CAT 216B Skid Steer – Lost Hydraulic Function After Fire Incident

[MikePhua]

A user on Panswork reported that their CAT 216B skid steer lost hydraulic function after a fire incident. Although the fire was extinguished, the hydraulic system failed to recover, rendering the machine inoperable. The user sought help to identify the cause and fix the issue.
Potential Causes
Several potential causes were discussed for the hydraulic system failure:

1. Hydraulic Fluid Leaks
   The fire may have caused damage to hydraulic hoses or connections, leading to fluid leaks. When there is a loss of hydraulic fluid, the system cannot maintain proper pressure, and the machine's hydraulic functions become inoperative.
   
2. Damage to Hydraulic Components
   The high temperatures from the fire could have caused damage or deformation to critical hydraulic components such as pumps, valves, or pipes. If these parts are compromised, the hydraulic system may not work properly or fail entirely.
   
3. Electrical System Failures
   The fire may have affected the electrical components controlling the hydraulic system. Malfunctioning electrical components, such as switches or solenoids, could prevent the hydraulic pump from operating, leading to a loss of hydraulic power.
   
4. Contaminated Hydraulic Fluid
   If the hydraulic fluid became contaminated due to the fire, it could have degraded the fluid's quality, causing poor system performance. Contaminated fluid can also damage the hydraulic components, making them less effective or causing failure.
   

Suggested Solutions
Based on the possible causes, the following steps were suggested to resolve the issue:

1. Inspect Hydraulic Hoses and Components
   The first step is to inspect the hydraulic hoses for leaks or damage. If any leaks are found, the damaged parts should be replaced. It’s also important to check the hydraulic pump and valves to ensure they are functioning correctly.
   
2. Check the Electrical System
   The electrical system, especially the wiring and control components associated with the hydraulic system, should be thoroughly checked for faults. Any damaged or faulty electrical components should be repaired or replaced.
   
3. Replace Contaminated Hydraulic Fluid
   If the hydraulic fluid was contaminated due to the fire, it should be drained and replaced with fresh, high-quality fluid. This will help prevent further damage and ensure that the system operates properly.
   
4. Replace Damaged Hydraulic Components
   If the fire caused any permanent damage to the hydraulic components, such as the hydraulic pump, valves, or actuators, they should be replaced with new parts that meet OEM specifications to ensure reliable performance.
   

Conclusion
The CAT 216B skid steer’s hydraulic failure after the fire incident could be attributed to hydraulic fluid leaks, damage to hydraulic components, electrical system failures, or contaminated fluid. By thoroughly inspecting and replacing damaged parts, including hoses, pumps, valves, electrical components, and hydraulic fluid, the hydraulic function can likely be restored.