How to inspect travel motors and slew systems for play

[Alan]

When you're out there greasing things up and you hear a little clunk, it makes you wonder if that's just part of the deal or a sign that your wallet's about to take a hit. As someone who's managing things, I'm really interested in how you go about checking travel motors and slew systems for any play while you're in the field. I'd love to hear your quick tests and handy tips

 

[tractalker885]

On a scorching day out in the field with my NH 50C I felt a strange vibration. I carefully rotated the boom all the way around grabbed the motors and noticed a slight lateral movement. Quick checks like this help prevent little surprises from turning into hefty repair bills.

 

[Braingrain]

A while back while I was greasing my NH E35 I noticed a bit of play in the slew.
I turned it by hand with the engine off and felt the travel motors for any wiggle.
A little click is normal but if there's any side-to-side movement? That’s my cue to start planning a fix.

 

[Hayhunt]

Once had a T5 loader that started making a subtle clunk, which ended up costing me a pretty penny in repairs. Now, whenever I lift the machine just a bit and gently swing the boom, I keep an eye out for any unexpected movement in the slew ring or travel motors. A quick check in the field can really save you a lot of hassle.