View attachment 206460 View attachment 206460
It was remarked to me earlier on this forum that the Case and Sumitomo brands were essentially the same as the Link-Belt LS 4300 CII which is built by Sumitomo, but I found out in ordering parts that isn't necessarily true. I've been using Shafer Equipment in Sparks NV and Bejac in Rancho Cordova CA as my LBX parts sources. I'm thinking that having the Serial number of your machine is absolutely essential as the basic platform is individually configured according to the specific application (excavator, log handler, etc), and that is critical when doing work and/or service on the hydraulics including pumps, valves, pilot control, and cylinders.
We were fortunate to get all the manuals with our machine which I have been scanning as backups. Without those and (in my case) enlarging the electrical and hydraulic schematics the task of understanding how to troubleshoot problems might exceed one's capabilities. I've also had benefit of a couple of service managers familiar with the older Link-Belt machines which really helped. The smaller of our two parts manuals has a "Key List" which is the guide to the various parts assemblies. It's a vital document that will save a lot of time and frustration.
Our machine had the original computer control removed and bypassed, effectively keeping the beast in Emergency Bypass mode. If you study the electrical wiring schematic you can see how this switch eliminates the controller with loss of some non-essential operations i.e. Bare Bones.
We've replaced much of the wiring using color-coded and bonded 16-gauge 4-conductor trailer wire to make identification of solenoid wiring simpler, installed a new custom made aluminum control panel that uses a 5-amp fused switch for each of the 10 solenoids we've identified, replaced the key switch, installed a master solenoid kill switch, and are presently waiting on a couple of adjustable voltage controllers, one for the new throttle actuator that I designed to replace the original inoperable throttle motor and the other to give me a degree of control over the very important proportional control solenoid valve.
My equipment partner and I got into this machine dirt cheap and so far it hasn't disappointed in any way. Motor and hydraulics is strong, the undercarriage is fair to good, and with replacement of a couple of pilot and pressure hoses we should soon be moving material with the 2+ yard bucket.
If you've never worked on an excavator before there's a lot to learn, especially with safety in mind when working with massive weight and hydraulic pressures in excess of 5000 psi. That's where familiarizing yourself with the manuals is most important. Having some hands-on experience with other heavy equipment, especially hydraulic equipment is a real plus.
Good luck with your new baby, all 35+tons of it!
