
18 Hydro 1
Maintenance
CAUTION! If necessary, top off oil reservoir using proper fluid type. Do not mix oil types. Refer to Oil Equivalent Table,
pg. 15. Only use filter elements capable of meeting or exceeding the oil cleanliness level requirements.
IMPORTANT! Oil filter status indicator functions only when unit is powered and when motor and pump are running. In operating
conditions with high levels of airborne particles, inspect breather at frequent intervals.
IMPORTANT! Conduct recommended oil change schedule in accordance with fluid type, aging and oil contamination level. Oil
condition depends on moisture content and additive level. In operating conditions with high levels of airborne particles and/or
elevated thermal loads, reduce intervals between oil changes accordingly.
Hydraulic Oil Change Schedule
• Afterrst500operatinghours
• Every1000operatinghoursorbiannuallyregardlessofaccumulatedoperatinghours
• Oilchangeintervallengthscanbeadjusted(longerorshorter)ifresultsoflaboratoryuidsamplingandoilanalysisrevealoilis
cleaner or more contaminated than expected at 1000 operating hours.
How to Change Oil
Oil change intervals are recommended based on various factors such as the type of fluid, the degree of aging and the contamination of
the oil. Water content and the levels of additives are also significant factors in determining the condition of the oil. Important guidelines
to remember are:
• Followproperprocedureswhenchangingoil.Impropercleaningproceduresmaycontaminatehydraulicsystem.
• Performoilchangesinawarmoperatingenvironment.
• Drainoldoilbeforeaddingnew.Reservoirmaybeemptiedviaoneoftwomethods:
1. Place basin near HPU beneath drain plug. Remove plug and let oil drain into basin until reservoir is empty.
2. Use siphon/oil pump method to pull oil up through hose in filler tube. Use a basin to collect oil.
• Onceoilisdrained,uselint-freeragstocleanreservoir.Removedebrispriortorelling.
• Filteroilpriortollingreservoir.Neverllareservoirthroughallerbreatherwithoutlteringitpriortoorduringthellingprocess.
• Takecaretonotintroducecontaminatesfromthelterhousingwhenremovinglter.
Note: Always dispose of oil properly. Contact your local waste authority, and follow guidelines for recycling and/or disposal.
CAUTION! Filter oil prior to filling the reservoir. Cleanliness of oil directly from barrel is not sufficient for system operation.
Contact local hydraulic service company for filter carts or pre-filtered oil.
Problems occurring during oil change result from:
• Useofunsuitablehydraulicoil
• Useofoilwhichwascontaminatedduetofaultystorage
• Failuretocleanreservoir
• Inadequatecleanlinesswhenlling,i.e.dirtydrumsorcontainers
• Fillingtoimproperlevels
Harken Hydraulic Power Units will provide years trouble free operation with proper, routine
maintenance. Adherence to a maintenance schedule will lengthen component life, reduce downtime,
and minimize repair costs. Typical maintenance includes regular oil changes, replacing filter elements,
oil sampling and component inspection. Under normal operating conditions, the following maintenance
schedules are suggested:
Filter Element Replacement Schedule
• Withineight(8)operatinghoursaftertheinitialcommissioning
• Every500operatinghoursorwhenOilFilterStatusIndicatorsignalsadirtylter
• Duringanycompleteoilchange
Filter supplied with the unit is a drop-in element (HYFEH10). Ensure O-rings are fitted into ends of filter
prior to installation. Contact Harken for replacement elements. If using other manufacturer, cross-
reference the filter and use element rated for 10 micron or better. Oil Filter Status Indicator