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MAINTENANCE
INTERSTATER 02/11 Maintenance Section 5-12
© 2011 Alamo Group Inc.
MAINTENANCE
HYDRAULICS
General
The INTERSTATER hydraulic system consists of two circuits. The power circuit drives the cuttershaft. The
control circuit lifts and tilts the cutter unit.
A tractor with a cutter unit installed on each side will have two independent power circuits with two sets of lift
and tilt cylinders, and one control circuit with a four-section control valve (instead of a two section valve).
NOTE: It is important that pipe thread sealant be used on solid connections only; never on connections
between swivel fittings or fittings with “O” rings and straight threads. Use pipe thread sealing compound. DO
NOT substitute other types of sealant, such as teflon tape, paint, shellac, etc.
Initial Start-Up Procedures
Whenever the hydraulic system is drained in order to service a hydraulic component, the following start-up
procedure should be completed.
1. Check all nuts and hex head capscrews to be sure they are tight and that all lock washers are fully
compressed.
2. Check all hoses and hydraulic connections to be sure that they are tight.
3. Inspect all moving parts, and make certain that no wires or hoses will be caught or pinched when the
tractor is in operation.
Secure all wires and hoses.
4. Thoroughly lubricate the INTERSTATER. Refer to SECTION 2, Illustration 4.
5. Change the hydraulic filter and fill the reservoir to the sight glass with new hydraulic oil. Refer to SECTION
1 for specifications.
Remove all objects from, and stand clear of the front of the cutter unit. DO NOT GET NEAR
ROTATING KNIVES.
6. Turn mowers off, then start tractor and run engine at low idle. Operate the lift and tilt circuits, and the
power circuit (turn cutter units on ONLY when mowers are fully lowered). Operate until the system is fully
charged. Recheck the fluid level and add oil, if necessary. If undue noise continues after the system is fully
charged, stop the unit and determine the cause.
7. After the hydraulic system is fully charged and functioning properly, switch the mowers on and increase
the engine speed to run the PTO at 540 RPM. Maintain this speed for 5 minutes and look for any leaks or
possible problems.