Alamo Switchblade Sickle Bar 5 - Manual (Page 103)

MAINTENANCE
SB5/6 03/09 Maintenance Section 4-3
© 2009 Alamo Group Inc.
MAINTENANCE
INITIAL HYDRAULIC SYSTEM CLEANING
After the first 100 hours of operation, or if the filter condition gauge shows in the red area when the oil is above
100°F drain, clean and replace the filter. Replace the oil after 250 hrs of operation. The oil and filter should be
changed in the following manner:
1. On a flat clean area, lower the mower to the floor, turn off the tractor, set the park brake and remove
key.
2. Remove the magnetic drain plug from the bottom of the reservoir and drain the oil into a catch con-
tainer. Discard the used oil according to the regulations in your area. Clean off any particles attached to
the magnetic drain plug. Reinstall the plug using a paste-type pipe thread sealant suitable for hydraulic
use.
3. Remove the suction hose and suction fittings from the tank. Remove the suction screen. (Refer to the
Tank Assembly in the parts section). Wash the suction screen in clean solvent and allow to dry thor-
oughly. Reinstall the suction screen, suction fittings and suction hose using a paste-type pipe thread
sealant suitable for hydraulic use.
4. Unscrew the cap from the top of the filter housing. Remove the filter element from the bowl and replace
with the new filter element provided with the new unit (P/N 02974310).
5. Fill the reservoir with a good grade of clean universal tractor hydraulic oil (P/N 02966307-5 Gal. Con-
tainer). Always add oil using a system that filters the oil prior to being added to the tank. Never assume
that any oil, even new oil in a new container, is contaminant free. To rapidly fill the tank, remove the fil-
ter cartridge from the bowl. Fill the tank until the oil is at the top of the sight gauge. Reinstall the ele-
ment and screw cap.
6. Start the tractor and check for leaks.
RESERVOIR OIL & FILTER MAINTENANCE:
Dirty oil can destroy the hydraulic system. Dirt scores valve spools and cylinder plungers and gouges metal
from pump and motor thrust plates, gears, and housings. If mower performance is lagging or system is
running hotter, the cause could be oil contamination. The oil reservoir has a filter condition gauge located on
the filter housing. The filter will show in the red arc when the oil filter needs changing or when the oil
temperature is below 100 degrees F. The oil filter should be changed after every 400 hours or every 12 months
of operation or when the gauge shows in the red arc when the oil temperature is above 100 degrees F. When
changing the filter, also replace the breather filter element (P/N 02974319) located under the black cap. Refer
to Filter Assembly in the parts section. Change the oil every 500 hours or 12 months as described in the above
procedure. Use Chevron 1000 THF or an equivalent oil.
NOTE: Your ambient temperature and operating conditions may require a different viscosity oil. Please contact
the oil manufacturer for proper specifications.