Wheel Loader Service Schedule: Engine Oil, Filters and Intervals
Every HandyMax diesel wheel loader runs on the same service schedule. The first service is due at 30 hours or 3 months. After that: the air filter every 100 hours or 3 months; the engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and the oil, fuel and transmission filters every 300 hours or 3 months; the gear oil and coolant every 500 hours or 6 months; and the hydraulic oil every 500 hours or 12 months. Whichever comes first, hours or months. This is the schedule printed on the red Maintenance Guide decal on your loader. It covers the MY20, MY40, HM08, HM16, HM18, HM22, HM22R, HM24 and HM32. The electric HM07E has no engine and its own checklist: call us for it.
The service schedule
| Item | What to use | Every (whichever comes first) |
|---|---|---|
| First service | — | 30 h / 3 months |
| Air filter | Replace. Clean it every 8 h, more often in dust | 100 h / 3 months |
| Engine oil | 15W-40 | 300 h / 3 months |
| Engine oil filter | Replace | 300 h / 3 months |
| Fuel filter | Replace | 300 h / 3 months |
| Transmission fluid | ATF Dexron III | 300 h / 3 months |
| Transmission filter | Replace | 300 h / 3 months |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 | 300 h / 3 months |
| Gear / diff oil | 80W-90 | 500 h / 6 months |
| Coolant | Hybrid (HOAT) | 500 h / 6 months |
| Hydraulic oil | ISO 46 | 500 h / 12 months |
| Grease | NLGI 2 | Daily, at the grease points |
All intervals are hours or months, whichever comes first. Read the hours off the hour meter. If your machine only does a few hours a year, the months still apply.
The first service at 30 hours
The first service is due at 30 hours or 3 months, whichever comes first, while new parts are still bedding in. Don't skip it. After that, follow the regular intervals in the table above.
Daily checks before you start
Run through these before the first start of each day:
- Fuel level
- Engine oil level
- Hydraulic oil level
- Transmission fluid level
- Coolant level
- Brake fluid level
- Brake system (test the brakes)
- Tyre pressure
- All bolts and nuts
- Attachment and cylinders
- Oil and water leaks
- Indicator panel
- Safety labels
- Drain the air tank
- Grease
- Report any faults
Which oils and fluids to use
| Fluid | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | SAE 15W-40 | 15W-40 engine oil |
| Transmission fluid | ATF meeting GM Dexron III | For the transmission and torque converter. Don't use engine oil, gear oil or tractor (UTTO) fluid. |
| Hydraulic oil | ISO 46 | The same grade across the HandyMax range. ISO 46 hydraulic oil |
| Gear / diff oil | SAE 80W-90 | Front and rear axles. 80W-90 gear oil |
| Coolant | Hybrid (HOAT) | Don't mix coolant types: mixing can leave deposits that block the radiator. coolant concentrate |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| Grease | NLGI 2 |
Transmission fluid and hydraulic oil are two separate systems with two different oils. Never top up one with the other.
Working in dust
Dust is hard on engines. Clean the air filter every 8 hours, more often on dusty sites, and check it is sealed in position when you refit it. Replace it every 100 hours or 3 months.
Before you start any service
Park on level ground, lower the bucket to the ground, apply the parking brake and stop the engine.
Parts for your service
Each model's page lists the part numbers of its filters in the specifications table, with links to order them. A filter service kit has the filters for a regular service (contents vary by model):
- Filter service kit — MY20
- Filter service kit — HM08
- Filter service kit — HM16 and HM18
- Filter service kit — HM22, HM22R and HM24
- Filter service kit — HM32
For the MY40, order the filters one by one from the model's page, or call us. Filters: air filters, engine oil filters, fuel filters and transmission filters. Oils: 15W-40 engine oil, ISO 46 hydraulic oil, 80W-90 gear oil, coolant concentrate and DOT 3 brake fluid.
How-to videos
How to change the engine oil and filter
HM16, HM18, HM22, HM22R and HM24 (Yunnei engine)
How to change the fuel filter
HM16, HM18, HM22, HM22R and HM24 (Yunnei engine)
How to clean and change the air filter
HandyMax diesel wheel loaders
How to change the hydraulic oil and filter
HM16, HM18, HM22, HM22R, HM24 and HM32
How to change the coolant
HM16, HM18, HM22, HM22R and HM24
Keep your service records
Servicing is the owner's responsibility, as the decal says. Keep a record of each service (the date and the hour-meter reading) and keep the invoices for the oils and filters you use: they are your warranty evidence. Use only genuine HandyMax parts. Improper servicing, or damage from dust, may affect your warranty.
Refill capacities
Capacities differ from model to model. They are listed in the specifications table on each model's page. If yours isn't there, call us.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a HandyMax wheel loader need servicing?
First service at 30 hours or 3 months. Then the air filter every 100 hours or 3 months; the engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and the oil, fuel and transmission filters every 300 hours or 3 months; the gear oil and coolant every 500 hours or 6 months; and the hydraulic oil every 500 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first.
What transmission fluid does a HandyMax loader use?
ATF that meets GM Dexron III. It is not the same oil as the hydraulic oil (ISO 46). Engine oil, gear oil or tractor UTTO fluid should never go in the transmission.
What hydraulic oil should I use?
ISO 46 hydraulic oil, the same grade across the HandyMax range.
My loader only does a few hours a year. Do I still service it every 3 months?
Yes. The intervals are hours or months, whichever comes first.
Can I do the servicing myself?
Yes. Routine servicing is the owner's responsibility. Use genuine HandyMax filters and the oils listed above, follow the videos, and keep your records and invoices.
Talk to us
Not sure which filters fit your machine? Call us on 03 9769 2888 or 1300 077 999, or visit us at 2/22 Park Drive, Dandenong South VIC 3175.
