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Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting for Electric Hydraulic Spade
If your tree spade has lost one or more of its functions, it may be due to a variety of reasons that can be isolated by reviewing the following trouble shooting tips.
Check the fuse located by the controller. The fuse is a standard 5-amp that can easily be replaced.
Turn the key for the loader unit on in order to energize the spade electronics. *Turn the key to accessory mode if possible.
Find and open the "Circuit Board" box, which is located directly above the valve bank attached to the tree spade.
Check to make sure the circuit board "Power" light is on. This will insure that electric current is flowing to the circuit board.
Activate all available circuits on the control box or pistol grip. This should be done one at a time so as to avoid confusion.
The circuit board contains lights that correspond to the functions on the controller. Therefore, by pressing or moving a switch, the top row of lights and the bottom row of lights should light up.
POSSIBLE ISSUES
1. The "Power Light" stays on but no other indicator lights light up.
- This would indicate that a ground wire from the controller is not secured properly or that the ground wire has fallen off from its contact.
- Retrace the ground wire coming from the control box and make certain that the ground lead is fastened to a proper ground that reads "0-volts". Check to ensure that the positive and negative "butt plugs" coming out of the controller are fastened together. Also check that the ground wire from the controller is not severed or spliced into the positive wire.
2. One or more of the top indicator lights do not light up.
- This would indicate that there is a wire coming from the controller to the circuit board that has been severed, pinched, or fallen off of contact from the plug.
- With the use of a test-light, test all plug-ends by having another person press or move the functions. One power light will stay on constantly and the others will light up when activated. If there is a function(s) that does not light up when activated, examine the cord and plug connections from the circuit board to the controller and be sure that the cord has not been pinched or cut. Also check the ends of the plug to be sure that the wires are securely fastened to the plug ends.
- If a wire "break" can be detected, then turn off the power from the loader. Using a small knife, make a small, lengthwise incision in the cable being careful not to cut into another wire. Locate the wire "break" and splice it back together if possible. Using the test light again, test to see if all functions work.
- If the functions are working again. Tape the repaired cable using electrical tape.
3. One or more of the bottom lights do not light up.
- This would indicate that a ground from the controller is not secured properly or that the ground wire has fallen off from its contact.
- Retrace the ground wire coming from the control box and make certain that the ground lead is fastened to a proper ground that reads "0-volts". Check to ensure that the positive and negative "butt plugs" coming out of the controller are fastened together. Also check that the ground wire from the controller is not severed or spliced into the positive wire.
4. The indicator lights light up but none of the functions operate.
- This would most likely indicate that the "Main Solenoid", which is located on the top of the tree spade valve, is not functioning.
- Check the wire harness connections on the bottom of the circuit board and be certain that they are fastened securely.
- Also check to see that there is adequate oil flow coming from the loader to the tree spade.
- If there is not proper oil flow, it may be attributed to poor loader pump sender and/or restricted coupler connections.
5. The indicator lights light up but one or more function(s) do not operate.
- This would most likely indicate that there is problem at the valve body on the tree spade.
- Check the wire harness connections on the bottom of the circuit board and be certain that they are fastened securely.
- If all wires are fastened securely then check the wires that lead into the coils of the valve.
- Listen to hear if the coils are "clicking". This insures that there is power going to the coils.
- Using a metal end (i.e. pocketknife or screwdriver), check to see that the nut that holds the coil in place has magnetism. The metal end should stick to the nut when the function is activated.
- With a plastic end, lightly tap the nut to see if it releases the function. This would likely indicate that a valve actuator has become stuck and needs a replacement.
6. One of more of the functions are operating backwards
- This likely means that there is too much pressure applied to the "Tie Rods". The tie rods are the three long bolts that run vertically between all valve sections. The purpose is to hold all the valve sections in place.
- Using a "Torque Wrench", re-adjust the tie rods to 8-foot pound pressure. If a torque wrench is not available, re-adjust the tie rods so that they are a quarter to half past hand tight.
If the above tips do not help the problem, then unplug the wire harnesses on the circuit board itself and remove it from its housing by unscrewing the bolts located on the corners and check to see if there is any discolor on the back of the board.
If there is discoloration on the back of the circuit board, it is advised that you call for technical support from the manufacturer.
Trouble Shooting for a Manual Hydraulic Spade
If your tree spade has lost one or more of its functions, it may be due to a variety of reasons that can be isolated by reviewing the following trouble shooting tips.
1. Valve leaks hydraulic fluid.
- This would likely indicate that the fittings connected to the hoses are not tight or the O-rings on the valve have worn out.
- Tighten all fittings to the hoses and check the O-rings for wear and possible replacement.
2. Hydraulic System sluggish or weak.
- This could be attributed to improper or dirty hydraulic oil, a worn loader pump, or the relief valve on the tree spade has become stuck.
- Check the loader pump for wear and/or dirty hydraulic oil. If the hydraulic oil has become dirty, it is recommended that it be drained and re-filled.
- Using a "Pressure Gauge", attach it to the ends of the hoses that tie into the tree spade cylinders. Activate the functions and be sure that the pressure gauge reads from 2200 to 2500psi.
3. Hydraulic System Inoperative.
- This would likely indicate that the oil from the loader is feeding into the tree spade backwards, or there is insufficient hydraulic oil in the reservoir.
- Check your hydraulic fluid levels in the loader and add if needed.
- Disconnect the hydraulic hoses that couple to the loader and reverse the connection.
*The loader pump will labour if the oil is fed in backwards.
4. One or more of the functions are operating backwards.
- Loosen the 1" nut and valve adaptors on the end of the cables where they connect to the valve. Rotate the adapting collar clockwise to tighten the cable tension or counterclockwise to loosen the cable tension.
- Reattach valve adaptors and 1" nut to a snug fit. Test and re-adjust if needed.
If the above tips do not help the problem it is recommended that you call for technical support from the manufacturer. |
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