Machine Maintenance Procedures

Operator tasks

Maintenance procedures are specific to the type and make of machine. Always follow the maintenance or service requirements and procedures specified by the manufacturer.

Before maintenance of any kind is undertaken, you must ensure the following:

The machine is in a safe area and on flat clear ground;
The head is either grounded, or chocked up to prevent it from falling;
The machine’s hydraulic lock-out lever is engaged (if fitted) and the engine shut down;
The computer control is turned to the "off" position (or to "manual" if an authorised serviceman requires pressure to the head for diagnosis).

The following sections are guidelines only, and should not replace manufacturer guidelines.

Daily Maintenance

Complete the following each day.

Lubricate grease points;
The feller buncher can be lubricated during the day or at the end of the day because:

The machine is hot and grease flows more readily;
It is easier to see in daylight;
It is usually warmer;
It is an opportunity for a break;

Check all hoses and associated fittings for damage or oil leaks;
Check the felling head and fittings for damage or wear;
Remove branches caught in between hydraulic hoses;
Maintain cutting component if required (sharpening);
Check cutting component for wear or damage.;
Clean debris from around hydraulic oil cooler;
Check delimbing pivot pin retaining bolts;
Check clamp arm pivot retaining bolts;
Clean the cabin windows;
Check safety features;
Clean the cabin.

Periodic Maintenance (e.g. Weekly)

Clean out soil from between the carrier rollers on tracked machines.
Check all hoses and associated fittings for security and tension.
Check shims and bushes on all pivot points.
Check main valve bank mounting bolts.
Check share blades or disc saw teeth.
Sharpen delimbing knives if required.
Check track tension/tyre pressures.
Check fire suppression equipment.

Fire hazards

One of the responsibilities of the feller buncher operator is to clean debris away from the exhaust system outlet.

In the fire danger season this is critical, and may need to be performed two or three times a day to ensure there is no fire outbreak.

The picture below (Fig. 1) shows debris on the machine but the area in front of the exhaust system is clean and so reduces any chance of a fire outbreak.

Fig 1

Fuel Consumption Scenario

If you are responsible for refilling the main fuel tanker for the machine you operate, or all the machines on the work site, you must understand the fuel consumption of the machines.

The consequences of a machine running out of fuel could be very embarrassing, disruptive, and costly to the operation.

If a machine uses 11 litres an hour, the machine will use 88 litres for an 8 hour working day.

If a machine uses 15 litres an hour, the machine will use 180 litres for a 12 hour working day.

Download the activity by clicking the icon above. If the activity is slow to open right click the icon and select "Save Target As" and save the file to your computer before opening.

When complete please follow the instructions of your trainer\assessor or check your answers at the back of the Learner Guide.