I just picked up a JCB 8018cts (Perkins engine) mini excavator with a little under 1000 hours. I am currently going through the JCB service manual and reviewing and doing all the services. Hoping to get some feedback from other DIYers and techs on here if possible.
Went to a JCB dealership thinking I could pick up the recommended OEM fluids and got some oem but got alternatives for the others which I thought was a bit odd, but so long as they work
![Thinking :think:](./images/smilies/icon_b_think.gif)
Fluids from the manual:
1. Fuel Tank 23.5 (5.2) Diesel Oil - Fuel: ASTM D975-076 2-D, US DF1, US DF2, US DFA: Is this regular diesel available at any gas station?
2. Engine (Oil) lists 2 JCB 10W/30 Multigrade (above -15°C (above 5°F)) MIL-L-46152, API CC/SF & 5W/20 (-15°C to -25°C (5°F to 13°F)) API CC/SE (recommended)
- Since I am located in NJ thinking of running synthetic Rotella T-5 15w40. Thoughts on synthetic oil?
3. Track Gearbox - JCB SAE 30 Engine Oil (Not Multigrade) -
- Dealer told me to use regular oil but to stick with the recommended weight
4. Track Idler Wheels & Track Rollers (bottom) - JCB HD90 Gear oil (API-GL-5, MIL-L-2105D)
- Dealer sold me jcb gear oil (5gall)
5. Hydraulic System - JCB Special Hydraulic Fluid (Up to 30°C (86°F) OR JCB Hydraulic Fluid 46 (Over 30°C (86°F)
- Dealer told me I could go to napa and pick up small quantities of equivalent hydraulic fluid and he said to use 46 weight
6. Slew Ring Bears - JCB MPL Grease (Lithium based no 2 consistency)
- Dealer gave me Altra Rugged Red LC EP 2, which spec wise looks right after checking
7. Slew Ring Gear Teeth - JCB SLew Pinion Grease
- Dealer sold me Gear Shield Extra Heavy Spray cans. Said to clean any huge gunks of grease in there but not to go crazy and then just spray this stuff on there and rotate the unit and do it again.
So now I just stared to check levels of the fluid. First issue I see is the machine is parked and the eye hole for the hydraulic fluid is full and not at the half way point as the manual says it should be. Machine is off and cold. I opened the top for the fluid and a bunch started to flow out the top of the lid. Could the shop where I purchased the unit overfilled it or am I incorrectly checking the fluid? Manual doesn't mention anything about how to have the boom etc so I just have it on the ground and a normal length.