Akerman tracked excavator goes forward and backward but doesn't turn left or right

[uffex]

Good day
If I recall correctly this machine has a large step relay connecting the micro switch - flip switch and button on the right side lever, pressing the button with the key on you should hear a loud clicking this could be the source of the blown fuse.
KR
Uffex

 

[mbreg7]

That sure looks like the right solenoid valve. I think you're definitely on the right track, since you got it to turn for a while!

Just gotta figure out if you have bad coil, bad wire, bad switch, or bad connection I think. Did you try locking the speed switch on the panel in low? May be the same circuit but if the steering lever switch were bad the panel switch may override it? Probably the same wiring from some junction point though.

Cheers, Lanway

Thanks Lanway, I did try using the speed switch on the panel, which has 3 positions. Changing to the different positions didn't change the ability of the excavator to turn unfortunately. I couldn't tell if the different positions were even making a difference though so I think it was inoperable also.

best,
Mike

 

[lantraxco]

Good day
If I recall correctly this machine has a large step relay connecting the micro switch - flip switch and button on the right side lever, pressing the button with the key on you should hear a loud clicking this could be the source of the blown fuse.
KR
Uffex

Uffex, any idea where that relay was located? LOL

 

[lantraxco]

Thanks Lanway, I did try using the speed switch on the panel, which has 3 positions. Changing to the different positions didn't change the ability of the excavator to turn unfortunately. I couldn't tell if the different positions were even making a difference though so I think it was inoperable also.

best,
Mike

You know it seems kind of counterintuitive to design a machine that defaults to high speed, no turning ability? LOL, if it was me I would have made it so if anything failed you would be stuck on low, but still able to travel and turn?

Hang in there, you'll get it.

 

[uffex]

Good day Lantraxo
As best I recall this was located beneath the display panel, it moved around a bit depending on model. If you operate the trigger switch at the steering valve or press the button on the RCV handle (Right side) this relay makes a significant clicking sound for sure you will hear, and be able to locate the same.
KR
Uffex

 

[mbreg7]

Thanks everyone VERY MUCH for your help! It turns out that the valve on the manifold is what allows the excavator to steer and wasn't getting any power. There was another fuse back in the engine compartment above the hydraulic pumps that was faulty. After replacing that fuse, the excavator turns again!

I really appreciate the time and help of everyone on this thread! Your answers were incredibly helpful! I had no idea there was a series/parallel valve that affected steering like this and wouldn't have thought of it being an electrical issue.

Uffex, Lantraxco and Turbodiesel, I'd love to buy you guys a few rounds - you guys are great. If you wouldn't mind sharing your email, I'll paypal a small token of gratitude good for a few cold ones at a local pub.

best,
Mike

 

[lantraxco]

Don't know about the other guys, but I'm good, just glad you got her turning and burning like she's supposed to. :thumbsup

Thanks for the offer! :drinkup

If I'm ever headed your way I'll let you buy the first round though!

 

[mbreg7]

Don't know about the other guys, but I'm good, just glad you got her turning and burning like she's supposed to. :thumbsup

Thanks for the offer! :drinkup

If I'm ever headed your way I'll let you buy the first round though!

Yes, I was very happy to see her back in service. There's lots of things that need to be done and it was frustrating not being able to figure out the root cause.

Please let me know if you're out in New England at some point, it'd be an honor to pick up a few rounds.

Cheers! :drinkup

 

[Ed Dixon]

Apologies for opening an old thread. Just joined Forum and have exactly the same issue as the OP on my inherited Akerman H7BLC. I suspect my father in law removed the wire to the steering valve solenoid as part as of a security protection measure when the excavator was left out on site. Please could someone advise me exactly where I will find the steering valve solenoid. If the OP is still around then a photo would be ideal. Thanks for any replies. All the best. Ed.

 

[uffex]

Good day Ed
May I first establish if your machine is the same as attached illustration most important if you have the on board pressure gauge in the cabin just behind the crawler steering lever 15 ?
Kind regards
Uffex

 

[Ed Dixon]

Hello. Thanks for your reply. Yes that’s the same model that I have. The machine is new to me so please forgive basic questions as I am not yet familiar with it. The engine and hydraulics are really smooth. For its age it’s really amazing. I opened up the hydraulic manifold area side cover and saw what looks like a solenoid (without a wire connected) at the top right hand side area (looking at the manifold). Is this the steering valve ? Thanks again for your help. Really appreciated.

 

[uffex]

Hi Ed
Please give me a photo, a question with your issue if you operate the track at one side back & forward do you get a good result from both sides in both directions?
Kind regards
Uffex

 

[uffex]

I am taking a guess the solenoid on the very end of the block controls high - Low speed, when you had high speed on the equipment you had low speed on the tracks and visa versa. If the gauge works you should read two pumps P2&3 with the ram unless you have a later machine with three speeds on the dash.
Kind regards
Uffex

 

[Ed Dixon]

 

[Ed Dixon]

Hi Uffex

Left and middle foot pedal cause tracks to go forwards and backwards really well with good results. It’s as if the two tracks are fixed together. I uploaded photos of the dash. Not many of the controls work or appear to do anything except for the glow plug heater and the starter push. He w do I know if it has three speeds and which is the control for this. The bottom toggle switch has three positions but this feels like a delicate switch for setting speed of the drive.
I also added a photo of the hydraulic block the solenoid top right front has a wire disconnected so this is a possible issue. I don’t remember f the pressure gauge in the cab was working or not. If this is associated with the speed setting then do you know where the steering valve solenoid is located ? Are there electrical switches in the steering control lever that feed the solenoid or does the steering solenoid have a constant live ?
I can upload more photos if needed.
I think once I can locate the steering valve solenoid I can trace if there is an electrical issue as I am competent with electrics but less so with hydraulics.


Many thanks again.

 

[Ed Dixon]

Forgot to add. The right foot pedal does nothing currently.
Thanks.

 

[Ed Dixon]

 

[uffex]

Good day
Attached may be helpful to others.
Kind regards
Uffex

 

[uffex]

Good day
one other
KR

 

[Ed Dixon]

Well a day messing with the Akerman. The electrics are a complete mess. The first bank of fuses (1-4) show 25v when the machine is running. All great. The second bank (5-8) show 160mV before fuse, so something not right there. I need to depend more time to find the fault. The switch on the right hand control lever does nothing and the relay has been replaced with what looks like a 12v car relay. So that all needs stripping out and rewiring.

anyway long story short I put a fused 12v live to the solenoid - it actualted the solenoid and the excavator will now steer using the left / right lever in the can. (albeit very slowly). I played safe to try 12v first and it actuated ok, but wanted to ask - is the feed for this solenoid supposed to be 24v.
More tomorrow.