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The Samsung 210 LC-3 and Its Volvo DNA
The Samsung 210 LC-3 hydraulic excavator, produced in the late 1990s, was a transitional model that bridged Korean manufacturing with Swedish engineering. After Volvo Construction Equipment acquired Samsung’s heavy equipment division in 1998, the LC-3 series became the foundation for Volvo’s EC210 lineup. These machines were known for their robust undercarriage, efficient Isuzu diesel engines, and straightforward hydraulic architecture.
With an operating weight of approximately 21 metric tons and a bucket capacity of 0.8–1.2 cubic meters, the 210 LC-3 was widely used in scrap yards, demolition sites, and infrastructure projects. Though not as electronically sophisticated as later Volvo models, it featured a basic electronic control system that governed engine start, hydraulic lockout, and safety interlocks.
Core Specifications
A Samsung 210 LC-3 operating in a scrap yard suffered a localized fire that destroyed the wiring harness but left mechanical components intact. The engine could still start and run, but all hydraulic functions were disabled. This pointed to a failure in the electronic lockout system, which prevents hydraulic activation unless specific conditions are met—typically seat occupancy, safety lever position, and ignition status.
Without a functioning harness, the lockout solenoid remained de-energized, blocking hydraulic flow. The challenge was to locate and manually energize the solenoid or bypass the lockout circuit to restore basic function.
Anecdote from the Field
In Kentucky, a technician faced a similar issue with a burned Samsung 210 LC-3. Using schematics from early Volvo EC210 models, he traced the hydraulic lockout solenoid to a location near the pilot manifold, just behind the cab. After manually energizing the solenoid with a fused jumper wire, the hydraulics came alive. He later installed a toggle switch to control the solenoid externally, allowing continued operation while awaiting a replacement harness.
Locating the Lockout Solenoid and Restoring Function
The Samsung 210 LC-3, though aged and fire-damaged, can be revived with a clear understanding of its hydraulic lockout system and electronic control logic. By tracing the solenoid location and manually energizing it, operators can restore function and extend the machine’s life. In scrap yard operations, resilience is key—and every wire carries the power to dig, lift, and rebuild.
The Samsung 210 LC-3 hydraulic excavator, produced in the late 1990s, was a transitional model that bridged Korean manufacturing with Swedish engineering. After Volvo Construction Equipment acquired Samsung’s heavy equipment division in 1998, the LC-3 series became the foundation for Volvo’s EC210 lineup. These machines were known for their robust undercarriage, efficient Isuzu diesel engines, and straightforward hydraulic architecture.
With an operating weight of approximately 21 metric tons and a bucket capacity of 0.8–1.2 cubic meters, the 210 LC-3 was widely used in scrap yards, demolition sites, and infrastructure projects. Though not as electronically sophisticated as later Volvo models, it featured a basic electronic control system that governed engine start, hydraulic lockout, and safety interlocks.
Core Specifications
- Engine: Isuzu BB-6BG1T, turbocharged inline-6 diesel
- Power output: ~150 hp
- Operating weight: ~21,000 kg
- Hydraulic flow: ~2 × 220 L/min
- Control system: Basic electronic lockout with solenoid override
- Boom reach: ~9.5 meters
- Bucket breakout force: ~14,000 kgf
- Hydraulic Lockout Solenoid: An electrically activated valve that prevents hydraulic function until safety conditions are met.
- Wiring Harness: A bundled set of electrical wires and connectors that distribute power and signals throughout the machine.
- Pump House: The compartment housing the main hydraulic pumps and associated valves.
- Control Valve Stack: A series of directional valves that regulate flow to boom, arm, bucket, and travel motors.
A Samsung 210 LC-3 operating in a scrap yard suffered a localized fire that destroyed the wiring harness but left mechanical components intact. The engine could still start and run, but all hydraulic functions were disabled. This pointed to a failure in the electronic lockout system, which prevents hydraulic activation unless specific conditions are met—typically seat occupancy, safety lever position, and ignition status.
Without a functioning harness, the lockout solenoid remained de-energized, blocking hydraulic flow. The challenge was to locate and manually energize the solenoid or bypass the lockout circuit to restore basic function.
Anecdote from the Field
In Kentucky, a technician faced a similar issue with a burned Samsung 210 LC-3. Using schematics from early Volvo EC210 models, he traced the hydraulic lockout solenoid to a location near the pilot manifold, just behind the cab. After manually energizing the solenoid with a fused jumper wire, the hydraulics came alive. He later installed a toggle switch to control the solenoid externally, allowing continued operation while awaiting a replacement harness.
Locating the Lockout Solenoid and Restoring Function
- Search near the pilot control manifold or pump house
- Look for a two-wire solenoid mounted on a small valve block
- Use a multimeter to confirm voltage presence when ignition is on
- Apply 12V or 24V (depending on system) to solenoid terminals to test activation
- Listen for a click or feel for vibration indicating valve movement
- Use fused jumper wires to energize solenoid safely
- Install toggle switch with indicator light for manual control
- Label wires and document polarity to avoid reverse current
- Monitor hydraulic response and shut down if erratic behavior occurs
- Avoid bypassing other safety interlocks unless absolutely necessary
- Replace full wiring harness with OEM or custom-built loom
- Protect harness routing with heat shields and conduit
- Install fire suppression system if operating in high-risk environments
- Use schematics from early Volvo EC210 models for reference
- Maintain a fault log and update after each repair
- Keep spare solenoids and connectors in inventory
- Train staff to recognize lockout symptoms and trace circuits
- Use insulated tools and voltage testers during diagnostics
- Document all modifications for future troubleshooting
- Consider retrofitting mechanical override systems for critical functions
The Samsung 210 LC-3, though aged and fire-damaged, can be revived with a clear understanding of its hydraulic lockout system and electronic control logic. By tracing the solenoid location and manually energizing it, operators can restore function and extend the machine’s life. In scrap yard operations, resilience is key—and every wire carries the power to dig, lift, and rebuild.
