Why is My Volvo Excavator Losing Hydraulic Power?

Why is My Volvo Excavator Losing Hydraulic Power?

A Volvo excavator relies on a high-pressure hydraulic system to operate the boom, arm, bucket, and tracks. If your Volvo excavator is losing hydraulic power, it can lead to sluggish movement, weak digging force, or complete failure of hydraulic functions. Below, we’ll explore the most common causes of hydraulic power loss and how to fix them.

Common Causes of Hydraulic Power Loss in Volvo Excavators

1. Low Hydraulic Fluid Level

Insufficient hydraulic fluid can cause air to enter the system, leading to reduced performance and overheating.

Solution:

  • Check the hydraulic reservoir and top off with the correct hydraulic oil as specified in your Volvo excavator service manual.
  • Inspect for leaks around hydraulic hoses, fittings, and cylinders.

2. Dirty or Clogged Hydraulic Filters

Contaminated or clogged hydraulic filters can restrict oil flow, reducing pressure and efficiency.

Solution:

  • Replace hydraulic filters at recommended intervals.
  • If filters are frequently clogging, check for contamination in the system.
  • Follow filter replacement procedures in your Volvo repair manual.

3. Worn or Failing Hydraulic Pump

A failing pump cannot generate enough pressure to power the hydraulic system properly.

Solution:

  • Test pump pressure using a hydraulic pressure gauge.
  • If the pressure is below Volvo’s specifications, replace or rebuild the pump.
  • Use the troubleshooting steps outlined in your Volvo excavator repair manual.

4. Faulty Control Valves or Relief Valve Issues

If the control valves or relief valve malfunction, hydraulic pressure may be too low to power attachments effectively.

Solution:

  • Inspect valves for blockages or internal wear.
  • Test relief valve pressure and adjust according to manufacturer specs.
  • If necessary, replace worn control valves following the steps in your Volvo excavator service guide.

5. Hydraulic Cylinder Leaks or Internal Wear

If a hydraulic cylinder is leaking or its seals are damaged, power loss can occur in specific functions like digging or lifting.

Solution:

  • Check for visible hydraulic fluid leaks around the cylinder seals.
  • Perform a cylinder drift test to see if hydraulic pressure is being lost internally.
  • If needed, rebuild or replace the hydraulic cylinders using OEM parts listed in your Volvo excavator service manual.

6. Air in the Hydraulic System

Air bubbles in the hydraulic system can cause erratic movement, poor response, and power loss.

Solution:

  • Bleed the hydraulic system to remove trapped air.
  • Check for leaks that may be allowing air to enter the system.
  • Follow air bleeding procedures in your Volvo equipment repair manual.

Preventive Maintenance for Volvo Excavators

To prevent future hydraulic problems:

  • Regularly check and change hydraulic fluid and filters.
  • Inspect all hoses, seals, and cylinders for wear or leaks.
  • Perform scheduled maintenance as outlined in your Volvo excavator service manual.

Get the Right Manual for Your Volvo Excavator

For detailed repair and troubleshooting steps, a Volvo excavator service manual is essential. At PDFManualsShop.com, we provide Volvo service manuals with hydraulic diagrams, troubleshooting guides, and repair procedures.

We also offer manuals for Case, John Deere, Kubota, and Bobcat.

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