The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Heil Hoist question

I went through the archives and could not find what I am looking for. I also can't find anything on the web. I have a Heil hoist model 1715PL on a 46 Chev 2 ton. It does not have a hydraulic reservoir like a more modern hoist. Does anyone know where to add fluid and how much to put in the thing. The only fill plug I can find is on the top of the cylinder which would mean when the bed is replaced I would have to stand underneath the thing to add fluid.

I called a friend of mine that used to do a lot of hydraulic work. He said that you fill it through that hole in the big cyl.
With it down you can fill it all the way. If it is up you don't want to get too much in or you can guess what happens when you lower it. Put in enough so it will raise all the way.

If you do decide to fill it with the bed up, two things to remember;
1. Be sure to block it VERY securely before going under there. Guys have been killed doing that.
2. Leave the plug out the first time you let the bed back down. That way, if you've overfilled it, the excess fluid can run out. Otherwise, you could blow the seals out of the hoist.

It's much safer to fill it with the bed down if possible. It's a little harder to get at the plug, but it can be done. I used a suction gun to squirt the fluid into the hole.

My 55 first series 6500 came with a Heil hoist, your cylinder is your reservoir, the "plug" on the top side of the cylinder is your fill point and the two previous post are correct on the procedure. Also that "plug" is a vent, if its to the point of looking like a plug and not a vent, or if its the original, replace it with a new one. Otherwise you can use a spray solvent or a quick soak then blow it out with compressed air.

Thanks, guys, I appreciate all the help.

Whereabouts in MN are you from?

400case: is your hoist a 1715 PL or perhaps a DL? The DL would tend to designate a "direct lift" wherein the cylinder rod attaches directly to the body understructure. It is common to see the DL as part of a hoist model number.

If indeed it is a PL then it is more likely to be a twin arm design.

What hydraulic fluid is recomened for a dump bed that has a reservoir?

Outside of Rochester

The tag is in good shape and I am fairly sure it is PL. I will take another look. It is not twin cylinders.

Mine, without a reservoir calls for 10, 20, or 30 wt engine oil depending on air temp.

If you ever get into a pinch you could use vegtable oil. It's called Veg# 46 from Chevron or Union 76. Now we operated several lift trucks that picked up a half of a truck load at one time for faster movement of goods. Also we stacked Brites 4 pallets high also. Veg #46 cost half the price of hydrualic oil and does not foam either. All our equipment Lift Trucks, Dump Trucks and all hydrualic equipment ran on it with zero problems. Just a trade secret here for all to know. I worked on the lift trucks for 4 years and only rebuilt one complete mast and that truck had to be rechromed inside the cyclinder from several years use. Hoses had normal wear patterns caused from rubs and cracks on out side of lining. We also replace the Cheverons on the rams every now and then when they got old and brittle and starting to seep.
62Blue
Don