When traveling downhill, which brake pedal should you use - the left or the right? Also, how long should you apply the brakes for in seconds? This is an important consideration for safe driving practices.
When utilizing the right-hand pedal, it is important to only apply pressure for a maximum of 3-4 seconds when descending hills to avoid excessive wear. Despite planning to have a mechanic inspect the brake pad thickness, they failed to provide the necessary depth mic during their last visit.
When considering modifications to improve cooling efficiency, upgrading the oil cooler and fan is a straightforward task, while replacing the pump presents a slightly bigger challenge. Have you thought about salvaging power steering pumps from old Honda vehicles as a cost-effective solution? These pumps come with a convenient remote reservoir and can be powered by either the engine or a separate motor. Alternatively, you could install 4 to 6 fans to enhance airflow over the axles, possibly incorporating shrouds to optimize air circulation around key components. This innovative approach can greatly enhance your vehicle's cooling capabilities.
Loweredf1 mentioned using the RH pedal efficiently, not keeping pressure on it for more than 3-4 seconds at the bottom of a hill. They were planning to have a technician check the pad thickness, but unfortunately, they did not have the necessary equipment last time.
It is worth noting that the inboard multiple disc brakes on the 972H can cause heating issues when pressure is applied continuously. The axle oil is expelled from the brake pack when the brake is engaged, leading to increased temperatures. The best way to cool the discs is by releasing the brakes to allow oil circulation within the brake pack.
To reduce reliance on the service brakes and minimize heating, consider descending a grade in a lower gear to utilize engine braking. This strategy may help maintain control without overheating the brake system.
My suggestion is to minimize the grade by using the brakes sparingly until you are able to obtain a truck or stacker. This will help reduce wear and tear on your vehicle while maximizing efficiency.
To upgrade your vehicle's cooling system, consider installing a 12-volt pump connected to the drain plug and fill plug, along with an additional oil cooler for optimal performance. This modification can be completed for around $1,000, but be cautious when handling the hose to avoid any potential mishaps. It's crucial to take preventive measures to prevent unexpected issues from arising.
I have removed the drain plugs from these axles twice already and each time I ended up getting covered in oil. I recently spent $600 on Cat TDTO 30wt oil to change the oils in both axles, so I plan to be more careful during the next plumbing process to avoid wasting or spilling too much fluid.
It is unfortunate that the oil was recently changed. For your high-stress application, it would have been ideal to use TDTO SAE50 instead. To minimize spillage when changing axle oil, consider utilizing a vacuum transducer connected to an air line and plumbed into the fill plug. This method creates suction to easily remove the drain plug and position your oil collection container without any mess. This technique is also effective for hydraulic tanks and when replacing o-rings without needing to drain the system.
Nige suggests using a vacuum transducer to minimize spillage when changing axle oil. By connecting the transducer to an air line and inserting it into the fill plug, you can easily remove the drain plug and collect the oil without making a mess. This method works effectively for hydraulic tanks as well, making it convenient for tasks like replacing o-rings without the need to fully drain the system. In situations where a vacuum transducer is not available, truck owners with a gas engine can improvise by connecting an air line to the fill port and a vacuum fitting on the engine. However, one should be cautious of potential issues such as oil being sucked into the engine intake. An alternative method to consider is the use of a "Suck Bucket".
Nige recommended using a vacuum transducer connected to an air line when changing axle oil to minimize spillage. By utilizing this method, you can easily remove the drain plug and position your oil collection container underneath without any mess. This technique is also effective for hydraulic tanks and when replacing o-rings without the need for a complete system drain. Don't worry about the repost, we all have those fumble finger moments! Click here for more information.
I have successfully utilized a vacuum pump on the 7.3 engine in vintage Ford trucks to create a vacuum in hydraulic tanks, yielding excellent results.
I have invested in some pumps and cooling fans for my setup, and I will provide an update once everything is assembled. Stay tuned for more details on my new cooling system!
Before installing the cooler piping, make sure to drain the oil. I highly recommend using TDTO SAE50 oil for refilling, as it can provide a competitive advantage in your specific application.
Welcome to my first post! If you're operating a Cat wheel loader, try using the LEFT brake pedal to downshift and neutralize the transmission before applying the brakes. This can help reduce heat buildup in the axles. Check if there's a rocker switch that controls this function to improve performance.
New to posting but I have a helpful tip for Cat wheel loader operators! When facing a brake overheating issue, try utilizing the LEFT brake pedal for downshifting and neutralizing the transmission before applying the brakes. This can help reduce heat in the axles. Many machines have a rocker switch for this feature that can be toggled on or off. However, when traveling downhill, it is best to maximize engine braking. In my experience with larger Cat machines, using only the right pedal has shown the best results in maintaining optimal axle temperatures.
During downhill travel, maximizing engine braking is crucial to prevent brake overheating. Decoupling the transmission may not contribute to this, as optimal results for axle temperatures on larger Cat machines are achieved by using only the right pedal. Downshifting can also aid in slowing down, but it is important to avoid keeping the right foot on the throttle while braking with the left. The Integrated Braking System, as mentioned in the 972H brochure, plays a vital role in reducing axle oil temperatures and enhancing transmission neutralizer smoothness. This system significantly enhances the durability of axles and brakes, particularly in scenarios involving extensive distances and heavy braking.
When descending long grades, it is important to only use the right pedal and to choose the appropriate gear right as you reach the top of the hill. Avoid shifting gears until you reach the bottom. The ideal gear for descending is the same gear that the machine can climb the grade in under the same conditions. This means that if you are going downhill with an empty bucket, use the gear that you would use to climb with the same empty bucket. The same applies if the bucket is loaded. Remember, selecting the right gear is crucial for a smooth and safe descent.
It seems logical that the effectiveness of the solution will be influenced by the layout of the site. Before making modifications, it may be worth exploring a feature on the machine that could potentially address the issue. For instance, the 972H incorporates an axle cooler with a coil inside the axle that circulates hydraulic oil from the fan circuit to cool it, which may be challenging to retrofit. In comparison, the 980 has a system that uses an engine-driven pump to extract the oil and transport it to an external cooler. I am intrigued to see what type of system loweredf1 develops and how effective it proves to be.
Instead, the user has the option to replicate the same installation process seen on a 992G by extracting oil from the differential housing using a pump and transferring it through an external heat exchanger. This method requires a dual-section pump (one for each axle), individual lines for each axle, and two coolers.
Are you considering selling your 972H loader? Loweredf1 mentioned that their 972H has been experiencing overheating issues in the axles while operating in a quarry. The engine and transmission are still performing well despite the axle over temp light coming on. They are a small quarry operation that is just starting out and currently rely on a loader to transport rocks uphill for stockpiling due to budget constraints. They are considering creating their own cooling system using a heavy-duty 12-volt pump and a cooler with a small fan. They are also exploring the option of an external cooler kit, but are hesitant due to the cost. Have you encountered similar issues with your loader? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.