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  1. Columbo

    Hydraulic oil change interval

    Hi all- so I am planning the pre-season maintenance on my Cat 311B, s/n 8HR00401 (crossover s/n 8GR00401). I had the hydraulic oil sampled before I purchased it and again after 100 hrs. Machine now shows 6050hrs. The oil level sensor for the hydraulic oil failed at the end of last year, seems...
  2. Columbo

    Rebuilding fuel priming pump

    Last fall when I was completing routine maintenance I noted that the fuel priming pump on my Cat 311B excavator was leaking fuel everywhere when I tried to prime the system after a fuel filter change. Machine S/N is 8GR00401. I pulled the parts diagram below from SIS, are there user-serviceable...
  3. Columbo

    Kubota DPF regen cycles

    I have a question hopefully @Ridinhigh1500 can answer although others are welcome to chime in too. I have a Kubota L4060 utility tractor (about 2 years old). It has what I consider to be frequent DPF regen cycles, every 20-25hrs or so. I understand that operating conditions play a large role in...
  4. Columbo

    Snowplow hydraulic flow restrictor

    Hi all, I have a quick attach snowplow that I run on a utility tractor. When I actuate the hydraulic angle circuit the plow angles much too fast. I’d like to put in a flow restrictor to try to slow down the angle speed. (The function that runs the plow angle is an on/off electrically operated...
  5. Columbo

    Smooth edge bucket questions

    I have final grading and a septic to complete around my house project in the spring. I’ve been considering a smooth edge bucket for these tasks (Cat 311B excavator ). I do not have hydraulics to the end of the stick so it will be a fixed position “cleanup” bucket. After several months of looking...
  6. Columbo

    Caterpillar air intake heater troubleshooting

    Hi all, it’s getting colder here in New England and I don’t think the air intake heater is working on my 311B excavator. Machine S/N 8GR00401, engine S/N 6LK13329. Can anyone post the a troubleshooting guide for the intake heater? I’ve read that the relay often fails, where is this relay...
  7. Columbo

    Cat excavator periodic slow hydraulics

    I’ve noticed a strange, periodically reoccurring issue with my excavator- Cat 311B s/n 8GR00401. Sometimes after I’ve been running for awhile the hydraulic functions will slow down. The problem primarily effects the boom/stick/bucket circuits and not the slew/travel functions. It seems to vary...
  8. Columbo

    Clearing Cat B series excavator fault codes

    Hi all, I’m trying to collect info on an issue that popped up on my machine, specifically it will start operating at reduced power after running for an hour or two. (It’s 311B, s/n 8GR00401). There a several stored fault codes in the service menu, can someone please post how to clear these codes...
  9. Columbo

    Grease leaking from turntable

    Over the past few times I greased and fueled my machine (Cat 311B 8GR00401) I noticed grease leaking from the turntable joint/swing bearing area. This did not appear to be from the bearing as I use red grease in it (and lubricate it sparingly). The grease in the turntable gear cavity is...
  10. Columbo

    Cat oil analysis opinions

    I have attached the latest oil sample report for my excavator, a Cat 311B 8HR00401. An oil sample was completed when I bought the machine, most of the fluids indicated extended service intervals, etc. As suggested I completed a second oil analysis after 100 hrs, that report is attached. Overall...
  11. Columbo

    Cat 311B valve adjustment procedure

    Could someone please post the engine valve adjustment procedure and specs for a Cat 311B excavator, s/n 8GR00401 engine s/n 6LK13329. Thanks in advance!
  12. Columbo

    Prepping a house site and building a house

    Many of you have helped with my threads on the excavator I purchased to clear a house lot and do the site work. My background is in carpentry so the heavy equipment and dirt work side is new to me. I’d like to use this thread to document the progress on the dirt work part of this project and...
  13. Columbo

    Bobcat 337 bogging issue

    Hey all- I was asked to help fix a Bobcat 337 mini excavator, s/n 515412435. I don’t know a lot about this machine but the owner said that using the swing or travel functions cause the engine to bog down (it will stall if you do not release the control). Other hydraulic functions operate...
  14. Columbo

    Master pin questions

    I’m working on a few undercarriage repairs on the excavator and I may need to split the track to remove the idler. This machine has aftermarket DCF rails (p/n DCF 1-0324 is cast into the links). I could not find any typical master pin arrangement when I examined the pins. One of the pins is...
  15. Columbo

    Cat excavator bucket questions

    Hi all, two questions regarding the bucket (and thumb) on my Cat 311b excavator (s/n 08GR00401). First, there is about 10mm of space between the bucket ears and the side of the stick. Is this normal and permissible or should I get a stack of shims to center the stick between the ears? Second...
  16. Columbo

    Cutting torch for beginner

    Hi all, I’d like to purchase a cutting torch for light duty cutting (up to 1”) and heating nuts/bolts. I’m not a welder and don’t plan on using the torch for welding purposes. I’d like a portable torch rig that could be used for field work away from my shop. Seems like the Victor G150 setup is...
  17. Columbo

    ID small soil screener

    A local excavation contractor is retiring and selling off his remaining equipment. One of the items for sale is this small soil screener. He doesn’t remember much about it, it’s got a small Yanmar diesel but the manufacturer name plate on the screener itself is almost illegible beyond the serial...
  18. Columbo

    Lower roller replacement question

    Hi all, my front lower roller (directly behind the idler) has decided to pack it in. I’ve heard that rollers shouldn’t be replaced individually, is there any truth to that? Does it matter which roller is replaced for this “rule” to apply? Also, on the opposite side track I have a squealing...
  19. Columbo

    Cat 311B engine oil level sensor

    Cat 311B s/n 08GR00401. I have noticed something with the engine oil level warning light. When I start the machine in a level position the engine oil level light illuminates for the self-test and then turns off (engine oil level is checked on the dipstick at the start of each day and is within...
  20. Columbo

    Hydraulic hose replacement cleanliness

    I’ve seen a few comments made here about the importance of keeping the hydraulic system clean when replacing hoses. I’m pretty good about capping off the lines, etc when I removed a hose. However, what is the best way to clean out a new hose to remove assembly debris before installing? Is...
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