Morbark 2400 Hurricane with grapple. Looking for help!

[Dave_Dence]

We purchased a used 2003 Morbark 2400 Hurricane with a grapple around 4 or 5 months ago. Supposedly the machine had 400 hrs on it but who knows. The machine did/does appear to be in excellent shape. We have not been able to use the machine on the job since the purchase because it just doesn’t feed well at all. We have two other MR 18 chippers that will out chip this 2400 all day long. We have been through in-depth tech support and two mechanics. We have changed pressure relief valves and rebuilt valve banks and nothing has improved. The issue seems to be around no constant down pressure, week manual down pressure and slow feed rolls. The machine has a flow control valve that takes flow away from the loader and is supposed to feed better (maybe?) but doesn’t have a spot where everything works correct.
I’m hoping someone can offer up any experience they have had with this particular type of 2400 hurricane with the loader/grapple. At this point I would be happy if someone just said they are junk and I’ll move on! I would really appreciate any feedback from anyone who has experience with this machine. Also looking for advice as to other places I could post up. Thanks!

 

[Reach]

I do not know that particular machine, not do I know specifically what you have checked or not checked, so it’s hard to give specifics as to the likely cause of the trouble.

It could be a failing hydraulic pump not giving the pressure or flow you need, or it could be as simple as a relief valve opening too early, or a slipping belt driving the pump.

Have you changed the hydraulic filter or oil? Do you know if the machine has the correct oil viscosity?

Are all pressure relief valves set to the proper pressures? We have a new Morbark with a relief valve on the feed wheel lift circuit that is opening too early, and causing slow wheel lift and stopping the feed completely every time we lift the roller. I’m taking it to the shop tomorrow to have that looked at.

Is your flow control valve plumbed backwards? Or do you have a clogged strainer in the bottom of the tank? Have you pressure and flow tested the pump and each valve?

There’s a few questions for you to answer, or things to check. See what you can answer there and we may be able to give you some more advice.

 

[Matt15194]

I have no experience with this machine but I have considerable experience with hydraulics. If you post or email me a set of schematics for the hydraulic system I may be able to review them and tell you where to check. Do you have pressure gauges and a flow meter?

 

[Dave_Dence]

So we replaced the pressure relief valve that operates the functions that aren’t working properly. We did this because that’s what was suggested by MB tech support. I did assume the part would come pre- adjusted but we probably should go ahead and recheck all the pressures again.
From what I understand it’s not easy to test the pump for proper flow. After re checking the pressures on each relief block we will probably replace the pump. I’m just tired of putting money into something we can’t use lol. The pump is mechanically driven off t

I have no experience with this machine but I have considerable experience with hydraulics. If you post or email me a set of schematics for the hydraulic system I may be able to review them and tell you where to check. Do you have pressure gauges and a flow meter

I will try to get the schematic. I do have pressure gauges but no way to check the flow

 

[islandedge]

Did you buy the machine in MI?

 

[Scheffa]

Any hydraulic shop should easily be able to flow and pressure test the pump for you as long as you can get the specs on what it should be. Important to check pump flow and pressure because you can have one and not the other