P16, P20, P25, P28, P40 and P60 Pulverizers Caterpillar

Note: This section contains the troubleshooting procedures for the Pulverizer hydraulic systems. Some specific areas may not be discussed.

1. The Pulverizer will not rotate.

2. The Pulverizer arm will not fully close.

3. The cutters will not cut properly.

4. The Pulverizer's production decreases.

5. Hydraulic oil overheats.

6. There is no hydraulic oil flow.

7. There is no hydraulic oil pressure.

8. There is low hydraulic oil flow.

9. The Pulverizer operates erratically.

Problem 1

The Pulverizer will not rotate.

Probable causes

• There is low hydraulic oil supply.

• There is a damaged rotator motor.

• There is debris in the rotator assembly and the ring gear.

• The relief valve is stuck open.

Problem 2

The Pulverizer arm will not fully close.

Probable causes

• There is low hydraulic oil supply.

• There is a dirty hydraulic oil filter.

• The split flange couplings are not properly sealed.

• The cutters are misaligned.

• There is debris in the arm assembly.

• The control valve of the machine is not working properly.

Problem 3

The cutting edges do not cut properly.

Probable causes

• The cutters are dull or chipped.

• The cutters are not properly aligned.

• The spacers for the arms are worn.

• The arm pin is worn or damaged.

Problem 4

The Pulverizer's production decreases.

Probable causes

• The teeth are worn.

• The cutters are worn.

• The cutters are not properly aligned.

• The spacers for the arm are worn.

• The arm pin is worn or damaged.

• The arm cylinder is leaking internally.

• The fittings are not properly sealed.

• There is low hydraulic oil flow.

• The pump for the work tool is worn or damaged.

Problem 5

Hydraulic oil overheats.

Probable causes

• System pressure is too high.

• The hydraulic oil is dirty.

• The hydraulic oil level is low.

• There is incorrect fluid viscosity.

• There is an open relief valve.

• There is damage to the quick connect ports.

• The pump for the work tool is worn or damaged.

• The oil cooler for the machine is clogged.

Problem 6

There is no hydraulic oil flow.

Probable causes

• The pump for the work tool is not receiving hydraulic oil.

• The pump for the work tool is worn or damaged.

• The hydraulic oil level in the tank is low.

• The hydraulic oil lines are clogged.

• There is damage to the quick connect ports.

Problem 7

There is no hydraulic oil pressure.

Probable causes

• There is no hydraulic oil flow.

Problem 8

There is low hydraulic oil flow.

Probable causes

• There is an external leak in the hydraulic system.

• There is low hydraulic oil supply.

• The pump for the work tool is worn or damaged.

Problem 9

The Pulverizer operates erratically.

Probable causes

• There is air in the hydraulic oil.

• There is low hydraulic oil supply.

• There is contamination in the hydraulic oil.

• The pump for the work tool is worn or damaged.