Japanese mini trucks are becoming popular by the day and this is simply because of its incredible performance and dependability. They have been compared to the pick up trucks among other types of vehicles. But one of the things that best highlights the Japanese mini dump trucks is their hydraulic dump system. However, sometimes their hydraulic system fails to function as expected. But like every other vehicle part, there is a fix. In this guide, we will go through fixing faulty mini dump truck hydraulics.
But before doing that, let’s first look at how the dump truck hydraulic system functions.
How the dump truck hydraulic System Works
There are two types of hydraulic systems that are used in Japanese mini truck dump beds. The most common type that is used in Japanese mini tucks is one that utilizes pistons. The use of hydraulic pistons is efficiently engineered to raise the dump at an angle and hence dumping the load in it.
There exists a PTO auxiliary drive which drives the hydraulic pump system that is connected to it. The pump utilizes the electric energy from the vehicle’s engine and is responsible for pumping fluid to the hydraulic system to give that push. The amount of load which a Japanese mini dump truck can lift depends on a number of things. First, it has to do with the length of the hydraulic arm. This determines the maximum height and tilt it can reach. Secondly, it has to do with the power that is transmitted through the fluid. More power means that the hydraulic dump system will lift more weight. The size of the pump will also affect the output.
There are however more components in a dump truck hydraulic system which makes the functionality possible. Other crucial parts of the system includes directional control system, a pressure relief valve and a the gears that controls how the system works.
What Could Be Wrong With the Mini Dump Truck Hydraulics
There are a number of things that could go wrong with a dump truck hydraulic system. Such can make the entire hydraulic system to fail functioning and perform poorly. In some instances, it could work only for light loads and not work for heavy loads. Below are a number of things that could be wrong with the dump truck hydraulics.
Improper functioning of relief valve
One of the most common problems that a dump truck hydraulics system could have is the relief valve failing to work. You will often see that the system not lifting properly. This is mostly caused by the relief valve having lose caskets and seals. To fix this, you would need to replace the seals to make sure that the fluid does not have even the smallest leaks.
Hydraulic cylinder needs bleeding
Sometimes bleeding the cylinder is necessary to improve efficiency and functionality of the dump truck hydraulics. To do this, you have to raise the dump body as well as the cylinder to the maximum height. You should then leave the hydraulic system up for some time so as the air can fill the hydraulic chamber.
Once this is done, you can lower the dump bed and leave a gap of 1.5 to 2 feet from the chassis. Then put the lever on the hold position, and after a few minutes, you can consider the bleeding done. Everything should be working as normal after this. And if not, then there could be a different underlying problem.
Worn out hydraulic oil
Oil and hydraulics fluid in general cannot wear out, right? NO! Like every other thing that is used, they too get worked out. Hydraulic fluid do wear out after sometime of use, especially under heavy use. They are broken down by high heat that they are subjected to, but with good maintenance, they can really go a long way. Increased oxidation and water leaking in to the hydraulic arm.
To ensure better functioning of the hydraulic system it is important to always change the oil once in a while, and regularly if you use the dump truck more often. You could also consider covering the system when it is not in use.
Not enough power reaching the hydraulics
Sometimes it is not the hydraulic system itself that is problematic, but rather a problem with power transmission. That said, you should check everything along the transmission line. This includes the wiring, the solenoid, the pump motor and the control switches. To quickly troubleshoot this, you can jump a wire to the solenoid to see the motor if it is functioning. See that the wiring system if in good condition and that there are no loose ends.
These are just but a few common issues that the dump truck hydraulics may have. You can follow these instructions, and in many cases, they will fix the system.
To Wrap It UP!
With proper maintenance of a hydraulic system, you can expect your Japanese mini truck to function normally for a long time. However, if not properly taken care of and contaminants start entering, it could be problematic. Water and air entering could also cause issues with the functioning of the system.
As shared above, there are some common known problems and we have highlighted their simple fixes as well. Sometimes though, the problem could persist or keep recurring more sooner than later. As this point, it would be good to consider replacing the hydraulic system, especially if it is old. Otherwise, consult with an expert.
We have been dealing with Japanese mini trucks for a long time, and we have understood every bit of these vehicles. Be it dump trucks, scissor lifts or flat bed mini trucks, we are experts in that.
Please also consider checking out some of the used Japanese mini trucks that we have in our sales yard. Although based in Japan, we can help you get you vehicle to any destination across the globe. We have done this hundred of times to countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Australia and the United States.