Hydraulic System; Recommended Oils; Oil Change - Challenge CHAMPION 370 TC Instructions And Parts Manual

8.3 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 10.5 GPM at 1800 PSI (max. system relief setting) at 1800 RPM.
A hydraulic cylinder powers the clamp. When the cut buttons are depressed, this cylinder pushes on
a bell crank and brings the clamp down (or brings the clamp up to full hydraulic pressure if the manual
foot clamp is down). A hydraulic cylinder connected directly to the knife bar also powers the cut. The
knife sequence valve generates 1600 PSI of backpressure throughout the system to maintain full
clamp pressure during the cut. One big advantage of the hydraulic system is the immediate return of
the knife when the cut buttons are released. Instead of stopping in place, the knife immediately
returns to the upper position.
The hydraulic fluid should be changed YEARLY or EVERY 1000 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 when needed can damage the seals in the clamp and knife cylinders
as well as the manifold.
Refill the tank with 15 gallons of an ISO (International Standards Organization) Viscosity Grade 46,
rust, oxidation, and foam inhibiting hydraulic oil. NOTE: NEVER use Automatic Transmission Oil
or Brake Fluid as a substitute for the correct hydraulic fluid. Dangerous operation conditions
could result.
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).

8.3.1 Recommended Oils

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.

8.3.2 Oil Change

Before beginning, you will need (3) empty five gallon buckets, an oil pan, and a transfer pump. If oil is
hot, wait until it cools.
1. DISCONNECT THE POWER AND LOCK IT OUT! (See Power Lock-out Procedure, page 5)
2. Remove the hydraulic breather cap (see Figure 30). Access the breather behind a cover
plate on the hydraulic power unit cover.
8.0 Maintenance Guide
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