Cleaning Hydraulic Suction Strainer KAMA 554

[3RRL]

You should clean the suction strainer at regular intervals to keep the hydraulic system clean and working properly. If your hydraulics are acting up but the fluid level is correct and you have no suction leaks, that may be another reason to clean it.

The OEM suction strainer on my 2005 Kama 554 is located on the left side of the hydraulic box, right below the 1/2 remote outlet. There is a rubber elbow connected to the strainer. It's a good idea to check it for cracks because it could allow air to get into the system resulting in poor performing hydraulics.



To clean the strainer, first drain the hydraulic fluid out and be sure to use a large enough container like at least a 5 gallon pail. Then remove the two bolts on the rear end of the strainer housing and pop the cap off. Then you can remove the strainer screen assembly. don't lose tha spring on the end of it.

[3RRL]

After you get that internal section out, take off the end caps which allows the screen to unroll. Then you can clean or replace it. Chip at Artrac has them in stock. Also clean the center section completely. It is a magnet that catches all the fine metal shavings ... a pretty cool way of straining. I use kerosene or gas to clean.



When you are through cleaning, you can roll the new screen back up and put the end caps on. Re-install into the housing with the spring and bolt the cap back on. BTW, the cap has an "O" ring on it, so be sure to check it and replace if necessary. Then refill the hydraulic tank and fire up the Kama.
Start moving the hydraulics to get it to purge. If you have a problem with that, get a rubber tipped air nozzle and a reducer fitting for the fill plug. Very lightly pressurize the tank a little to get the fluid moving while the engine is running and it should prime right up.
Rob-