Gehl 503Z User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

E
egordonAug 20, 2025
Why won't my Gehl 503Z Compact Excavator engine start?
- W
  williamwyattAug 21, 2025
  If your Gehl Compact Excavator's engine won't start, several factors could be at play. First, ensure you have sufficient fuel in the tank and that air is bled from the fuel system. Check the battery to ensure it has sufficient power, charging or replacing it if necessary. A contaminated fuel filter can also prevent starting, so clean it. Other potential issues include incorrect engine oil or fuel grade (replace with the proper grade), loose or corroded starter circuit connections (repair the circuit), a malfunctioning fuel injector (repair the injector), a faulty glow plug system (replace the system), incorrect engine valve clearance (adjust the valve clearance), or a malfunctioning starter/pinion (repair the starter/pinion).
M
mitchellkarenAug 22, 2025
Why does my Gehl 503Z Compact Excavator have insufficient engine power?
- J
  Joshua BarnesAug 23, 2025
  If your Gehl Compact Excavator has insufficient engine power, several factors could be responsible. Check for a fuel line leakage and replace the fuel line if needed. Ensure the engine reaches operating temperature by allowing it to warm up. Verify that you're using the correct fuel grade and replace it if it's not. Other potential causes include: contaminated air filter, incorrect engine valve clearance, oil level too high (adjust the oil level), malfunctioning fuel injector(s) (repair fuel injector(s)), or an overheated engine (check cooling system).
K
Kevin AndersonAug 25, 2025
What to do if my Gehl 503Z Compact Excavator engine overheats?
- B
  Billy WalkerAug 25, 2025
  If your Gehl Compact Excavator engine overheats, several issues could be the cause. Ensure the coolant level is adequate by adding coolant if it is low. Check the engine oil level and add oil if it's low, or adjust if it is too high. Other potential causes: fouled oil cooler fins (clean oil cooler), damaged fan or V-belt (replace the fan / service V-belt), or malfunctioning fuel injectors (repair fuel injectors).
M
Mr. Jeremy OlsonAug 26, 2025
What does it mean when the engine oil pressure light comes on in my Gehl 503Z?
- Q
  qmejiaAug 27, 2025
  If the engine oil pressure indicator light comes on during operation of your Gehl Compact Excavator, stop the engine immediately. Check the engine oil level and add oil if necessary. If the oil level is correct, the oil pump may have failed and needs replacement. Also, check if the machine inclination is too high (maximum inclination is 15° up and across slopes; 25° down slopes) or if the engine oil SAE grade is incorrect (replace with proper grade).
K
Krystal WilliamsAug 28, 2025
Why is my Gehl Compact Excavator emitting smoke?
- J
  Jasmine FloresAug 28, 2025
  If your Gehl Compact Excavator is emitting smoke, the color can indicate the problem. Blue smoke suggests adjusting the oil level. White smoke suggests replacing the fuel with the proper grade. Black smoke suggests servicing the air filter. Also, make sure that machine inclination is not too high (15° maximum inclination up and across slopes; 25° maximum inclination down slopes). If the engine starting temperature is too low, wait for the engine pre-heat cycle to complete before starting the engine. Malfunctioning fuel injectors may also be the cause and needs to be repaired.
M
matthewwatsonAug 29, 2025
What causes a Gehl Compact Excavator engine to run rough?
- C
  christina98Aug 30, 2025
  If your Gehl Compact Excavator engine is running roughly, it could be due to several reasons. Incorrect fuel grade may be the cause, so replace the fuel with the proper grade. Other potential causes include: incorrect engine valve clearance, fuel line leakage (replace fuel line), or malfunctioning fuel injector(s) (repair fuel injector(s)).
T
turnerjenniferAug 31, 2025
What causes high engine oil consumption in my Gehl 503Z?
- P
  Peggy CastilloAug 31, 2025
  High engine oil consumption in your Gehl Compact Excavator can be attributed to several factors. Ensure that the oil level is properly adjusted. The machine inclination may be too high (15° maximum inclination up and across slopes; 25° maximum inclination down slopes). Also, verify that you are using the correct engine oil SAE grade and replace it if necessary.
G
gabrielmillerSep 2, 2025
Why aren't the front end attachments on my Gehl 503Z working properly?
- J
  Joseph BentonSep 2, 2025
  If the front end attachments on your Gehl Compact Excavator aren't working or are performing poorly, start by checking the hydraulic fluid level and add fluid if it's low. Low engine power could also be a factor.
T
Tracy WilliamsSep 4, 2025
Why does the water temperature light come on in my Gehl 503Z?
- S
  Scott MartinSep 4, 2025
  If the water temperature display light comes on during operation of your Gehl Compact Excavator, the coolant level may be too low, so add coolant. Another possible cause is that the fan blades are rotating too slowly. Also, the air filter may be contaminated.
J
Jack WhiteSep 5, 2025
Why is my Gehl Compact Excavator losing hydraulic fluid?
- D
  danny82Sep 6, 2025
  If you're experiencing hydraulic fluid losses from the hydraulic system of your Gehl Compact Excavator, check for loose hose fittings and tighten them. Also, inspect seals, hoses, or lines for damage and replace them as needed.

Gehl 503Z Specifications

General

Brand	Gehl
Model	503Z
Category	Compact Excavator
Language	English

Summary

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

SPECIFICATIONS

503Z General Specifications

Detailed specifications and dimensions for the 503Z model excavator.

603 General Specifications

Detailed specifications and dimensions for the 603 model excavator.

Load Diagrams

Permissible load charts for the 503Z standard dipper arm.

CHAPTER 2 - SAFETY

SAFETY ALERTS

Explanation of safety alert symbols and signal words used in the manual.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

Essential rules and recommendations for safe operation and operator qualifications.

MANDATORY SAFETY SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE

Step-by-step procedure for safely shutting down the machine before leaving.

OPERATION SAFETY

General safety guidelines and precautions for operating the machine.

Before Operation

Precautions and checks to perform before starting machine operation.

During Operation

Safety guidelines to follow while the machine is in operation.

FIRE HAZARDS

Information on potential fire hazards related to machine components and operation.

MAINTENANCE SAFETY

Safety rules and precautions for performing maintenance on the machine.

Battery Electrolyte and Explosive Gas Hazard

Precautions related to battery acid, explosive gases, and first aid.

Jump-starting or Charging the Battery

Safe procedures for jump-starting or charging the machine's battery.

CHAPTER 3 - OPERATION

OPERATING CONTROLS

Overview of the machine's operating controls and safety features.

Ignition Key Switch

Description of the ignition key switch positions and their functions.

Battery Disconnect Switch

Location and operation of the battery disconnect switch for electrical lockout.

Travel Controls

Instructions on operating the machine's travel controls for forward, reverse, and turning.

Tilting the Cab or Canopy

Procedure for safely tilting the cab or canopy up and down.

SAE Operating Controls

Description of SAE control configuration for joysticks and functions.

ISO Operating Controls

Description of ISO control configuration for joysticks and functions.

Boom Swivel/Auxiliary Hydraulics Pedal

Operation of the boom swivel and auxiliary hydraulics using the pedal.

Dozer Blade Controls

How to operate the dozer blade using the control pedal/lever.

Seat Belt

Importance and proper use of the seat belt for operator safety.

Mounting/Removing Buckets

Safety precautions and procedures for mounting and removing buckets.

Auxiliary Hydraulics Connections

Procedure for connecting and disconnecting auxiliary hydraulic quick couplings.

MACHINE OPERATION

General procedures and checks for operating the machine.

Pre-Operation Checklist

Daily and 12-hour checks to ensure the machine is ready for operation.

Engine Start and Stop

Basic procedures for starting and stopping the machine's engine.

Engine Start Procedure

Detailed steps for starting the engine, including indicator checks.

After Starting/During Operation

Checks to perform after startup and during operation for proper function.

Engine Shut Down

Procedure for safely shutting down the engine.

Mandatory Safety Shutdown Procedure

Detailed steps for safely shutting down the machine before leaving.

Travel

Safety warnings and instructions for operating the machine's travel functions.

Travel Speed Selection

Machine Operation

Details on operating specific machine functions like joysticks and brakes.

Joystick Controls

Operating Precautions

Excavation

Excavating

Loading Vehicles

Loading and Transporting

Proportional Auxiliary Hydraulic Joystick Control (Option)

Two-Speed Variable Auxiliary Hydraulic Mode Selection

Auxiliary Hydraulics Proportional Joystick Control

Auxiliary Hydraulic Hammer Operation

CHAPTER 4 – MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Safety

Critical safety rules and precautions to follow during maintenance procedures.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Recommended maintenance intervals for various service activities.

Check, Clean and Inspect

Fluid and Filter Changes

Lubrication

Engine Oil

Checking Engine Oil Level

Step-by-step guide to checking the engine oil level using the dipstick.

Changing Engine Oil and Filter

Procedure for changing the engine oil and oil filter.

Air Cleaner Service

Fuel System

Filling the Fuel Tank

Procedure for filling the fuel tank with diesel fuel.

Fuel Filter

Purging Air from the Fuel System

Cooling System

Checking Coolant Level

Step-by-step guide to checking the engine coolant level.

Electrical System

Battery

Using a Booster Battery (Jump-Starting)

Safe procedures for jump-starting the machine using a booster battery.

Hydraulic System

Checking Hydraulic Oil Level

Step-by-step guide to checking the hydraulic oil level.

Checking and Adjusting V-Belt Tension

Checking and Adjusting Air Conditioning V-Belt Tension

Changing Final Drive Oil

Checking and Adjusting Track Tension

LONG-TERM STORAGE

CHAPTER 5 – TROUBLESHOOTING

ENGINE

Troubleshooting guide for engine-related problems like starting and running issues.

INDICATOR LAMPS

SEALS AND HOSES

TRAVELING GEAR

BUCKET, BOOM AND DOZER BLADE

ENGINE ERROR CODES

Information on engine error codes, diagnostic examples, and their meanings.

Related product manuals

Gehl 503Z User Manual

Table of Contents