Skyworker Bucket hydro oil ?

[RodInEscondido]

I just came across this forum. The posts are over 3 years old. I am working on a Skyworker and I would like to continue discussions with other owners. I can share my experience with bleeding the control lines and the type oil I am using.

kbart8421

I too am new to this forum and have been browsing the archives to find things relating to the Skyworker lifts before posting anything int he wrong place.

If there is a better place to post these questions, please let me know.

I see here a recommendation to use 2 parts ATF (regular or dexron not specified) and 1 part diesel for the upper controls. What do you use?

I inherited this 1045C center-mounted (or is that what the "C" means?) on a 73 F600 flatbed.

Have no previous experience with these rigs, but it is a neat piece of machinery.

Everything seems to work when running off the main engine/PTO except for the controls in the bucket.

Have not cleaned out the fuel system in the auxiliary engine yet (rig sat for a couple years), but note on it what looks like a vacuum switch to prevent it from running if the main engine is running?

What type of grease is to be used on the several fittings on the boom?

What type of lubricant/preservative is used on the cables?

The hydraulic cylinder on the boom has rust so I can only test with the first foot of piston movement. Is there somewhere that is recommended to rebuild or replace this unit?

Is there a maintenance manual available? If it is not too large, and someone is willing to part with one for a short period, I would be willing to scan it in so it is available electronically.

I am in San Diego County so the environment is not too harsh on the equipment.

thanks for help, I probably will be back with more questions

 

[VA-Sawyer]

The red aircraft hydraulic fluid is MIL Spec 5606 fluid. Should be able to get it from the local airport as it is used in most small planes for one thing or another. There is also a blue/green colored aviation hydraulic fluid used in larger planes that is called Skydrol. It is synthetic ester based and requires special seal material. Skydrol will eat up common o-rings. The MIL 5606 fluid is petrolum based and simular to ATF but more stable in terms of viscosity and oxidation.
Rick

 

[RodInEscondido]

fluid is vailable

I called one of my local aircraft maint facilities and they do have the Mil spec 5606 fluid in stock at about $33/gal. They did say I could purchase it in quart quantities.
Thanks for info.

 

[VA-Sawyer]

That sounds a little pricey. Go to aviall.com and find a location close to you. Call them and tell them you want to buy a gallon of 5606. I think I paid $15 for my last gallon, but then, it was in the previous century.

Just did a quick search online. I found a couple of places selling it for less than $20/gal. There is a newer compatible synthetic fluid that is more fire resistant. It is MIL-H-83282 and sells for a slightly higher price. As it is synthetic it should be more temp stable.
Rick

 

[RodInEscondido]

My how time flies .... i did not realize how long since I have been here.

Is there still interest in the SkyWorker, mine is a 1045?

Since my last post i did a little cleanup on the pony engine and all works well except for bleeding the upper controls and getting the hydraulic ram for the upper boom repaired (rust so it cannot be actuated more than about 1 foot).

Does it make sense to take the few individual threads on this subject and create a single thread, or can it reasonably be done?

Rod

 

[Chris Francis]

Not trying to spam, but I remember how hard it was to get parts for my Skyworker. If you are in the same boat, I can now help. I have a complete truck available for purchase or parts, but it has a blown motor. Call 251-FOR-TREE or email me. It has been down 2 months, and I finally realized I am not going to be rebuilding the engine. You can if you want to, but I replaced it with another truck. So.... need parts for your Skyworker? Need parts for your F700? I got 'em. Upper boom was rebuilt recently. Tranny rebuilt. Rear end rebuilt. Lots of good parts. Everything worked until the engine crapped out. I hope this helps all you Skyworker guys out there.