It is important to ensure that when performing maintenance or a repair procedure, any hoses or electrical cables that may have been replaced or moved be returned to their original positions. As the equipment is operated, the hoses and cables flex and bend, and without proper support, this action causes a straining and pulling tension on them. The use of support clamps, cable ties, along with using the correct fittings and correct hose and cable lengths minimizes or eliminates this tension to help ensure a long life. When replacing a hose or cable, make sure to use the correct parts for the model and serial number of the machine you are repairing, and use all of the support clamps and cable ties as the original configuration.

An example of an incorrect hose replacement is found in figure 1 below. The two hydraulic hoses that are loose on the right side are under tension and are being pulled up against the edge of the equipment structure. Both hoses had been replaced but were not routed through the support clamps which are just out of sight under the frame. Not using the support clamp has allowed the hoses to be pulled against the frame, resulting in damage. The bundle of hoses on the left are routed in a gentle arc and properly supported by the clamps under the frame and are not under any tension as the equipment is operated.

Figure 2 shows the same two hoses after being installed into the support clamp just under the frame. You will notice that the hoses no longer contact the frame and have no possibility of rubbing and becoming damaged. The clamp holds the hoses away from the frame and relieves the tension that caused the damage. These hoses still require replacement, but you can see how the support clamp would have prevented the damage to the new hoses.

When inspecting equipment, make sure the hoses and cables are properly routed, look for any damage, check the hose and fittings are the correct type and rating, and verify that there is good support to eliminate pulling or tension as the equipment is used.

When replacing a hose make sure the hose and fittings are the same specifications as the manufacturer’s original parts and make sure the length is correct. When replacing an electrical cable make certain the cable is the correct part number for the model and serial number of the equipment you are repairing and the cable is the same length as the original. Always use all of the support clamps and cable ties as the original installation.

TECH TIDBIT

Skyjack has introduced several new models of equipment in the past few years; telescoping and articulating boomlifts and small rough terrain models in both engine and electric powered designs. As with any equipment, it is important for the technicians to take some time with the operator’s manual and familiarize themselves with the newer models operating characteristics. Use the copy of the operator’s manual that must be in every manual box and read through it and operate the unit to get comfortable with how it is supposed to function. When troubleshooting a problem later on the old adage applies ‘you can’t fix it if you don’t know how it’s supposed to work’.