The IHI 55N is one of the larger models in the IHI compact excavator range. It features higher fluid capacities, making proper maintenance especially important for performance and longevity. Below is a clear and practical summary of the official service intervals and lubrication requirements.Key Highlights – IHI 55N Maintenance
- Engine oil capacity: Max 7.9 – 10.5 L (depending on engine)
- Hydraulic system: Total 110 L (Tank 70–75 L)
- Travel drive oil: 1.0 – 1.3 L per side
- Swing gear grease: 11.5 L
- Daily checks focus on engine oil, coolant, hydraulic level, and air cleaner indicator
- Grease all attachment pins and swing bearing every 50 hours
- Engine oil and filter change every 250 hours
- Hydraulic oil change every 1000 hours (or every 600 hours with breaker use)
- Use EP-2 Lithium Grease for all grease points
- Shorten service intervals in dusty conditions or when using a hydraulic breaker
IHI 55N Maintenance Intervals Chart
Interval | Check Point | Item | Action | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
When Required | Tracks | Check and Adjust Tension | Grease + Adjust | Rubber: 10–20 mm sag |
When Required | Tracks | Check Rubber Shoes | Inspect / Replace | Replace if lugs < 5 mm |
When Required | Fuses / Fusible Link | Replace | Replace same rating | — |
When Required | Battery | Clean and Check Electrolyte Level | Clean + Top-up | Blue = Good |
When Required | Bucket | Change Bucket | Replace as needed | Block bucket before work |
Daily (8 hrs) | Engine Oil | Check Oil Level | Check (E ○) | Stop engine first |
Daily (8 hrs) | Engine Coolant | Check Coolant Level | Check (W ○) | Check reserve tank |
Daily (8 hrs) | Hydraulic Tank | Check Hydraulic Oil Level | Check (H ○) | Machine level + retracted |
Daily (8 hrs) | Fuel Tank | Check Fuel Level | Check | Lock cap after refueling |
Daily (8 hrs) | Air Cleaner | Check Service Signal | Check indicator | Red = service needed |
Daily (8 hrs) | Water Sedimenter | Check Level and Drain Water | Drain if needed | Daily |
Every 50 hrs | Fuel Tank | Drain Water and Sediment | Drain | Fill tank first |
Every 50 hrs | Attachment Pins | Lubricate with Grease | Grease (G ○) | All pins |
Every 50 hrs | Swing Bearing | Lubricate with Grease | Grease (G ○) | Including ring gear |
Every 50 hrs | Engine | Change Oil and Filter * | Change (E ●) | *Initial break-in only |
Every 50 hrs | Hydraulic System | Change Return Filter * | Change | *Initial break-in only |
Every 250 hrs | Engine | Change Oil and Filter | Change (E ●) | Full service |
Every 250 hrs | Air Cleaner | Clean or Change Filter Elements | Clean / Replace | Max 5 cleanings |
Every 250 hrs | Fuel Filter | Clean Filter Element | Clean | — |
Every 250 hrs | Fan Belt | Inspect and Adjust | Check tension | — |
Every 250 hrs | Coolant | Change Coolant (non-LLC) | Change (W ●) | Or every 6 months |
Every 500 hrs | Bolts | Retighten Critical Bolts | Torque to spec | Use torque tables |
Every 500 hrs | Return Filter | Change Return Filter | Change (H ●) | More frequent with breaker |
Every 500 hrs | Fuel Filter | Change Filter Element | Change | — |
Every 500 hrs | Travel Drive | Check Oil Level | Check (L ○) | Both sides |
Every 1000 hrs | Travel Drive | Change Gear Case Oil | Change (L ●) | 1.0 – 1.3 L per side |
Every 1000 hrs | Hydraulic Tank | Change Hydraulic Oil + Clean Strainer | Change (H ●) | 110 L total. 600 hrs with breaker |
Every 2 Years | Engine Coolant | Change Coolant (with LLC) | Change (W ●) | Full flush recommended |
IHI 55N Lubrication Chart
Check Point | Item | Daily | Every 50h | Every 250h | Every 500h | Every 1000h | Symbol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Attachment pins | Lubricate with grease "G" | — | ○ | — | — | — | G |
Hydraulic tank | Check oil level "H" | ○ | — | — | — | ● | H |
Return filter | Change filter | — | — | — | ● | — | H |
Engine | Change engine oil "E" | ○ | — | ● | — | — | E |
Engine | Change oil filter | — | — | ● | — | — | E |
Engine | Check coolant level "W" | ○ | — | — | — | ● | W |
Swing bearing | Grease bearing | ○ | — | — | — | — | G |
Swing bearing (Ring gear) | Grease ring gear | — | ○ | — | — | — | G |
Travel drive | Check / Change oil "L" | — | — | — | ○ | ● | L |
Blade | Lubricate with grease "G" | — | ○ | — | — | — | G |
Symbol Key
G = EP-2 Lithium Grease L = Gear Oil H = Hydraulic Fluid E = Engine Oil W = Coolant
○ = Check / Grease ● = Change
IHI 55N Recommended Lubricants & Capacities
Location | Capacity | Change Interval | Recommended Lubricant |
|---|---|---|---|
Engine Oil | Max 7.9 – 10.5 L | 250 hrs (initial 50 hrs) | API CD SAE 20/30/40 |
Hydraulic Oil | Total 110 L / Tank 70–75 L | 1000 hrs (600 hrs with breaker) | ISO-VG 46 or ISO-VG 32 |
Travel Drives | 1.0 – 1.3 L each | 1000 hrs | API CD SAE 30 |
Track Rollers | 0.08 L each | As needed | Gear Oil ISO-VG 320 (SAE 90) |
Front Idlers | 0.08 L each | As needed | Gear Oil ISO-VG 320 (SAE 90) |
Upper Rollers | 0.06 L each | As needed | Gear Oil ISO-VG 320 (SAE 90) |
Swing Gear Grease | 11.5 L | 1000 hrs | EP-2 Lithium Grease |
Grease Points | As required | Every 50 hrs | EP-2 Lithium Grease |
Coolant | — | 2 years (with LLC) | Long-Life Coolant (30–50% mix) |
Quick Tips for IHI 55N Owners
- Always complete previous service items before moving to the next interval.
- The larger swing gear and hydraulic capacities mean higher fluid volumes — always use the correct quantities.
- Regular greasing and proper track tension are especially important on this heavier model.
- Breaker users should change the hydraulic oil and return filter more frequently (every 600 hours).
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