Reviving the Akerman H10MB Wheeled Excavator and Its Forgotten Engineering Legacy

[MikePhua]

Akerman’s Industrial Heritage and the H10MB’s Place in Excavator History
Akerman, a Swedish manufacturer founded in the mid-20th century, earned a reputation for building robust and hydraulically advanced excavators. Before its acquisition by Volvo Construction Equipment in the late 1990s, Akerman developed a series of wheeled and tracked excavators that were widely respected across Europe and North America. The H10MB, a wheeled variant of the H10 series, was designed for mobility, urban excavation, and roadwork—offering the flexibility of on-road travel with the digging power of a full-size machine.
The H10MB was produced in limited numbers, with some units assembled in the United States at the former Hien Warner plant. These American-built versions often featured region-specific adaptations, including labeling in English and modified hydraulic fittings. Despite its age, the H10MB remains a marvel of mechanical design, with a tri-pump hydraulic system that was decades ahead of its time.
Tri-Pump Hydraulic System and Gearbox Integration
One of the most distinctive features of the H10MB is its tri-pump hydraulic configuration. This system uses three separate hydraulic pumps driven off a common gearbox, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple functions—boom, stick, swing, and travel—without sacrificing flow or pressure.
Terminology notes:

• Tri-pump system: Three hydraulic pumps sharing a common drive housing
  
• Leak oil filter: A return-line filter that prevents contamination from entering the gearbox
  
• Speedy sleeves: Thin metal sleeves used to repair worn pump shafts and restore seal integrity
  
• EP90 gear oil: A high-viscosity lubricant used in the pump gearbox housing
  

A common issue with aging H10MB units is hydraulic fluid leaking into the gearbox. This typically occurs when pump shaft seals fail or the leak oil filter becomes clogged. Overfilling of the gearbox, indicated by a high dipstick reading, is often the first sign of this cross-contamination.
Hydraulic Tank Fill and Fluid Level Monitoring
The hydraulic tank on the H10MB is filled via a hand pump located near the pump assembly. Operators unfamiliar with the machine may struggle to locate the fluid level indicator, which is hidden behind a right-side access door. Inside, a clear plastic tube with marked arrows shows the current hydraulic fluid level. This simple yet effective design allows for quick visual checks without removing panels or dipsticks.
Recommendations for fluid management:

• Maintain fluid level between the marked arrows on the sight tube
  
• Use ISO 46 hydraulic oil for optimal viscosity and temperature stability
  
• Replace leak oil filter every 500 hours or annually
  
• Monitor gearbox oil for signs of hydraulic contamination
  

Proper fluid separation is critical to preserving pump integrity and preventing gearbox wear.
Control Panel Complexity and Language Barriers
The H10MB’s control panel includes a mix of labeled and unlabeled switches, some of which are in Swedish. This can be confusing for operators unfamiliar with the machine’s origin. Functions such as boom float, swing lock, and travel mode may be hidden behind ambiguous toggles or foot pedals.
Solutions include:

• Creating a custom label overlay in English
  
• Using translation apps to decode Swedish terms
  
• Documenting switch functions through trial and error in a safe environment
  
• Consulting scanned parts books and operator instructions from similar models
  

Akerman did not produce standalone operator manuals; instead, the first section of the parts book served as the operating guide. These documents include wiring diagrams, hydraulic schematics, and service instructions.
A Story from the Field
In Arkansas, a new owner of an H10MB discovered the machine’s hydraulic pumps were leaking into the gearbox. After sourcing non-model-specific PDFs and consulting with European technicians, he learned to check the leak oil filter and inspect the pump shafts for wear. Using speedy sleeves and replacing the filter resolved the issue. He also located the hydraulic fluid sight tube and confirmed the level was four inches above the low mark.
The machine’s controls were partially labeled, and some switches required translation. With patience and online collaboration, he mapped out the panel and restored full functionality. The H10MB became a reliable tool for land clearing and trenching, proving that even decades-old iron can still earn its keep.
Recommendations for Restoring and Operating the H10MB
To ensure safe and effective operation:

• Inspect all hydraulic lines and fittings for leaks or abrasion
  
• Replace all filters before first use, including leak oil and return filters
  
• Flush gearbox oil if hydraulic contamination is suspected
  
• Test pump output pressure and flow using diagnostic gauges
  
• Label all switches and controls for clarity
  
• Use a battery disconnect switch to prevent electrical drain during storage
  
• Keep a logbook of repairs, fluid changes, and operational quirks
  

For parts sourcing, salvage yards and vintage equipment forums remain the best options. Some components may be interchangeable with early Volvo excavators, especially in the hydraulic and electrical systems.
Conclusion
The Akerman H10MB wheeled excavator is a testament to Scandinavian engineering and mechanical foresight. Its tri-pump hydraulic system, modular design, and road-ready mobility make it a unique machine worth preserving. While documentation may be scarce and controls cryptic, the H10MB rewards those who take the time to understand its systems. In the world of legacy equipment, it stands as a reminder that innovation doesn’t always come with a touchscreen—and that old iron still has stories to tell.