There are instances wherein you may experience certain issues with the hydraulic system of your dump truck. While you can always call a seasoned mechanic to help you address the problem, it is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with what you can do. This article walks you through the basic troubleshooting when it comes to dump truck hydraulic problems.

Basic Troubleshooting

Check the motor

One of the primary things that you can do as part of the basic troubleshooting in case you experience dump truck hydraulic issues is to check the motor. In this case, you have to inspect whether the motor has the correct wiring. It should also be able to turn on and off as needed. 

Check the pump

You should also check the pump, assessing each of its parts when you take it out. All of the parts of your pump should be able to function as expected. Some of the things that you need to be on the lookout for when it comes to the pump include the shaft, coupling, and filter.

Check the fluids, valves and lines

The next thing that you need to check is the fluids, as well as the valves and lines. The levels of the oil integrated into your dump truck hydraulic system should be correct and its color and viscosity should meet the specifications. If you deem that the oil is already contaminated, drain it immediately. On the other hand, you should also observe all of the lines making up your dump truck hydraulic system if there are any leaks. 

Check any pressure or temperature fluctuations

After you have done all the necessary inspections, try to run the system. From there, keep track of any pressure or temperature fluctuations. You should also be wary of any abnormal sounds. In case everything seems to go perfectly fine, the next thing that you need to attend to is your pressure sensor.

Common Problems and What You Can Do

Leaking Fluid

Should you encounter leaking fluid, the first thing that you need to do is to try and determine the root cause of the leak. More often than not, leaks are caused by a low charge in your battery because the pump won’t be able to keep up with the pressure. It can also be that the breather of your dump truck hydraulic system is already full of dirt. Therefore, when you notice any signs of a leak, you should also exert the effort to inspect these components.

Battery Issues

You can also experience battery issues such as trouble keeping your battery charged. In this case, what you may need is a great battery charger. You can choose from a trickle charger or a solar panel charger, which are both splendid options. While the former proves to be more convenient to use, the latter is best in case you don’t use your truck too often.

When it comes to the battery though, you also have to be aware of the number of cycles that can run before it is depleted. Usually, it is four to five cycles but that is if you are doing some short runs between the cycles. In case you are driving longer between cycles, then you may get more cycles before your battery is depleted.

Stuck Hoist

Finally, you may also experience having the hoist stuck in the dump position. In this case, you can look into the square-shaped coil and the round-shaped coil. Loosen the nut in each of these coils, swapping them as necessary. This will enable you to lower the box but keep in mind that this is only a temporary fix. What you need to do is to replace these coils or the other defective parts of your hydraulic system.

Preventing Hydraulic System Failure

For you to be able to prevent any hydraulic system failure in the future, there are several things that you can do. For instance, you have to make sure that you always follow specifications or consult with professionals with adept knowledge in these systems. You should also ensure that routine maintenance is performed because this will allow you to catch any potential issues in your dump truck hydraulic system early on.

When it comes to the maintenance of your system, it is a good idea to take a few daily checks to avoid any pending issues. You should also plan a weekly or even a monthly maintenance routine. In this case, what you need to look into are the common failure points that depend on the working conditions that your system is subjected to.

The Bottomline

In case you encounter dump truck hydraulic issues, being familiar with some basic troubleshooting will prove to be beneficial. In this case, you will be able to address leaking fluid problems, battery issues, or even a stuck hoist. Make sure to implement the necessary measures to prevent hydraulic system failure in the future. 

Rest assured that there will always be a seasoned dump truck mechanic who will be able to help you in case all else fails. You can read our article on How to Find a Reliable Mechanic and Repair Shop here.

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