours should also be repeated at 100-hour intervals.

Maintenance at 500 Hours

You would need to make your compact wheel loader go through its second inspection. Certain things like the air filter should be replaced, change the axle oil at the wheel end as well as the centre of the axle. Also, the condensation of water in the hydraulic oil tank should be drained, if you are using biodegradable oil. Check the battery for a good charge. Also, check the engine timing via the valve lash clearance.

Maintenance at 1,500 Hours

So, what is included in the maintenance schedule at 1500 hours? Well, everything! Every task we have gone through this far should be completed at 1500 hours. All the oil and filter changes should be completed, along with proper lubrication at all parts. Some of the additional tasks include:

  1. Changing the hydraulic oil and breather filter in the hydraulic oil tank
  2. Cleaning the dust filter on the heating system.

At Al-Bahar, you get customized Preventive Maintenance Programs, which use convenient parts kits that are tailored to meet your unique needs. Our experienced and trained technicians offer you timely and expert assistance. Our fully equipped PM vans enable us to keep your fleet up and running. This allows our customers to focus on their core activities while leaving equipment maintenance to our expert team. To know more about our Customer Support Agreement, click here