Chinese Mini Excavator - How To Set Hydraulic Pressures

Setting the Hydraulic Pressures on a FF Industries FF-15 Mini Excavator with Pilot Controls.
There is very little documented specs on these Chinese machines. 2300-2600psi seems to be the "normal" range that people set their pressures to. I set mine to 2800psi since 3000psi is the norm with brand name equipment. Equipment failure, damage, and or bodily harm may result if pressures are set beyond there maximum ratings. Adjust yours at your own risk.

[@waynebrownfield8103]

Can you tell me what size and which fittings I need to connect to my pressure gauge so I don’t have to buy a whole set? And one question off-topic how do you get the air filter cover off once you’ve taken the nut off? There’s no room to remove it.

[@skywatcherranchswr]

I really like that machine. I'm happy with the QH12R i bought but those pilot controls and drive levers look really comfortable.

[@davidbeck9066]

Many pumps are only good for about 2500psi. You might want to check your pump before doing this.

[@GY6SCOOTERCHAT]

Will this smooth out the jerkiness

[@SJWEQUIPMENT]

No, adjusting the pressure wont have any effect on the smoothness of the controls. More seat time and practice can help smooth the operation or adding flow restricting valves to the boom/ stick cylinders

[@bucket1249]

Just picked mine up almost identical to yours I took a cut off wheel and cut the floor pan in half so I didn't have to take the bolts out of the foot pedals every time I wanted to assess the hoses and stuff. It seems pretty weak digging I think I'm going to increase the pressure just got to get a gauge about how many times did you turn the set screw in

[@TheFitnessDragon]

Quick question does it matter when adjusting the pressure if the throttle is low or high?

[@SJWEQUIPMENT]

No, it makes no difference, other than if throttle to low it might stall the engine.

[@TheFitnessDragon]

@@SJWEQUIPMENT Thank you

[@victorgalvez927]

is any risk to rise the pressure?

[@SJWEQUIPMENT]

Technically there’s a higher risk of blowing a hose, seals, drive motors and pumps when the pressure increases.

[@Loudsilence709]

if you dont have a tee do you have to plug / cap one end thats open? Say boom cylinder, i can hook guage up to line but the cylinder is then open

[@SJWEQUIPMENT]

No you don’t have to cap the fitting off the cylinder, as long as you know which way to cycle the joystick to apply pressure to the correct hose.
Like example the main boom cylinder. I’d take off the rod end hose (retract side) and install a gauge on the hose. (If you did the other side gravity would drain the cylinder of oil) if you were to move the joy stick to the boom lift position oil would squirt out of the open port on the hydraulic cylinder. You could cap the port/ fitting. But keep in mind pressure can build up behind it from cycling the boom cylinder the wrong way, or any oil leaking past the piston seals.

[@Loudsilence709]

@@SJWEQUIPMENT Ok My guage is female to female so I cant connect it to the hoses, I could put it on the cylinder side, so I guess it would measure pressure to whichever hose is entering that cylinder hey?

[@SJWEQUIPMENT]

It needs to go on the hose, You may need to stop by a hose/ hydraulic shop and get a fitting. Putting it on the cylinder is not correct, oil does not flow through the cylinder. (technically pressure could be transferred by the piston pushing on the volume of oil on the other side, but dont do this. It could trap hydraulic pressure and is dangerous even for someone with hydraulic experience)

[@eroceze]

Can you link the stuff you bought at Amazon?

[@tonyvillena1293]

Thank you

[@KUBBI7488]

why did you adjust higher pressure?

[@SJWEQUIPMENT]

To have stronger drive and dig functions.

[@KUBBI7488]

@@SJWEQUIPMENT I see ! Thanks !