richard, I've never owned a backoe like yours, so I'm certainly no expert on them at all. But I've heard some of them have powershift transmissions, which are similar to those found in powershift crawlers (like what I own). My machine lost its ability to transfer power to the tracks when it was on a steep left leaning angle (like when I got the left track stuck in mud recently). I discovered that for one thing my transmission oil level was somewhat low because I wasn't checking it the way I should have. I was removing the tranny dipstick, wiping it clean, reinserting it, screwing it all the way down and then removing it again to check the level. The proper way is to remove it, clean it, and then just reinsert the dipstick WITHOUT screwing it in again before removing it and checking the level. The way I was doing it made the transmission oil level appear higher than it actually was, which helped to cause the loss of power transfer when it was tilting left. So you may want to check your manual and ensure you're checking your oil level correctly. Also, obviously make sure your machine is on level ground and the machine has been setting (without running) for several hours before checking it (that's how my machine is checked at least). And if your machine has a safety filter, suction filter and a paper cartridge filter (like my powershift machine has), then these should be checked/replaced as well to ensure they are not clogged. Do you have a transmission oil pressure gauge on your machine? If so, does it indicate you're losing pressure when you are on the hill? If you have a service manual, it will probably give instructions on how to tap various ports on your transmission's pressure regulator and measure the various pressures with pressure gages. These tests on my machine do not require expensive instruments or tools (couple of ordinary gauges and some hose), and the procedure is fairly straightforward. Hopefully the same applies to your backhoe. Good luck
|