Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VwhDCn9h_E (19 min)
Mike and Jake walk through the full service routine on a Rippa RS06-2. (The RS04 with its Kubota diesel and the RS03 with its Briggs & Stratton engine have their own videos.)
START WITH THE MANUAL AND TOOLBOX
- Every machine ships with a manual that lists service intervals (first check at 10 hours, then fluids around 50 hours, and so on) and walks through the oil/water separator, oil, fan belt and more. The toolbox has what you need for most jobs.
- Most bolts are 12 mm, the bigger ones 14 mm, with the occasional 17 or 19.
GREASE
- Use the flat tip for flat-faced fittings and a standard grease gun for zerks. Every point has a red cap. Don't forget the lift arm cylinders in the engine compartment, top and bottom.
- On newer machines (the RS06-3 and refreshed excavators) there are no flat-faced fittings, only the pointed zerk type.
- Replacement fittings are inexpensive on Amazon (M8 for most, M10 for the top and bottom of the cylinders on many machines, but check yours).
FUEL SYSTEM AND BATTERY
- Water separator: flip the switch off, twist off the canister, drain any water, reinstall, and flip back.
- Fuel filter and battery are easy to reach. Check battery voltage and charge as needed.
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
- Use ramps. Under the machine you'll find the large oil drain nut. Fill through the top port with a funnel; the dipstick is on the side.
- Jake's tip: a dab of bright fluorescent paint on the Kubota dipstick makes it much easier to see.
- The oil filter is behind a side panel. It is messy, so bring towels.
AIR FILTER
- Pop off the cap, take out the outer and inner elements and blow them out. Replace when you see major discoloration.
COOLANT (EVERY 100-200 HOURS)
- Remove the back panel bolts and the step, keeping the panel supported because it's heavy. Drain with the release switch, route the hose through the hole in the left side so coolant doesn't soak everything, then refill with the correct coolant and check the overflow bottle.
FUEL TANK AND HYDRAULIC OIL
- Both have a drain nut underneath. Use the sight gauge for the hydraulic level. To change the hydraulic filter, spin it off with channel locks or the strap wrench from the kit. Expect a mess.
TRACKS
- Remove the small side cover, loosen the 10 mm nut outside the fitting, pump grease into the zerk until you see it push back out, then tighten the nut and replace the cover.
BATTERY CARE TIP
- Keep a battery tender on your machines, or use a reconditioning charger on lead-acid batteries (not gel) for 20 to 24 hours. Mike gets 3+ years from small batteries and 5 years from car batteries this way.
Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.
