Hydraulic System; Recommended Hydraulic Oil; Changing The Oil - Challenge CHAMPION 305 Instructions And Parts Manual

11.0 Hydraulic System

The Champion Series Cutters have both hydraulic cutting and hydraulic clamping operation. The
cutter is powered by an electric motor coupled directly to a hydraulic pump. The pump has a fixed
flow rate output of 5 GPM at 1,800 psi (max. system relief setting) at 1,800 RPM.
The clamp action is powered by a hydraulic cylinder. When the cut buttons are depressed, this
cylinder pulls on the clamp bell crank and brings the clamp down (or brings the clamp up to full
hydraulic pressure if the manual foot clamp is down). The cutting action is also powered by a
hydraulic cylinder connected directly to the knife bar. The knife sequence valve generates 1,600 PSI
of back pressure throughout the system to maintain full clamp pressure during the cut. One
advantage of the hydraulics is the immediate return of the knife when the cut buttons are released.
The hydraulic fluid should be changed YEARLY or EVERY 1,000 HOURS of operation.
The oil filter (Challenge part H-227-1) should be changed YEARLY or whenever any repairs are
made to the hydraulic system.
NOTE: Failure to change the oil and filter when needed can damage the seals in the clamp and knife
cylinders.
Check the level of the hydraulic reservoir WEEKLY or whenever the machine sounds like it is
laboring (this could be due to low oil level). The fluid level should be approximately 2" (5cm) from the
top of the tank. DO NOT OVERFILL. Overfilling may cause leakage when the machine is hot.
The hydraulic tank, fan, manifold, and fittings should be wiped off WEEKLY to maintain maximum
cooling of the tank/hydraulic oil.

11.1 Recommended Hydraulic Oil

Use only ISO (International Standards Organization) Viscosity Grade 46, rust, oxidation, and foam
inhibiting, non-detergent hydraulic oil. Oils other than the recommended type will cause seals,
cups, and O-rings to deteriorate. The proper hydraulic oil can be purchased in 5 gallon containers
from your authorized Challenge Dealer using the Challenge part number: S-1991-3.
Oils other than the recommended type will cause seals, cups, and O-rings to deteriorate.
Unsafe operations conditions will result.

11.2 Changing the Oil

Before beginning, you will need (3) empty five gallon buckets, three oil pans or more, a funnel and an
assistant. If oil is hot, wait until it cools.
1. Make sure main power to the machine is off.
2. Remove the reservoir tank cover (Figure 26).
NEVER USE Automatic transmission oil or brake fluid as a substitute!
Only change oil when it is cold. Burns could result from changing hot oil.
11.0 Hydraulic System
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