Common Issues With Pwrtan Units And How To Fix Them

By Author: Seetech Parts
Total Articles: 169
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The hydraulic and transfer systems of backhoe loaders are crucial in the maintenance of a successful transfer of power and control of the machine, and this is possible through the Pwrtan units installed. However, like any mechanical component, over time they are prone to wear, breakdown, or misalignment. Ignoring early symptoms can lead to complete failure, reduced productivity, and increased maintenance costs.

This article will discuss the common problems in Pwrtan units and offer practical repair advice before issues become more serious.

What Do Pwrtan Units Mean?
Pwrtan units (shortened as Power Transmission Units) are critical for managing the hydraulics of a backhoe loader by controlling force and torque distribution. They ensure smooth and balanced power transfer between the engine, gearbox, and hydraulic systems.

Some of their key functions include:

Smooth gear shifting
Hydraulic flow stability
Pressure control and load balancing
A deteriorating Pwrtan unit can significantly impact performance and even cause system failure.

1. Hydraulic Pressure Drops
Symptoms:
...
... Poor hydraulic vice
Slow movement of arms or bucket
Inconsistent lifting strength
Causes:
Broken seals in the Pwrtan unit
Internal leaks (damaged O-rings)
Blocked internal filters
Fix:
Replace seals and O-rings with a Pwrtan seal kit
Clean or replace the internal hydraulic filter
Refill hydraulic fluid to OEM specs
2. Overheating During Operation
Symptoms:
High operating temperatures
Machine slows down during extended use
Burning smell from transmission housing
Causes:
Insufficient lubrication inside the Pwrtan unit
Worn or warped pistons and rollers
Clogged cooling channels
Fix:
Use correct transmission oil and flush old oil
Check oil for contamination
Clean cooling channels or replace blocked fans
3. Delayed or Jerky Gear Shifts
Symptoms:
Jerky or slow gear changes
Delay when shifting directions
Gear skipping under load
Causes:
Faulty Pwrtan solenoid or actuator
Hydraulic debris in the lines
Sensor-ECU communication issues
Fix:
Test and replace solenoids if needed
Flush hydraulic lines and inspect sensors
Clear ECU error codes
4. Noisy Operation or Vibration
Symptoms:
Grinding or knocking sounds
Unusual vibration during startup or load
Causes:
Loose or misaligned mounting bolts
Internal damage to Pwrtan unit
Broken bearings or couplings
Fix:
Tighten all mounting bolts
Inspect and replace damaged gears or couplings
Use OEM parts for internal repairs
5. Complete Power Loss or Non-Responsive Unit
Symptoms:
No power from engine to drivetrain
No hydraulic response
Sudden system crash
Causes:
Total internal failure of Pwrtan parts
Blown fuses or failed control module
Contaminated oil or metal debris in unit
Fix:
Inspect electrical connections and fuses
Drain oil and look for metal shavings
If unrepairable, replace entire Pwrtan unit
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Pwrtan Issues
Use only OEM-grade transmission oil
Replace seals and filters regularly
Monitor hydraulic pressure and temperature
Avoid overworking the machine
Set up routine Pwrtan system maintenance checks
Conclusion
The Pwrtan unit is a vital part of your backhoe loader’s transmission and hydraulic system. Timely inspections and repairs can prevent major failures and costly downtime. Any unusual hydraulic drop, noises, or gear issues should be addressed immediately by inspecting seals, filters, and internal components.

As a good supplier of Pwrtan unit replacement parts, seal kits, and filters, you should use a reliable supplier such as Seetech Parts that provides potentially compatible parts that perform as equivalent to the original manufacturer parts, or even better.