SPRING-V PRESS 3809371 - Caterpillar

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN November 19, 2003
Wheel Feller Bunchers
Felling Heads 533 (CDR1 - Up)
543 (ASJ1 - Up)
TK370 (WBD1 - Up)
TK380 (WBE1 - Up)
HF202 (HFH1 - Up)
HF221 (CDZ1 - Up)
HF222 (CFR1 ? Up)
Component Code 6543SUBJECT: Troubleshooting Slow Saw Recovery on Wheel Feller Bunchers
PROBLEM: Saw speed may not recover adequately.
SOLUTION:
Perform the following checks and tests to improve the saw speed recovery performance.
I. Mechanical Checks
A. Tooth Wear: Tooth cutting thickness starts at 2 5/16" and should be changed when reduced to 2 1/8". Look for wear or burnt wood marks on the disc or on the bolt-on segments (if equipped) that indicates teeth are worn below the level of the saw blade.
B. Clearances: Top edge of teeth should clear the top of the tree support plate by 1/4" to 1/8". The bottom of the tree support plate chamfer should be below the top edge of the teeth. The saw should turn smoothly, should have no vibration and should not contact the tree support plate or other parts of the frame. Components should be in alignment.
Remove debris between the tree support plate, the saw disc and the saw frame base.
II. Operation Checks
A. Check Operation Procedures
Refer to SEBU7501, 533/543 Operation & Maintenance Manual, "Operating Technique Information".
Approach trees with the felling head tilted 3 to 5 degrees forward. Cut and grab tree. Lift and tilt back head slightly. Use the felling head to guide the tree to the ground rather than to handle the tree to the ground.
B. Do not rely solely on the pressure gauge to indicate that the saw is ready to cut. Also listen to the saw frequency sound to get a sense of when the saw is ready to cut.
Use appropriate cutting techniques for the size and type of wood. Trees larger than 22" in diameter should be double cut.
III. Check Hydraulic System Settings & Performance
In the future, the following service manuals will be updated to include the testing and adjusting information detailed below:
RENR6163, 533/543 Machine Systems Testing & Adjusting
RENR6343, HF202/HF221/HF222 Hydraulic System Testing & Adjusting
RENR6235, TK370/TK380 Machine Systems Testing & Adjusting
A. Test the Saw Performance
Note: The following information is based on a Caterpillar/Timberking feller buncher and a Caterpillar/Timberking felling head with: (1) a 30 GPM maximum displacement sleeve in the saw motor and (2) a one-piece disc. Some machines may be equipped with a different sleeve in the saw motor that changes the flow setting. Some machines may also be equipped with a heavier bolt-on segment disc that changes the disc inertia. Saw performance may vary depending on the equipment and operating conditions.
1. Run the machine to warm the coolant and hydraulic oil to normal operating temperatures.
2. Lower the head to the ground, set the parking brake and install the transport guard onto the head.
3. Install a phototach to measure the saw speed.
4. Install 0 ? 6000 psi pressure gauge onto the test port for the saw motor inlet pressure. Use the shortest possible test hose to ensure an accurate reading. The test port is located on the saw motor.
5.