Caterpillar Mini Hydraulic Excavator 301.6

Note: At the time of changing oil, observe the oil for presence of metallic particles or other foreign matters. If you find something that needs attention, consult your Cat dealer.

1. Warm up the oil by roading the tracks. Draining the oil should be done when the oil is hot. Draining the oil when hot will help to prevent sludge.

2. Move the machine to level ground.

3. Position one of the final drives as shown in illustration 460

Note: Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “General Hazard Information” for information on Containing Fluid Spillage.

4. Remove the oil level plug (1).

5. Remove the oil drain plug (2). Allow the oil to drain into a suitable container.

6. Clean the drain plug (2). Apply pipe sealant to the threads of the drain plug to prevent leakage. Reinstall the drain plug.

Swing Gear and Bearing - Lubricate

WARNING: Do not rotate the machine during lubrication. Danger of severe crushing that can cause severe injury or death.

Is the machine parked on a level surface?

Are all work tools lowered to the ground?

Is the hydraulic lockout control in the RAISED position?

Fittings (1), (2), and (3) for the swing cylinder, bearing, and gear are on the right side of the machine on the upper carriage.

Are the fittings wiped and lubricated?

Is the upper structure rotated for 90°?

Is grease applied to the fitting for the swing bearing?

Water Pump Belt, Fan Drive Belt, and Alternator Belt

1. Open the engine access door.

Note: Use a 144-0235 Belt Tension Gauge to measure belt tension. Refer to Table 33 for proper belt tension adjustment.

4. If the tension is not correct, loosen bolt (1), and alternator mounting bolts (2) and (3). Adjust alternator position.

5. When the adjustment is correct, tighten bolt (1), and alternator mounting bolts (2) and (3) securely.

6. Check the tension of the belt again.

WARNING: Hot oil and hot components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or hot components to contact skin.

NOTICE: If the machine is filled with non-biodegradable hydraulic oil and biodegradable hydraulic oil is wanting to be used, consult a Cat dealer. Biodegradable hydraulic oil can NOT be added to the system by performing an ordinary hydraulic oil change. Damage to the hydraulic system can occur.

NOTICE: Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting, and repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids.

Park the machine on level ground. Prepare the machine for maintenance.

WARNING: Pressurized system! The hydraulic tank contains hot oil under pressure. To prevent burns from the sudden release of hot oil, relieve the tank pressure with the engine off. Relieve pressure by slowly turning the cap until the cap reaches the secondary stop.

Relieve the internal pressure in the hydraulic tank by slowly loosening oil filler cap (1).

Hydraulic oil drain valve (2) is on the bottom side of the hydraulic oil tank.

Open drain valve (2) and attach a drain hose.Allow the oil to drain into a suitable container.

Boom and Stick Linkage - Lubricate

Boom, Stick, and Frame - Inspect

Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 1) - Obtain

Engine Air Filter Primary Element - Clean/Replace

Final Drive Oil Sample - Obtain

Fuel Lift Pump Strainer - Replace

Fuel System Primary Filter (Water Separator) Element - Replace