M62 wrecker

[gimpyrobb]

As some of you know, I got a 53 m62 wrecker at the begining of this year. I fixed the starter and tinkered with some of the other features. The rear winch worked, the front will work with a little time and effort, the crane section had no fluid in it. I have read that the reserve tank holds about 60gal of hydraulic oil. That expense has been out of my reach until Thursday. I picked up some 5gal buckets cheap. I only had time to dump it in the tank on Thurs. Friday I got around to starting the truck and with fingers crossed, I tried out the boom. First off I tested extending the boom. It moved out and in just fine. WOOO HOOO! Next I tried lowering the hook. Aside from lack of weight on the hook, it worked good. Next came a left and then right swing, Awesome. Then I decided to raise the boom. It got almost all the way up and blew a hole in a hose. I was talking with some people about my project and one of the guys asked why I didn't use ATF. I had never thought about it, and wanted to ask what everyone thought about it. Do you guys who have wreckers use Hydraulic oil exclusivley? I have not priced ATF, but if it is considerably cheaper, it might be a good option. What says you?

 

[steelsoldiers]

Congrats on getting the boom moving Gimpy! I know that was a good feeling!

 

[redass73]

I have only used hyd oil in mine. Nice truck goodluck with it.

 

[halftrack]

I only use Hydraulic oil. I don't think ATF is cheaper.

 

[Recovry4x4]

I've been using SAE 30 in mine (Thanks Mike). Works great but remember, it rarely gets below 900° here.

 

[cranetruck]

I'm using hydraulic oil in my K-boom. The AW30 hydraulic oil has an equivalent viscosity of 10 weight oil.

 

[jimk]

Use the recommended fluid. Hyd repairs can be expensive. I use 3 types of hyd. fluid. One cost twice as much as the AW32 stuff. Can't remember what it is called right now. Sold as tractor/transmission fluid. This fluid has a long list of factory approved specs. on the pail, like the Hy-Tran-5 rating for my skid steer. Keep in mind it is probably a 'one time' expense. It may cost less to use the correct stuff as discarding sub-standard fluid later adds to the overall cost. JimK

p.s. That old (70') skid steer has about 35 hyd hoses. I have repalced about half in the last 10 years. Hyd cap is ~25 gallons.

 

[maddawg308]

Time to replace the hose! Make sure next time you don't get paint on the rubber of the hose - paint eats rubber, and may have played a factor in the current hose failing.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Well, I figure they could be 54 years old, might as well replace them anyway. Maybe I should get the stainless braided shield so I could have some BLING. NOT.

 

[No.2Diesel]

Nice wrecker!!I would stick with a quality hydraulic fluid that has cold weather capabilities. As far as purchasing fluids go...

Between my brother and I, we own 5 cars, 5 trucks, a crawler loader, tractors, and various other small engines that are used and operated on a regular basis AND...requires lots of petroleum products. The days of buying a case of 1qt. bottles is OVER! In the spring we split the cost of buying 55 gal. drums of 15W40, 80W90, Hydraulic oil, 10W40, and a big crate of grease cartridge tubes. A big upfront cost but you save about $175 per drum and if you factor in the time and money spent making multiple trips to the autoparts store over the course of a year, it sounds pretty reasonable. And there's always fun stuff you can do with an empty drum.

 

[Jimmy]

Good looking wrecker. I use R&O hyd fluid in mine from NAPA, it might cost a little more but I dont' like taking chances on tearing up something expensive.

Also, good luck on the hoses, I just went through a nightmare getting some of mine replaced because they don't make those fittings anymore.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Yeah, I heard some were non-standard thread. May I ask where you eventually found them? I know one member here made some adapters to standard thread, but I don't remember his name. It would be cool if he could post that blue print.

 

[Junkyard Wars Crusher]

<snip> I know one member here made some adapters to standard thread, but I don't remember his name. . .

Here ya go, Gimp ol' buddy :
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=11468

 

[gimpyrobb]

Well, from that post, it seems like only the rear hoses need the adapters. I am currently working on the front ones, but I know I will need to do the rears soon too. I sent him a pm asking if he had a schematic available.

 

[nattieleather]

Get the manuals that will help with the lines.

 

[Gamagoat1]

These are not large size hoses, most any construction equipment repair shop can make them for you. Parker Fittings Inc. are making mine. Not cheap, by any means but a good idea to do them all.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Almost all the lines are 1". Most of the fittings are standard but there are about a half dozen that are made out of unobtanium. Things will need to be reworked for sure. Andy Bell (M10 made a few adapters once and I's love to be able to have some made myself. I don't think you guys with the Garwood cranes will need these.

 

[Junkyard Wars Crusher]

I found this picture from the day we went to get it . . .

 

[Westech]

Gimp I would stick to the hydro oil. I dont know how Atf or motor oil would do with the old seals. I have run Atf in my snow plows and mixed hydro oil in there too with out a problem but with a $$ unit there I would not risk it. I can get really good deals on hydro oil in 55 gal drums. Let me know If I can bring some down to ya... be good to get out of town and go to the WC again.

 

[gimpyrobb]

WC? Is that "windy city" for Chicago? I know how you just love to sit in traffic there for hours at a time.