Maintenance Tips for Hydraulic Equipment
If your organization utilizes hydraulic equipment in the field, then consistent maintenance is a must. On-time preventative maintenance optimizes equipment reliability and efficiency, so it’s a worthwhile investment for critical hydraulic equipment assets.
In every hydraulic system, it’s the hydraulic pump and hydraulic cylinder that typically require the most maintenance, as both are subjected to harsh work conditions and extensive wear.
While detailed maintenance and repairs should always be handled by an expert hydraulic technician, there are some maintenance routines that operators can manage on their own. Those maintenance tips can protect your hydraulic pumps, cylinders and accessories.
Maintenance Tips for Hydraulic Pumps
Hydraulic pumps and power units are responsible for generating flow and are therefore an irreplaceable part of the system.
The following maintenance tips will keep those critical hydraulic pumps in the field and at peak capacity:
- Monitor the pump’s fluid levels and quality – Hydraulic pump manufacturers recommend fluid changes on regular intervals, during which the hydraulic fluid should be inspected, and replaced if necessary. It’s always a good idea to check the hydraulic pump’s fluid levels and condition prior to operation. This can be done quickly, especially if you have a test point already connected to the hydraulic pump’s lines.
If there are any signs of fluid contamination, shut the hydraulic pump down and give it a thorough cleaning. Then test it again. - Perform a detailed visual inspection after every operation – Following every operation, give your hydraulic pump a thorough visual inspection to verify that it is still in good working order. Any signs of damage, wear or leaks merit an immediate response, especially if there are other signs of hydraulic pump failure.
When inspecting the hydraulic pump, pay special attention to the pump’s reservoir, breather cap, filters, hoses and connections. If there are issues with the pump’s operation, these components will typically be the first to show wear or malfunction. - Clean the hydraulic pump and its components regularly – The number one cause of all hydraulic system failures is contamination – due to water, air or solid debris (dirt). There are many ways contamination can enter a hydraulic system, although dirty pump components or hoses are a primary cause. Clean the hydraulic pump’s body and hoses to keep that contamination from entering the system.
- Respond to any signs of pump failure or distress – The first signs that your hydraulic pump is distressed will likely be audible or operational in nature. If your hydraulic pumps are making unusual noises (banging, grinding, “growling”), if they are handling rough, if they are not outputting at expected capacities, or if any part of the system is overheating, these are troubling signs of impending hydraulic pump failure. If any of these signs are present, shut the hydraulic pump down and schedule a full inspection.
The above maintenance tips will protect your system from the most common causes of hydraulic equipment failure, but they are not a substitute for expert preventative maintenance. Consult with your hydraulic pump’s operation manual to ensure your pumps remain on their maintenance schedule. For most manufacturers, the standard recommendation is a round of preventative maintenance every 10,000 operation hours. More than anything else, staying on this schedule will extend your hydraulic pump’s life and performance
Maintenance Tips for Hydraulic Cylinders
Hydraulic cylinders convert fluid power from the hydraulic pump into linear force. As such, hydraulic cylinders are the heavy-duty workhorses of every hydraulic system – so on-time maintenance is critical. Just like with hydraulic pumps, some of that maintenance can be performed by your operator teams. Those maintenance tips include:
- Tightening any loose connections – Heat, vibration and mechanical action can all cause hydraulic connections to loosen and fail with time. Before operating your hydraulic cylinders, make sure all connections and fittings are properly torqued.
- Cleaning the hydraulic cylinder following operation – Following operation, clean down the hydraulic cylinders like you would with your hydraulic pumps. Fluid contamination is a major threat to hydraulic cylinders as well, and the best way to prevent contamination is to keep the equipment clean.
- Check for any signs of wear or corrosion inside the cylinder barrel – If your operators have the time and skill, it’s a good idea to open the hydraulic cylinder body occasionally and check for any corrosion or unusual wear inside the barrel. Pitting, scoring and uneven wear inside the barrel are signs that the piston isn’t stroking properly or that cavitation is forming inside the hydraulic cylinder.
- Inspect the seals of the hydraulic cylinder – In most types of hydraulic equipment, seals are the obvious weak spot. Elevated fluid temperatures, poor system calibration, contamination and other issues can cause your hydraulic seals to wear out faster. And when they do fail, it can lead to additional leaks and severe contamination. To prevent this from happening, inspect the condition of all the hydraulic cylinders seals.
Maintenance Tips for Hydraulic Hoses and Accessories
Aside from the hydraulic pump and cylinder, your hydraulic equipment won’t often need service. The best thing you can do for your hydraulic hoses, connections and accessories is to keep them clean and regularly inspect them for wear. Check the hoses for any signs of tearing or fraying. Check your valves and manifolds to ensure they are opening and closing smoothly. Check any in-line filters to verify they aren’t overly soiled.
In short, when there is time, give each component of your hydraulic system a close look and replace anything that may represent a potential failure point.
The Best Maintenance Tip is to Partner with a Hydraulic Equipment Expert You Can Trust
Hydraulic equipment systems are complex and prone to developing minor issues over time. If your organization responds to those issues as soon as they emerge, it will optimize the equipment’s efficiency and value.
Getting the most out of every asset is the goal for every company. An experienced hydraulic equipment expert can maintain and repair your hydraulic pumps, cylinders and accessories, ensuring they stay in the field longer and deliver power reliably.