• Thank you for visiting HeavyEquipmentForums.com! Our objective is to provide industry professionals a place to gather to exchange questions, answers and ideas. We welcome you to register using the "Register" icon at the top of the page. We'd appreciate any help you can offer in spreading the word of our new site. The more members that join, the bigger resource for all to enjoy. Thank you!

Old Leibherr 901 excavator Servo hydraulic problem

Fixing-it

Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2009
Messages
8
Location
UK
Hi
Just wondering if anyone out there can give some advice.I have used this machine for over 10 yrs and it has been great.
Last year it developed a problem with the servo hydraulics,all functions work but very slow response.
Checked the usual simple stuff filter,pump and pressures.Gave up and called Leibherr engineer in. He found a sticking spool valve corrected it but still said servo pressure was low.He could not cure the problem and said it could be the pump or something else.I think the age of the machine meant that the technicians did not have the diagnostic experience to detect the fault.
I want to have one last go at restoring the machine to its former glory. Have any old timers experienced this problem on old Leibherrs?
Any suggestions welcome.
 
Last edited:

RobVG

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2009
Messages
1,028
Location
Seattle WA
Occupation
17 excavators and a stewpot of other stuff
Is the 'servo' system the same thing as a pilot system and does it have a relief valve?
 

Fixing-it

Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2009
Messages
8
Location
UK
Hi
Thanks for responding. I guess it is the hydraulic pilot system(servo) which controls the main valves and I know there is a small accumulator and pressure regulator on the system which holds pressure on the pilot system if the engine stops unexpectedly.My problem is the age of the machine,I cannot get a hydraulic system diagram and the Leibherr engineer who came out seemed lost in the old technology even with a diagram.I am sure it is something simple because all the controls respond on the pilot but with a delay and slow response.
 

GCC

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2011
Messages
172
Location
Ontario, Canada
Occupation
Excavation
if there is a delay and slow its probably your pumps not building enough pressure possible from wear. but it does sound like its your pump should pressure test them and check flow rates
 

L 180 E

Active Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2008
Messages
31
Location
denmark
I have seen the same in a 941, if my memory saves me right, it is 20 years ago, it was some sort of spring in the left hand lever there was broken, because of that it kind of only open the valves half way
 

Fixing-it

Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2009
Messages
8
Location
UK
Hi thanks
Have checked pressures and they are OK the problem does seem on the servo side of the cicuit.
 
Top