Not the Pump

Magicman · October 05, 2015, 06:23:17 PM

While sawing I noticed that the clamp seemed slow. Maybe my imagination but I will look closer next time. Yup, slower, so how about the loader? Yup, much slower, but the hydraulic motors were rebuilt last year. Open the cover and sure enough, hydraulic fluid coming out or the non-working pump.

No voltage from the solenoid to the pump, so I go to the toolbox for a replacement solenoid.

It was a relatively quick fix. New solenoid and the pump is drawing ~90 amps.

The customer is impressed and we finished sawing the job. ;D

POSTON WIDEHEAD · October 05, 2015, 06:34:11 PM

I'm glad someone else knows how I felt the other week. :D

Glad you're up and running Lynn.

YellowHammer · October 05, 2015, 11:37:27 PM

Magic,
You are a sawmill fixing machine! Especially with the customer breathing down your neck, which even makes it more difficult.

Magicman · October 06, 2015, 08:59:11 AM

During these years of sawing, I have pulled off several "fixes" such as this with the customer watching. I take advantage of the situation and impress upon them that they not only hired the sawyer that would produce the best lumber, but also one that knows his sawmill inside and out and knows how to analyze and keep the sawmill in tip top shape.

That is taking a breakdown and turning it into an advertising situation. If you are gonna blow a horn, it might as well be your own.

Jemclimber · October 06, 2015, 10:48:59 AM

Thanks for sharing the many scenarios and fixes you encounter. Lots of people read and learn without ever saying anything, myself often being in this category.

canadianwoodworks · October 06, 2015, 11:07:49 AM

Nice fix, feels good to get it fixed, understand what's going on then keep on milling!

Seaman · October 07, 2015, 07:04:22 AM

MM, nice fix ! Have you posted a list of the spare parts you carry to the job with you? Being new at this I would love to see it .
Thanks, Frank

hackberry jake · October 07, 2015, 07:17:29 AM

I purchased a similar volt meter last week to use at work. It was $5 at the local hardware store in the discount bin. I have a $200 Fluke I use at home, but the little cheapie gets the job done and it hasn't walked off yet.

slider · October 07, 2015, 07:18:14 AM

I just go to Custom sawyers when i need a part quick. It's closer than Newnan and i can always weasel him out of a free beer.

Magicman · October 07, 2015, 07:47:20 AM

Quote from: Seaman on October 07, 2015, 07:04:22 AM
MM, nice fix ! Have you posted a list of the spare parts you carry to the job with you? Being new at this I would love to see it .

I carry very few spare parts, but that solenoid is a must. I also have a microswitch for the hydraulics, a couple of blade guide rollers, and a repair kit for the blade guide motor. There are probably a few other odds & ends, but nothing major.