Doosan DX225 Boom Slow: Troubleshooting & Lifting Power Fix

 

Doosan DX225 Boom Slow – Complete Troubleshooting Guide

A slow boom on the Doosan DX225 indicates a hydraulic flow, pressure, or control issue. This guide explains all symptoms, causes, and step-by-step troubleshooting to restore full boom speed and lifting performance.

"Doosan DX225 excavator boom lifting operation troubleshooting diagram with hydraulic cylinder and pump pressure points.


1. Symptoms of Boom Slow (DX225) 

  • Boom raises very slowly
  • Boom cannot lift heavy loads
  • Boom speed decreases after warming up
  • Boom movement is jerky or inconsistent
  • Other functions (arm/bucket) may be normal
  • Engine does not bog down during boom operation
  • Hydraulic oil temperature increases quickly

2. Causes of Boom Slow on Doosan DX225

A. Pilot Pressure Problems
Infographic showing Doosan DX225 boom slow symptoms, causes, troubleshooting steps, and mechanic tips for restoring boom lifting speed.

  • Low pilot pressure to boom spool
  • Clogged pilot filter
  • Faulty pilot pressure reducing valve
  • Weak joystick pilot signal

B. Boom Spool Issues (Main Control Valve)

  • Internal leakage inside boom spool
  • Spool sticking due to contamination
  • Worn spool seals
  • Center bypass leakage

C. Relief Valve Problems

  • Boom relief valve set too low
  • Relief valve stuck open
  • Contaminated relief valve

D. Hydraulic Pump Issues

  • Pump not upstroking properly
  • Weak A-pump (boom pump)
  • Incorrect standby pressure
  • Faulty pump control solenoid

E. Hydraulic Oil & Filtration

  • Low hydraulic oil level
  • Wrong oil grade
  • Clogged return filter
  • Contaminated hydraulic oil

3. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting (DX225 Boom Slow)

Step 1 – Check Hydraulic Oil Level & Condition

  • Check oil level on level ground
  • Inspect oil color and smell
  • Replace oil if contaminated

Low or dirty oil reduces boom speed significantly.

Step 2 – Replace Pilot & Return Filters

  • Replace pilot filter (common cause)
  • Replace return filter
  • Check suction strainer

Step 3 – Measure Pilot Pressure

  • Connect gauge to boom pilot line
  • Check pilot pressure at neutral and during boom raise
  • Adjust pilot pressure if low

Normal pilot pressure: 35–40 bar (varies by model)

Step 4 – Test Boom Relief Valve

  • Measure boom relief pressure
  • Clean or replace relief valve if weak
  • Adjust to correct specification

Step 5 – Inspect Boom Spool (MCV)

  • Check for internal leakage
  • Check spool movement
  • Check for contamination or sticking

Step 6 – Test Main Pump Output

  • Measure pump standby pressure
  • Measure pump working pressure
  • Check pump upstroke response
  • Verify pump control solenoid voltage

4. Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace hydraulic filters every 500 hours
  • Use correct hydraulic oil grade
  • Clean hydraulic oil cooler
  • Check pilot pressure regularly
  • Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks

5. Quick Mechanic Tips

  • Boom slow only: Boom spool or boom relief valve
  • Boom slow when hot: Internal leakage in spool
  • Boom weak + arm normal: A-pump issue
  • Boom slow + arm slow: Pilot pressure problem
  • All functions slow: Main pump or pilot system

Conclusion

Boom slow on the Doosan DX225 is usually caused by pilot pressure issues, boom spool leakage, relief valve problems, or weak pump output. Following this step-by-step guide will help you identify the root cause and restore full boom speed and lifting performance.

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