Forest Operations > Conduct Feller Buncher Operations > Feller Buncher Maintenance

Picture examples of component checks and procedures

Walk Around Feller Buncher Inspection:

• Check under the machine for signs of fluid leaks;
• Check for loose bolts and nuts in all areas;
• Check tyre inflation;
• Check for cracks in cabin, articulation & boom;
• Check for wear and leaks in hydraulic hoses and fittings;
• Check for signs of tampering.

Maintenance Schedule 8/10 Hours or Daily:

• Engine oil level;
• Engine coolant level;
• Hydraulic oil level;
• Transmission oil;
• Air filter pre-cleaner;
• Outer air filter only;
• Fuel / water separator;
• Lubrication / grease points;
• House keeping;
• Walk around machine inspection.

Engine Oil Level:

• Remove the dipstick, wipe clean;
• Re-insert and remove to get a true reading;

Fig 5

Dipstick Markings:

If the reading is below this mark, oil needs to be added

Fig 5a

Coolant Level:

Caution! Remove cap only when the engine is cool.

Check the container for level marks.

Fig 6

Hydraulic Oil Level:

The oil level should be within the indicated area Oil level. It is very important to release hydraulic pressure from the tank before topping up with oil.

Fig 7

Transmission Oil Level:

The transmission may need to be at operating temperature. Check the operator manual for the correct procedure as the engine may require running for correct reading.

Fig 8

Air Pre-Cleaner:

Empty the air pre-cleaner when dust reaches the upper maximum level.

Fig 9

Air Filter Housing:

Turn the primary filter 1/2 turn before removal to prevent dirt falling on the secondary filter.

Fig 10

Fuel & Water Separator:

Loosen the drain to remove water and sediment into a suitable container.

Re-tighten the drain after water has been removed.

Fig 11

Lubrication:

All pivot points require lubrication.

Fig 12

Location & Timeframes for greasing track machines:

Fig 13

Example of machine lubrication time frames

Always refer to specific machine and attachment manuals for the correct lubricants and time frames. 

1. Main boom pivot 8 Hrs;
2. Stick boom pivot 8 Hrs;
3. Attachment mounting pivot 8 Hrs;
4. Main boom cylinder rod 8 Hrs;
5. Stick boom cylinder rod 8 Hrs;
6. Tool tilt cylinder rod 8 Hrs;
7. Felling Attachment, usually 8 Hrs (See Manufactures Manual);
8. wing bearing ring gear 8 Hrs;
9. Tilt cylinder rod & base end 50 Hrs;
10. Leveling pivot points 50 Hrs;
11. Swing bearing 50 Hrs;
12. Throttle linkage 250 Hrs;
13. Swing stop box lead screw 50 Hrs.

Housekeeping:

• Clean the windows;
• Put tools in their correct storage place;
• Clean up spilt oils or fuel;
• Keep the cab clean, you will be spending;
• most of your working day in there;

Fig 14

Fire Prevention

Remove build up of debris. Depending on the type of operation you may need to do this several times a day.

Fig 15

Fire Extinguishers

Before starting work:

• Unlock fire extinguishers on the machine;
• Do regular checks to ensure extinguishers are charged;
• Make sure you know the correct fire extinguisher to use for the type of fire and how to use it.

Fan / Air con. Belts

Fig 16

Engine Starter Motor

• Large heavy forest machine usually require heavy duty starter motors;
  They must be kept clean and free of fuel, oils and debris;
• Regularly check the power terminal nuts are tight and for any damage to wiring.

Fig 17

Alternator

Most machines have an alternator warning light in the cabin. If the light come on the alternator may need:

1. Replacing;
2. Servicing;
3. Drive belts to alternator may need adjusting.                                                                    

Fig 18

Engine Turbo Charger

Fig 19

• The turbo charger forces air into the engine to greatly increase its horse power. Turbo chargers are driven by the exhaust gasses at extremely high revolutions.
• Before shutting any turbo engine off, it must be idled down for 3 to 5 minutes to cool and avoid any turbo damage.

Tyres and Wheel Nuts

Fig 20

• Check for signs of movement around wheel nuts, in the dryer months there will be a shiny ring around the nuts.
• In the wet months, when the machine has been idle over night, there will be a rusty ring around the nuts.
• Check for cuts, splits or debris sticking out of the tyre.



Fig 21