Replacement Components for Hydraulic Equipment
Wear, tear and exposure to contaminants will eventually necessitate replacement components for your hydraulic equipment. Some of the most common failure points and parts you’re likely to replace with a hydraulic system include:
- Hydraulic seals (O-rings, V-rings)
- Hydraulic filters
- Hydraulic valves
- Hydraulic hoses and connectors
When any of these components fail, it can increase the likelihood of a larger, potentially catastrophic failure. It’s therefore recommended that hydraulic equipment operators partner with an expert hydraulic technician to manage essential maintenance routines. This includes identifying worn hydraulic components and replacing them.
Which Replacement Components are Most Often Needed for Hydraulic Equipment?
Hydraulic systems are subjected to intense operating pressures and the rigors of challenging work environments. Dust, moisture and vibration together can cause nearly any hydraulic component to eventually fail, but these are the parts most likely to need replacement:
- Hydraulic seals, including O-rings and V-rings – Hydraulic seals are notorious for their rapid wear rates and propensity to fail early. Made from performance polymers, hydraulic seals aren’t quite as durable as other hydraulic system components, and they are directly exposed to any contaminants captured in the system’s hydraulic fluid. Keeping those contaminants away from critical hydraulic system components is what those seals are for, so they’re more likely to fail early.
When hydraulic seals fail in a hydraulic pump or cylinder, contamination may be rapidly introduced into the hydraulic fluid. This will cascade into additional failures, in most cases. Hydraulic fluid may bypass into other parts of the system and increase the risk of a hydraulic fluid leak, or power delivery issues.
- Hydraulic filters – Most in-line hydraulic filters are disposable or designed with replaceable components. As such, hydraulic filter replacement is a basic form of hydraulic equipment maintenance – one that hydraulic system operators must stay on top of.
If hydraulic filters become excessively soiled, the filter may eventually introduce contamination into the hydraulic fluid. Power delivery problems may also emerge due to restricted flow.
Hydraulic filters are usually designed with indicators that trigger when it’s time for replacement. Keep an eye on them to ensure the filters are replaced on time.
- Hydraulic valves – Hydraulic valves (most often the control valve) may also fail due to excessive wear or poor system calibration. When hydraulic valves are compromised by wear or other issues, they will show signs of distress. Examples include sticking, not opening completely or as quickly as normal, or overheating. Flow-related issues may also present if a valve isn’t actuating properly.
In these instances, hydraulic valves can be repaired and returned to service, but not always. An expert hydraulic technician can help equipment operators determine which is the case for their hydraulic valves.
- Hydraulic hoses and connectors – Hydraulic hoses and connectors are also subjected to regular wear and exposure to potential contaminants. They are also used, stored, used again, stored again and so on. This regular cycling will increase the likelihood of failure – which can introduce additional contamination to your hydraulic system. Hydraulic hoses are prone to springing leaks and also picking up fluid-based contaminants when worn or frayed by operating conditions.
Fortunately, hydraulic hoses and connectors are easy and cost effective to replace. A hydraulic equipment expert can match the right hoses and connectors to your application and hydraulic system.
Why Partner with a Hydraulic Equipment Expert for Replacement Components?
If your organization relies on hydraulic equipment for its operations, it makes sense to partner with an expert hydraulic technician for replacement components. Here are the benefits of working with an expert:
- Access to a full range of hydraulic parts – Professional hydraulic technicians maintain an expanded array of hydraulic components, including parts for every major hydraulic equipment brand and model. By partnering with a reputable hydraulic shop, your organization will also have access to those components.
- Rapid turnaround time on component replacements – Your equipment operators may not have the expertise or time to replace hydraulic system components. This is not a problem if you’re partnered with an expert hydraulic technician, as an expert technician can quickly replace parts and get your hydraulic equipment back into service.
- Additional maintenance services – Expert hydraulic equipment technicians are prepared to provide a full range of hydraulic maintenance services, including preventative maintenance and rapid system repairs, as needed. Access to quality system components is one thing, but do you have anyone who can install those parts without causing additional problems like introducing contamination? Partner with a hydraulic equipment expert and you won’t have to risk it.
With Replacement Hydraulic Components, Your Operations Won’t be Halted by a Single Part
Hydraulic systems consist of hundreds of components, and any of those parts may wear and fail early – leaving your hydraulic system inoperable and your operations unprofitable.
The surest way to avoid an experience hiccup like this is to partner with a hydraulic shop that can guarantee replacement parts availability and provide rapid turnaround replacement services. Whether it’s a seal, a valve, a filter, a hose or something more precise – like a bearing or gear – an expert hydraulic technician will have instant access to most of those components.
Further, you’ll need an expert hydraulic equipment technician to properly install the replacement part, without causing additional issues with the system. Contamination is a major threat when hydraulic equipment is disassembled without the right practices.
That’s peace of mind on two fronts – that you’ll have the replacement hydraulic system components when you need them, and that they’ll be installed properly for a quick turnaround time.