Service Manual

Groundsmaster 3500Hydraulic System Page 5 − 74
Charge Hydraulic System
NOTE: When initially starting the hydraulic system with
new or rebuilt components such as motors, pumps, or
lift cylinders, it is important that the hydraulic system be
charged properly. Air must be purged from the system
and its components to reduce the chance of damage.
IMPORTANT: Change hydraulic fluid filter whenev-
er hydraulic components are repaired or replaced.
1. Park machine on a level surface. Lower cutting units,
disengage PTO switch. stop engine, and engage park-
ing brake. Remove key from the ignition switch.
2. Make sure all hydraulic connections, lines, and com-
ponents are secured tightly.
3. If component failure was severe or the system is con-
taminated, flush and refill hydraulic system and tank
(see Flush Hydraulic System in this chapter).
4. Make sure hydraulic tank is full. Add correct hydraul-
ic fluid if necessary.
5. Prime hydraulic pumps (see Priming Hydraulic
Pumps in this chapter).
WARNING
Before jacking up the machine, review and follow
Jacking Instructions in Chapter 1 − Safety.
6. Raise all 3 wheels off the floor and safely support, the
traction unit.
IMPORTANT: During initial operation, check hy-
draulic reservoir oil level frequently and add oil as
necessary.
7. Make sure traction pedal is in neutral. Sit in the oper-
ator’s seat and start engine and let it idle at low speed.
The hydraulic pumps should pick up hydraulic fluid and
fill the hydraulic system. If there is no indication of fill in
30 seconds, stop the engine and determine the cause.
8. After the hydraulic system starts to show signs of fill,
actuate lift control switch until the lift cylinders move in
and out several times. If the cylinders do not move after
15 seconds or the pump emits abnormal sounds, shut
the engine off immediately and determine cause or
problem. Inspect for the following:
A. Loose filter or suction lines.
B. Incorrect hydraulic hose routing.
C. Blocked suction line.
D. Faulty charge relief valve in traction pump.
E. Faulty gear pump.
9. Operate the traction pedal in the forward and reverse
directions. The wheels should rotate in the proper direc-
tion. If the wheels rotate in the wrong direction, stop en-
gine, remove lines from rear of hydrostat pump, and
reverse the connections.
10.Make sure that traction pedal returns to the neutral
position when released from the forward or reverse dir-
ection.
11.Check operation of the traction interlock switches
(see Check Operation of Interlock Switches in Chapter
− 6, Electrical Systems in this manual).
12.Stop the engine, remove blocks from wheels and
lower machine.
13.If the traction (traction) pump or a wheel motor was
replaced or rebuilt, run the traction unit so all wheels turn
slowly for 10 minutes.
14.Operate traction unit by gradually increasing its work
load to full over a 10 minute period.
15.Stop the machine. Check hydraulic tank and fill if
necessary. Check hydraulic components for leaks and
tighten any loose connections.