Identifying issues with your transmission components
What are the signs of transmission issues in heavy machinery?
There are a number of warning signs that your heavy machinery can give you when transmission issues hit. Below is a list of the top signs to look out for:
- Problems shifting gears
- Burning smells
- Rattling or grinding noises
- Visible transmission fluid leaks
- Warning signs in Oil sampling
Causes of transmission issues
Problems switching gears
If you’re encountering issues when attempting to shift gears, it could mean that you’re low on transmission fluid or that your fluid is contaminated. Your transmission can be susceptible to leaks, and this can lead to poor lubrication, in turn resulting in difficulty in gear changes. Furthermore, low transmission fluid levels can mean that if your machinery does get into gear, it does not stay there or takes a long time to get there.
Burning smells
Burning oil smells are another tell-tale sign that your vehicle is experiencing transmission issues. This smell usually indicates that your transmission fluid has broken down and is old, leading to increased friction and corrosion within the engine. This needs changing, otherwise you risk vehicle failure.
Rattling or grinding noises
A noisy transmission is a sign of a faulty transmission. Rattling and grinding can indicate poor lubrication in your transmission due to low fluid levels or contamination. If you hear a clunking noise when shifting gears, it’s another reason to suspect inadequate transmission fluid levels or quality.
A grinding noise when shifting your heavy machinery’s gears might also mean clutch release issues or wear and tear involver the shifter or synchroniser rings.
How can transmission issues be prevented?
Prevention is key. Some ways to keep your transmission running smoothly include:
Regularly checking transmission fluid levels
Make a maintenance schedule and stick to it. Include regular fluid level checks as a part of this maintenance schedule, and be sure not to overfill fluid either. You can check with your heavy equipment’s operating manual to ensure the correct amount and type of transmission fluid is used.
Avoiding transmission overheating
Overheating can cause burning within the transmission, as can overloading the vehicle. Ways to combat overheating involve auxiliary cooler maintenance, but also the simple method of giving your heavy machinery adequate time to warm up, especially on those colder mornings.
Oil Sampling
Regular oil sampling of Construction and Mining machinery can monitor the quality of the lubricant and detect early any component failure. High or increasing levels of silica, iron, copper and carbon can indicate an impending or actual internal transmission problem.
Preventing unnecessary strain
Your heavy machinery goes through a lot on a day to day basis, and it’s no different for its transmission. There are ways to minimise the strain experienced by your transmission, including avoiding spinning tyres and tracks, and always using the emergency brake when parked on an incline. Correct use in the correct application is also essential to improve the longevity of your vehicle’s transmission.
At Jaytrac, we have extensive experience in supplying replacement parts for heavy-duty equipment, including transmission parts for Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Volvo machinery. Find out more about how we can help you by filling out our contact form, calling us on 01604 491 133 or emailing us at sales@jaytrac.co.uk.