Troubleshooting

Find the fix

Search a symptom, select a category and work through the checks in order.

Stop using the machine if it is smoking, leaking fuel or hydraulic oil, or making an unusual noise. Contact the workshop.

won't start no water low pressure won't lift overheating tripping leak won't move stalls

14 matching procedures

Machine-specific fixes

10 results

Leaking fuel or oil after transport, or hard to startJumping Jack Rammer (Ele & Kanga) · Compaction EquipmentFirst check: Rammers must travel upright. Laid on its side, the engine floods and leaks fuel and oil.

Pumping but the boom won't riseFolding Crane · Lifting EquipmentFirst check: Close the release valve fully (usually clockwise).

Forks won't lift when pumpingPallet Jack · Lifting EquipmentFirst check: Set the handle lever to the LIFT position (not neutral or lower).

Engine runs but no water comes outTrash Pump · PumpsFirst check: Stop the engine and fill the casing with water through the priming port.

Forks won't lift or lift slowlyForklift · Heavy EquipmentFirst check: Check the load weight against the data plate.

Won't build pressureAir Compressor · Air Tools & CompressorsFirst check: Close any open service valves and check hoses for leaks.

Tools run weakAir Compressor · Air Tools & CompressorsFirst check: Too many tools on one compressor — add up the CFM.

Leaking waterDehumidifier · Floor CareFirst check: Straighten kinks in the drain hose.

Water leaking into the motor areaCore Drill · Power ToolsFirst check: Stop and unplug.

Runs slowly or in burstsAir Scaler · Air Tools & CompressorsFirst check: The compressor cannot keep up. Check it delivers enough cfm at 90 psi.

Standard checks

Apply to every machine with that power source.

Petrol engine

Smell of fuel or a visible leakShared · Petrol engine

Checks to try, in order

Switch the engine off immediately and move away any ignition sources.
Turn the fuel valve OFF.
Check the fuel cap is seated and look for a wet fuel line or carburettor bowl.

Don't run a machine that is leaking fuel. Tag it out and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Applies to Vibratory Plate Compactor, Large Plate Compactor, Reversible Plate Compactor, Large Reversible Compactor, Jumping Jack Rammer (Ele & Kanga), Concrete Mixer, Power Trowel, Pressure Washer, Trash Pump, Portable Generator, Inverter Generator, Lawn Mower, Floor Grinder, Block Saw, Pavement Saw, Trencher, Stump Grinder, Garden Tiller, Brush Cutter.

Diesel machine

Arms, boom or tracks won't move or are slowShared · Diesel machine

Likely causes

Lockout lever engaged
Cold oil
Low hydraulic oil
Leak

Checks to try, in order

Raise the hydraulic lockout / safety lever or disengage the control lock.
Let the machine warm up for a few minutes before working it hard.
Check the hydraulic oil sight glass with the machine level and attachments lowered.
Look for hydraulic oil leaks under the machine and at hose ends.

Never touch a pinhole hydraulic leak — high-pressure oil can inject through skin. Stop and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Applies to Roller Compactor, Excavator, Telescopic Handler, Skid Steer Loader, Compact Track Loader, Welder, Backhoe Loader.

Electric (corded)

Applies to Concrete Vibrator, Submersible Pump, Carpet Vacuum Extractor, Spotter Vacuum Extractor, Wet/Dry Vacuum, HEPA Vortex Vacuum, Floor Polisher, Floor Planer, Floor Washer, Floor Sander, Air Blower, Ozone Generator, Dehumidifier, Angle Grinder, Breaker Jackhammer, Power Planer, Demolition Jackhammer, Rotary Jackhammer, Orbital Sander, Router, Sawzall, Core Drill, Rebar Bender, Rebar Cutter, Miter Saw, Circular Saw, Tile Saw, Floor Edger, Upright Carpet Vacuum, Hybrid Air Dryer, Portable Water Pump, Sump Pump, Drill, Drywall Driver, Jigsaw, Metal Shears, Belt Sander, Table Saw, Chop Saw.

Air powered

Weak, slow or won't cycleShared · Air powered

Likely causes

Pressure too low
Leaking coupler
Undersized hose
Water in the line
Dry tool

Checks to try, in order

Set the compressor's regulator to the pressure printed on the tool.
Check couplers are fully seated and listen for leaks along the hose.
Use the right hose size — long, narrow hoses starve heavy tools like breakers.
Drain water from the compressor tank.
Unless the tool is marked oil-free, add a few drops of air-tool oil into the inlet at the start of the day.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Air leaking at a fittingShared · Air powered

Checks to try, in order

Disconnect the air supply before touching the fitting.
Re-seat the quick coupler until it clicks.
Threaded fittings may need new thread-seal tape.

Air leaking from the tool body usually means worn seals — return it to the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Applies to Nail Gun, Air Jack Hammer, Hopper Spray Gun, Air Scaler.

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