Mini Digger switching problem

[harvestmouse]

Hi

Slight problem on an IHI 4J mini digger. Other diggers have the same system, so it's probably not a problem that's particular to this manufacturer.

The left hand lever controls either slew / rotation or just the boom moving from left to right on the pin nearest the digger body, for offset digging.

The choice between the two options is usually made via a switch mounted to the right of the hour counter.

Problem is.... the boom is all the way to one side and the switching mechanism has failed. Only have slew function now and can't move boom back to centre.

Removed pin at end of hydraulic ram, so as to manually straighten the boom to get the digger into the van.

Question is...What lies between the switch (which i have tested, along with the connections 6 inches down the wires) and the hydraulic system, so it knows which function to operate?

Will get the top off tomorrow, but any idea what i'm looking for?

Thanks very much in advance. There appear to be some digger enthusiasts on this site, so fingers crossed.

 

[the snooper]

never worked on one but if the switch you mention is electical then it will operate a solenoid operated valve i would imagine

 

[jugs]

Post some pictures.

If it sudenly failed, some things to look for -
-muck
-crushed pipe
-broken wire,
-burned contacts on sw / relay,
-solenoid coil burned out, solenoid valve stuck (you may be able to move it by hand)

I had similar prob last yr, would only slew left so could dig then do a 360, next dig & do a 360, I got very seasick , reason was a small stone in the joystick

good luck.

 

[James325]

They don't have many fuses normally, But there will probably be one or two tucked away somewhere. Have you checked them?

 

[Pete.]

We have momentary rocker switches on our demolition robot controls which get dust in them and either stop working or go intermittent. Usually I give them a good blast of electrical cleaner and they start working again.

 

[madkayaker]

I'd like to see photo's of demolition robots! switch cleaner is wonderful stuff.

 

[Pete.]

Here's an old pic. I have more on my works laptop but I can't be arsed to fire it up since I'm on a week's holiday

 

[madkayaker]

that looks fun can i borrow it for a couple of hours that would soon sort out the next doors parking

 

[Welderpaul]

Brokk machines? Had a couple brought to us for repairs to the arms. Great fun!

 

[Pete.]

Yeah Brokks - we got dozens of em.

Seen the arms cracking but only on old and long-abused ones. It never ceases to amaze me how many different ways an operator can find to break what is a very tough machine

 

[harvestmouse]

Thanks for your replies so far.

Have got the top off. There is a hydraulic union that supplies fluid to either the slew or boom pivot, so there must be a piece that switches between the two circuits.

The union has two slim black wires going to one part of it.

However, the wires from the switch and to the union go into a conduit with other wires, then out again somewhere else, changing colour on the way.

Will have a look for fuses, loose connections, dust etc.

Progress report as and when there is any.

 

[Justme]

Try direct hard wiring the control to see if that fixes it.

 

[BRODTuning]

http://www.ceforum.co.uk/
hope it helps pal

 

[harvestmouse]

The 'union' to which I previously referred, is about six inches x three inches and has some sort of mechanism to which the two very slim black wires are connected. Could this part be a solenoid valve?

Referring to JustMe's comment (thanks) about hard (direct?) wiring.... do you think that the existing wires are 1 x positive and 1 x earth, or could they both be positive (with different currents, controlled by some other element in the circuit) and the solenoid is earthed to the frame by its own mountings?

Non-domestic electrics aren't my strong point, so I'd rather ask first.

 

[dai]

The 'union' to which I previously referred, is about six inches x three inches and has some sort of mechanism to which the two very slim black wires are connected. Could this part be a solenoid valve?

Referring to JustMe's comment (thanks) about hard (direct?) wiring.... do you think that the existing wires are 1 x positive and 1 x earth, or could they both be positive (with different currents, controlled by some other element in the circuit) and the solenoid is earthed to the frame by its own mountings?

Non-domestic electrics aren't my strong point, so I'd rather ask first.

not being funny mate,but if electrics arnt your strong point get someone to help

 

[jugs]

The 'union' to which I previously referred, is about six inches x three inches and has some sort of mechanism to which the two very slim black wires are connected. Could this part be a solenoid valve?

Referring to JustMe's comment (thanks) about hard (direct?) wiring.... do you think that the existing wires are 1 x positive and 1 x earth, or could they both be positive (with different currents, controlled by some other element in the circuit) and the solenoid is earthed to the frame by its own mountings?

Non-domestic electrics aren't my strong point, so I'd rather ask first.

Possibly, - show us some pics

 

[harvestmouse]

Will get some photos. I can do electrics, but would always seek advice as to particular aspects of a circuit type with which I am not familiar, rather than pretend to know a lot and go wrong later. Am concerned about frying something by using a current that is higher than that to which the solenoid is accustomed.

 

[dai]

Will get some photos. I can do electrics, but would always seek advice as to particular aspects of a circuit type with which I am not familiar, rather than pretend to know a lot and go wrong later. Am concerned about frying something by using a current that is higher than that to which the solenoid is accustomed.

best way

 

[harvestmouse]

Bit more info:

The part of the hydraulic system that supplies the orbit motor and the boom pivot is labelled Tokimec D14. This might be a solenoid-controlled valve. The part attached to this, with the black wires, is labelled Tokimec C12 5W. This might be the solenoid. Please correct me if I'm wrong. (Photos when camera available).

Will do a circuit test this afternoon.

 

[harvestmouse]

Photos as promised:

Is this the Solenoid valve to the right hand side in photo and the solenoid to the right of that, with the two black wires going to it??