Correct way to check the Hydraulic oil level

Frameroux · Dec 8, 2014

Can you guys help me with something please. There has been some confusion in our company concerning the correct way to check the excavator`s hydraulic oil level. Are the cylinders supposed to be extended or retracted? Some believe they must be retracted to get the oil back in tank but the manual says the bucket tilt and stick cylinder must be fully extended? is it only those two or the boom cylinder as well? is it different on different machines? can someone please explain this to me please? Thank you!

Nige · Dec 8, 2014

This is the position a Cat excavator must be in to check the oil level in the hydraulic tank before startup, I cannot say about any other brand but would suspect they all use a similar procedure. If I am wrong in this I'm sure someone will correct me.

It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that the excavator needs to be on level ground to get a true tank level reading whatever the position of the front-end equipment is supposed to be.

Shimmy1 · Dec 8, 2014

You need to check operator's manual. Some want the hoe stretched out(all cylinders retracted) and others like my 210 Case the manual says curl everything up (stick and bucket cylinders extended) and set on ground. If you don't have a manual, call the shop and have them look it up.

Pocho86 · Dec 8, 2014

takeuchis i know your stretch the arm out or retract the cylinders and yes case your extend the cylinders or curl the arm in and cats you leave in the upright position like so above

The Peej · Dec 8, 2014

You guys have it all wrong.

Everyone knows you run it until the functions shutter then you add 5 gallons

td25c · Dec 8, 2014

LOL The Peej ! That can happen .

We check fluid in the excavator with it positioned as Nige suggested in post #2 . Not because a book said to ....... That's just how we park it in the evening when quitting

. Next morning check all fluid levels . Pretty much do the same on other equipment & trucks . Try to park it on a level spot when shift is over .

As a general rule on hydraulic tanks I have found over the years to keep a tank 3/4 full of it's overall capacity and your good to go .:thumbsup

diggerop · Dec 8, 2014

I suspect that the position that you use probably doesn't make much difference, but come up with a position you're happy with or the boss and use it all the time. Don't setup different each time.

John C. · Dec 9, 2014

They all come with a decal now days somewhere in the vicinity of the hydraulic fill cap or the sight gauge. Each manufacturer has their own way of checking. It's usually only an issue when something breaks under warranty.

Frameroux · Dec 9, 2014

This is the instructions on the Liebherr R942. I suppose it is then different for every machine.. bit confusing though....

Sorry... this is a better pic

kshansen · Dec 9, 2014

Liebherr, sure does seem to like to confuse you! And you have to fill through the return filter? Is this so any new oil is filtered?

pf/l · Dec 9, 2014

On our 06 hitachi 270 its stick all the way out bucket curled in and boom to the ground. I always leave the thumb retracted as that way the cylinder displaces less oil.

StumpyWally · Dec 9, 2014

For a 2005 NH EH80 CS (Kobelco SK80 CS), check hydraulic fluid position is ALL cylinders retracted, per the manual & decal on machine.

Ozz · Dec 25, 2014

Check the manual. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

ih100 · Dec 26, 2014

diggerop said:
I suspect that the position that you use probably doesn't make much difference, but come up with a position you're happy with or the boss and use it all the time. Don't setup different each time.

It makes a lot of difference with some machines. It's what the handbook says, not your own best guess.

alco · Dec 26, 2014

The Peej said:
You guys have it all wrong.

Everyone knows you run it until the functions shutter then you add 5 gallons

That's the procedure for rental machines....regardless of the brand....LOL.

greggn · Dec 27, 2014

Our Cat 215 is to be in a different position than our 235.

Dr.Dc · Dec 28, 2014

In my fleet there is a 345 liehberr material handler . anybody know what position that would be cause it only shows the pic that is shown above and that is not a material handler. and the book says the same thing.

Johnfused · Sep 29, 2023

pf/l said:
On our 06 hitachi 270 its stick all the way out bucket curled in and boom to the ground. I always leave the thumb retracted as that way the cylinder displaces less oil.

Thumb retracted = cylinder extended? Or am I misunderstanding? Thanks.

Correct way to check the Hydraulic oil level

Frameroux

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Nige

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Shimmy1

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Pocho86

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The Peej

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td25c

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diggerop

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John C.

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Frameroux

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kshansen

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pf/l

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StumpyWally

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Ozz

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ih100

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alco

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greggn

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Dr.Dc

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Johnfused

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