Foundation Repair Systems: What To Look For
Complete foundation repair systems provide crews with the lifting and ramming power they need to repair foundations. Every foundation repair system is made up of the following:
- A hydraulic pump
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Hydraulic hoses
- Gauges and controls
As repairs are performed in rugged, dirty environments, foundation repair systems must be designed for durability and reliability.
What Does a Complete Foundation Repair System Include?
Every foundation repair system consists of a hydraulic pump, one or more hydraulic cylinders, a set of hydraulic hoses and gauges for monitoring pressure. Remote controls are also available and recommended as they improve operational safety.
Foundation repair equipment is constantly challenged by dust and moisture. To mitigate contamination risk, investing in equipment from proven hydraulic manufacturers is recommended.
Beyond a proven brand, what should foundation repair teams look for in their hydraulic pumps and cylinders? We’ll address that next.
The Hydraulic Pump: Reliability, Power, and Mobility
Hydraulic pumps deliver fluid power to each hydraulic cylinder and are the heart of every foundation repair operation. If the pump goes down, work comes to a halt, so a reliable hydraulic pump is a must.
Among foundation repair crews, one of the most popular lines of hydraulic pumps is Power Team’s PE55 series. Impressively versatile, the PE55 series is available in more than a dozen specifications, including the PE552.
The PE552 is a top hydraulic pump choice for foundation repair companies. It offers the following features:
- A single-acting pump with a 3-way valve
- Hold functionality on motor shut off
- An unloading valve that ensures higher flows while under high pressures
- Best power-to-weight ratio among all Power Team hydraulic pumps
- Compatibility with remote controls
With these features, the PE552 can be used to drive hydraulic rams under extreme loads and do it as efficiently as possible. Further, the PE552’s ability to hold on motor shut off and its remote controllability improves safety for foundation repair jobs.
A nice bonus is the PE552’s mobility-focused build, as it weighs in at a modest 65 pounds – light enough to move around on an active foundation repair site.
The Hydraulic Cylinder: Durability, Capacity and Usability
During a foundation repair project, hydraulic cylinders convert fluid power into linear force – perfect for lifting foundations or ramming piers in place.
Hydraulic cylinders are subjected to intense loading and work conditions, so capacity and durability are important considerations.
The Power Team C258C hydraulic cylinder checks both boxes and is a popular choice for foundation repair work. Some of its standout features include:
- A 25-ton capacity
- Standard collar threads for simplifying fixturing applications
- Compatibility with a wide range of piston rod, collar, or base accessories
- Base mounting holes
The above features enhance the C258C’s usability, but where the hydraulic cylinder really shines is in the durability department. Some of its durability features include:
- Solid steel body construction
- An aluminum bronze bearing for managing off-center loads
- Maximum spring size for better spring return and life
- Chrome-plated piston rod for added corrosion resistance
- Removable rubber boots for protection during transport
Together, these features extend the C258C’s useful life and reliability during operation.
Other Foundation Repair System Components: Hydraulic Hoses and Gauges
The hydraulic pump and cylinder are the system’s hardest working components, but they can’t do their job without a reliable set of hydraulic hoses. A complete foundation repair system should come with a hose to connect the cylinder and pump together. It is critical to source your foundation repair system components from a trusted supplier, as any tears or flaws in the hose may expose the equipment to contamination.
Pressure gauges are also highly recommended to monitor the system’s operating pressures and for troubleshooting purposes. For example, if the system fails to lift a load that should be within capacity, operators can reference pressure gauges to isolate flow problems.
Fluid-filled gauges are recommended as they are less susceptible to vibration and are easier to read.
Finally, no foundation repair system is complete without a way to control the hydraulic pump remotely. The PE552 can be used with a 10-foot remote control system, so operators can monitor cylinder performance while controlling the hydraulic pump from a distance – improving efficiency and safety during foundation repair.
A Hydraulic Equipment Expert Can Maintain Your Foundation Repair Systems
Foundation repair systems are built to withstand harsh operating conditions, but even the best engineered equipment will eventually require maintenance. If your equipment is showing any of the following signs, failure may be imminent:
- Unusual sounds during operation, such as banging or gurgling noises
- Loss of power or reduced power output
- Overheating
- Fluid contamination
- Repeated component failure
Downtime is expensive for foundation repair crews and if the system is no longer reliable, it is no longer safe to operate.
A hydraulic power equipment expert can prevent equipment failure from halting your operations by providing full system inspections that identify any issues. Once diagnosed, your hydraulic expert can provide repairs and component replacements, if needed.
Foundation repair systems include a reliable pump like the PE552, a hydraulic cylinder like the C258C, a set of hydraulic hoses, and vital accessories like pressure gauges and remote-control technology. If your company is partnered with a trusted hydraulic power expert, you can ensure your foundation repair systems operate with maximum uptime and efficiency.