Gehl 6640E Skid Steer: Owner’s Manual, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting Guide

[MikePhua]

The Gehl 6640E is a popular compact skid steer loader widely used in construction, landscaping, and agricultural operations. Known for its robust performance, maneuverability, and versatility, the 6640E is designed to handle a variety of attachments and tasks. Whether you’re an owner-operator, technician, or fleet manager, understanding how to maintain and troubleshoot this machine is crucial for ensuring its optimal performance. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed information on the owner’s manual, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting tips for the Gehl 6640E.
Key Features of the Gehl 6640E Skid Steer
The Gehl 6640E is equipped with several features that make it a popular choice for demanding work environments:

1. Engine: The Gehl 6640E is powered by a diesel engine, typically offering between 40-50 horsepower. The engine is designed to provide sufficient power for lifting and digging tasks, ensuring high productivity.
   
2. Hydraulic System: It boasts a reliable hydraulic system for controlling various attachments and lifting arms. The system provides smooth operation for both lifting and tilting, enabling precise control.
   
3. Transmission: The skid steer comes with a hydrostatic transmission, offering infinite speed control, which allows operators to easily adjust the machine's speed.
   
4. Attachments: One of the standout features of the 6640E is its versatility in accepting a wide range of attachments, including buckets, forks, and augers. This adaptability makes it useful across multiple industries.
   

Owner’s Manual and Importance
The owner's manual for the Gehl 6640E is a crucial document for any operator or technician, as it provides detailed information about the machine’s operation, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and safety precautions. The manual is an essential tool for ensuring that the machine is operating at its best and preventing unnecessary breakdowns.
Key sections of the owner’s manual include:

• Engine Specifications and Operation: This section details the engine’s capacity, operating temperatures, fuel requirements, and startup procedures.
  
• Hydraulic System Maintenance: Includes guidelines on fluid levels, filter replacements, and troubleshooting hydraulic performance issues.
  
• Attachment Handling: Information on how to safely and efficiently change and operate various attachments.
  
• Safety Guidelines: The manual will highlight the recommended safety precautions for operating the skid steer, such as load capacity, tipping angles, and protective gear.
  

Maintenance Procedures for the Gehl 6640E
Proper maintenance is key to keeping the Gehl 6640E running efficiently and extending its lifespan. Below are some essential maintenance tasks:

1. Engine Oil Change
   • Frequency: Change the engine oil every 100-150 hours of operation, or as recommended in the owner’s manual.
     
   • Procedure: Drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and refill with the correct grade of oil. Regular oil changes prevent engine wear and ensure smooth operation.
     
2. Hydraulic Fluid and Filter Replacement
   • Frequency: Check the hydraulic fluid level at least once a week, and replace the fluid and filter every 500-600 hours.
     
   • Procedure: To maintain the efficiency of the hydraulic system, ensure that the fluid is clean and at the proper level. Low or dirty fluid can affect the machine’s performance and cause damage to the hydraulic pump or cylinders.
     
3. Air Filter Cleaning or Replacement
   • Frequency: Clean or replace the air filter every 100-200 hours depending on the working conditions.
     
   • Procedure: A clean air filter is essential for engine efficiency and preventing dust and debris from entering the engine. If operating in dusty conditions, the air filter may need to be cleaned more frequently.
     
4. Tire Inspection and Maintenance
   • Frequency: Inspect the tires for wear, punctures, or damage before every use.
     
   • Procedure: Ensure that tire pressure is at the manufacturer-recommended level. Uneven tire pressure can cause wear and instability while operating.
     
5. Greasing Moving Parts
   • Frequency: Grease all moving parts of the machine, including the lift arms, bucket pins, and joints, every 50-100 hours.
     
   • Procedure: Use a high-quality grease to lubricate the machine’s joints. Proper lubrication reduces friction, prevents rust, and ensures smoother operation.
     
6. Battery Inspection
   • Frequency: Inspect the battery and cables regularly to ensure they are clean and corrosion-free.
     
   • Procedure: Clean any corrosion from the battery terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water, and ensure that the battery is fully charged before operation.
     

Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Gehl 6640E
Even with regular maintenance, the Gehl 6640E may experience issues from time to time. Here are some common problems and solutions:

1. Engine Starting Problems
   • Symptoms: The engine fails to start, or it turns over but doesn’t fire.
     
   • Possible Causes: Low battery charge, faulty starter motor, or dirty fuel system.
     
   • Solution: Check the battery voltage and connections. If the battery is low, recharge it or replace it if necessary. Clean or replace the fuel filter if the engine isn’t getting enough fuel.
     
2. Hydraulic System Performance Issues
   • Symptoms: Slow movement of the lift arms or sluggish response when operating the attachments.
     
   • Possible Causes: Low hydraulic fluid levels, dirty fluid, or faulty hydraulic pump.
     
   • Solution: Check and top off the hydraulic fluid. If the fluid is dirty, flush the system and replace the filters. If the issue persists, the hydraulic pump may need inspection or replacement.
     
3. Uneven Tire Wear
   • Symptoms: Tires wear unevenly, causing instability.
     
   • Possible Causes: Incorrect tire pressure, misalignment, or overloading.
     
   • Solution: Check the tire pressure and adjust it to the recommended level. Inspect the axles for misalignment, and avoid overloading the skid steer beyond its rated capacity.
     
4. Overheating Engine
   • Symptoms: The engine temperature rises beyond normal operating levels.
     
   • Possible Causes: Low coolant levels, blocked radiator, or faulty thermostat.
     
   • Solution: Check the coolant levels and top them off. Clean the radiator to ensure proper airflow, and replace the thermostat if it’s malfunctioning.
     

Real-World Example: Troubleshooting in a Landscaping Project
In a landscaping project, a contractor using the Gehl 6640E noticed that the skid steer was struggling to lift heavy materials. Upon inspection, the hydraulic system was found to be sluggish due to low fluid levels and a clogged filter. After replenishing the hydraulic fluid and replacing the filter, the machine’s performance improved, and it resumed normal operations. This simple fix helped the contractor avoid costly downtime and ensured the machine remained efficient for the project.
Conclusion: Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Gehl 6640E
The Gehl 6640E is a highly capable skid steer loader that can tackle a variety of tasks when properly maintained. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, hydraulic fluid replacement, and tire inspections, is key to keeping the machine in top condition. By following the guidelines in the owner’s manual, addressing issues promptly, and performing preventative maintenance, you can ensure that your Gehl 6640E continues to perform efficiently for years to come.
Understanding how to troubleshoot common problems, as well as knowing when to seek professional repairs, will also help you avoid downtime and costly repairs. Whether you are an owner-operator or a technician, the Gehl 6640E can be a reliable and productive asset with the right care and attention.