The Gehl 153, 193, 223 operator manual PDF (Form No. 909824, 80 pages) sets out how you run, check and service these three compact excavators, from the pre-operation walkaround to long-term storage. Each model gets its own specification pages and load diagram. The operation chapter, close to a third of the book, explains SAE/ISO control patterns, track extension, the swing lock lever, auxiliary hydraulics and the 223's superstructure tilt. The maintenance schedule sets intervals for the engine, hydraulics, travel drive motor and swing gear ring, then covers the pilot control filter and track tension, with troubleshooting for indicator lamps and traveling gear. Expect 2,900 psi (200 bar) working and travel pressure, and read the 153's serial number before filling: engine oil runs 2.7 L, 2.3 L or 3.4 L depending on the range. One wrong guess means a second oil change. Bookmarked and keyword-searchable, it's bought once and stays with your machine.
What's Inside This Gehl 153, 193, 223 Operator Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | 7-18 | Introduction, Ownership Change, 153 Specifications, 193 Specifications, 223 Specifications |
| Safety | 19-28 | Maintenance Safety (Warning Tag/Control Lockout Requirement, Running Engine During Service, Supporting Equipment) |
| Operation | 29-54 | Operating Controls (Machine Orientation, Excavator Components, Fuse Panel) |
| Maintenance | 55-72 | Maintenance Safety, Maintenance Schedule, Hydraulic System |
| Troubleshooting | 73-80 | Indicator Lamps, Seals and Hoses, Traveling Gear, Bucket, Boom and Dozer Blade |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| 153 | ||
| Engine Oil Capacity (SN AB00440–AC00303) | 2.9 qts. US (2.7 L) | p. 9 |
| Engine Oil Capacity (SN AC00304–AE00004) | 2.4 qts. US (2.3 L) | p. 9 |
| Engine Oil Capacity (SN AE00005 and up) | 3.6 qts. US (3.4 L) | p. 9 |
| Operating Pressure (swing unit) | 1,813 psi (125 bar) | p. 9 |
| Operating Weight w/Cab (SAE) | 3,760 lbs. (1705 kg) | p. 10 |
| All Models | ||
| Operating Pressure (working and driving) | 2,900 psi (200 bar) | p. 9 |
| Hydraulic Tank Capacity | 5.5 gal. US (21 L) | p. 9 |
| Hydraulic System Capacity | 7.9 gal. US (30 L) | p. 9 |
| 193 | ||
| Operating Pressure (swing unit) | 1,813 psi (125 bar) | p. 12 |
| Operating Weight w/Cab (SAE) | 4,290 lbs. (1945 kg) | p. 13 |
| 223 | ||
| Operating Pressure (swing unit) | 2,176 psi (150 bar) | p. 15 |
| Operating Weight w/Cab (SAE) | 4,450 lbs. (2020 kg) | p. 16 |
Gehl 153, 193, 223 Common Problems This Manual Covers
Gehl 153, 193 or 223 compact excavator engine will not start when turning the ignition key
Check the fuel tank first. If it ran dry, add fuel and bleed air from the fuel system, but never bleed a hot engine (page 64). Charge or replace a weak battery and clean a contaminated fuel filter. Never use ether starting aids (page 22), and keep each starter attempt to 20 seconds or less, per page 45. If the glow plug system has failed, contact an authorized repair center.
Manual Section: Engine Troubleshooting p. 73Water temperature display light comes on during operation on the compact excavator dash
Stop the engine and let it cool before you check the coolant, because page 25 requires a cool-down before any radiator service. Add coolant if the level is low. If the fan blades turn too slowly, adjust the v-belt tension. Clean a plugged air filter. If the lamp still comes on, check the cooling system using the chart on page 73.
Manual Section: Indicator Lamps Troubleshooting p. 73Excavator losing hydraulic fluid with wet hose fittings and oil spots under the machine
Lower the bucket and dozer blade to the ground before you start (page 56). Hunt for the leak with a piece of paper or cardboard, never your hands, because escaping oil under pressure can penetrate skin. Remember the hydraulic reservoir is pressurized, and disconnect the battery before hydraulic service (page 25). Tighten loose hose fittings. Change any damaged seals, hoses or lines.
Manual Section: Seals and Hoses Troubleshooting p. 73Machine will not travel straight forward or backward and pulls to one side
Check both tracks for a foreign object jammed in the track and remove it. Compare the track tension on each side and adjust any unequal track, following page 71, without over-tensioning. Never loosen the grease fitting more than two turns, because it can be ejected under pressure and cause injury. Damaged travel valves are a job for an authorized repair center.
Manual Section: Traveling Gear Troubleshooting p. 74Boom and bucket front end attachments do not work or work only at low performance
Stop the engine and let it cool before servicing the hydraulic reservoir, which is pressurized (page 25). Check the hydraulic fluid level and add fluid if it is low. The tank holds 5.5 gal. US (21 L), per page 9. If the level is correct, contact an authorized repair center. Low engine power, a damaged pump coupling, pressure limiting valves set too low, or damaged cylinders or control valves are dealer work.
Manual Section: Bucket, Boom and Dozer Blade Troubleshooting p. 74Swing frame is difficult or impossible to rotate from the operator's seat
Check the swing lock lever first. An engaged swing lock pin will stop the swing frame from rotating, so release it before anything else. If the frame still turns hard, lower the bucket and dozer blade to the ground (page 56). Then lubricate the swing gear through the remote grease fitting, as the chart on page 74 directs.
Manual Section: Bucket, Boom and Dozer Blade Troubleshooting p. 74Frequently Asked Questions
How do I bleed the fuel system on a Gehl 153, 193, or 223?
For earlier models, place the throttle in the 'Run' position, ensure the water separator and fuel filter valves are open, and operate the primer pump lever on the fuel injection pump. Loosen the air bleeding screws on the water separator (3 and 4, Figure 4-7) and the injection pump (2, Figure 4-8) until bubbles are absent. WARNING: Do not air bleed a hot engine as spilled fuel can cause a fire. p. 64
What is the procedure for checking the engine oil level?
Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature, then turn it off. Pull the engine cover latch lever located beneath the operator's seat to raise the cover, and check the oil level using the dipstick at the front of the engine (1, Figure 4-2). Add oil if required, ensuring the level is between the minimum and maximum marks. p. 61
How do I adjust the track tension on these excavators?
Lift the unit using the bucket and dozer blade until tracks are clear of the ground. Remove the side plate to expose the adjustment fitting (Figure 4-22) and pump grease into the fitting until the idler wheel is centered. WARNING: Do not loosen the grease fitting more than two turns, or it could be ejected under pressure and cause injury. p. 71
What is the hydraulic system capacity for the Gehl 153, 193, 223 compact excavators?
The hydraulic system capacity for the 153, 193, and 223 models is 7.9 gal. US (30 L). p. 9
Is this Gehl 153 manual a download or a disc?
Instant PDF download. You get the full 80-page searchable Operator Manual immediately after payment. Open it on your laptop, tablet, or phone right in the shop.
Can I print specific sections of this Gehl 153 Operator Manual?
Yes. Many mechanics print the section they need for their own shop and bring it to the bench.











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