How to Change Hydraulic Oil and Filter on a Mini Excavator

Changing the hydraulic oil and filter on a mini excavator is vital for maintaining its performance and longevity. Over time, hydraulic oil can become contaminated with dirt and debris, leading to potential damage. This guide outlines the importance of regular maintenance, including when to change the oil and filter, and provides a step-by-step process to ensure your excavator runs smoothly. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your hydraulic system in top shape, enhancing operational efficiency and avoiding costly repairs.

Marie Williams

10/6/20244 min read

In time, hydraulic oil may be mixed with dirt, debris, or metal particles. This could result in damage and diminish the performance of mini excavators. This is why it's important to replace the filters and hydraulic oil frequently to keep the hydraulic system in good condition and assure an efficient operation.

Here I am helping and guiding you through the procedure of changing the hydraulic oil and filter on the mini excavator. It will also provide useful tips and excellent methods to follow.

Why change hydraulic oil and filters?

Maintaining your mini excavators hydraulic system in good condition is crucial for a variety of reasons:

  1. Protecting against contamination Clean hydraulic oil could cause an enlargement of the system's hydraulics, which can cause damages to the parts and decrease effectiveness.

  2. ensures smooth operation Clean hydraulic oil as well as a new filter assure the smooth operation of all components, such as the arm, boom, and bucket.

  3. Extends Equipment Life Regular maintenance, which includes changing the hydraulic oil and filter will prolong the lifespan of the miniature excavator and also helps you avoid costly repairs.

When to Change Hydraulic Oil and Filters?


To assure optimal performance, adhere to the following maintenance plan:

1- Hydraulic Oil Change it every 2500 hours of operation.

2- Hydraulic Oil Filter: Replace it each 1000 hours. If you're often with attachments such as hydraulic breakers, cut these intervals in order to keep the system running efficiently.

4- Tools and Materials Needed


Before you start make sure you have the following materials and tools:

  • Anti-wear hydraulic oil (12L)

  • Hydraulic oil filter (1 unit)

  • 14mm wrench

  • 12mm wrench

  • 10mm wrench

  • Oil suction pump

5- Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Hydraulic Oil and Filter

Step 1: Park and makeup

Park Safely It is important to warrant that the machine is level with the surface. Completely retract the arm cylinder and then extend the bucket cylinder and lower the bucket down to the ground. The engine should idle for around five minutes.

Switch off the engine Switch the pilot lock switch on the hydraulic and then shut off engine power, guarantee that all joysticks remain in neutral and then remove the key. Keep the engine running until the hydraulic oil cools since it is extremely hot.

Step 2: Access the Hydraulic Tank

Remove Covers Utilise a wrench, remove the bolts on the roof panel and the cover covering the tank for hydraulic oil. This will allow access to the reservoir for hydraulic oil and filter.

Clear the area Make sure you clean the surface on the reservoir that holds hydraulic oil to stop dirt from entering the system after you turn it on.

Step 3: Drain the Old Hydraulic Oil

  • Release Pressure Carefully: Gradually lift the cap on your hydraulic oil to let out any pressure that has built up. Be aware of the oil spraying out that could cause harm.

  • Then drain the oil Then, remove the drain plug from on the base of the tank for hydraulic oil to completely drain the oil.

Step 4: Replace the Hydraulic Oil Filter

  • Take out the old Filter Take off the cap of the oil-pickup filter and remove your old filter for hydraulic use by turning it clockwise.

  • Cleaning the tank and filter Clean the Tank and Filter thoroughly clean the filter as well as the interior of the hydraulic tank in order to get rid of any debris or dirt.

  • Install the new filter Install the new filter with care onto the outlet. Make sure the levers are correctly set and the filter is properly attached.

Step 5: Refill the Hydraulic Oil

  • Use Reused or New Oil If you're in the middle of your change interval, you may use the previous oil you extracted earlier by putting it in the tank. If it's time to replace the entire tank, make sure to add a fresh hydraulic fluid.

  • Fill the tank to the correct level Pour slowly and gradually until the oil level is at that 2/3 level on your dipstick for oil. This is the recommended fill level used to warrant the proper operation.

  • Install the drain plug Clean and replace the drain plug in the bottom of the tank to prevent the possibility of leaks.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test

  • Completely assemble all Parts Install all panels and covers which were removed in the course of removing them.

  • Start the Engine Start the Engine and let it idle for around two minutes. Examine all control points and assure there aren't any leaks or problems with or in the hydraulic system.

Conclusion

The process of changing hydraulic oil and filters is an easy task to do using the proper tools and procedures. Conducting it frequently as a part of your routine maintenance will assure that your mini excavator is running well at perfect and help you avoid costly repairs later on. Be simple, be safe, and warrant that you keep your equipment in top condition.

Remember that at AHM we provide top-quality mini excavators and top-of-the-line support for all of your equipment needs.