Hydraulic pumps must provide maximum uptime to ensure efficient operations. Maintenance is the key with any equipment, and some tips to keep your hydraulic pumps up and running include:
- Identifying when the hydraulic pump is developing issues
- Regularly inspecting fluid levels and quality
- Keeping the hydraulic pump and its accessories clean
- Checking the important components and hydraulic pump reservoir
- Checking the filters and filter indicators
- Checking the hydraulic system’s valves
- Performing full inspections of the hydraulic pump and system
Together, these maintenance tips will keep your hydraulic pumps in good shape, and some of them can be performed by a knowledgeable operator. In some cases, hydraulic pump maintenance should only be performed by a hydraulic equipment expert.
A Detailed Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Hydraulic Pumps Running
Hydraulic pump maintenance is critical to extracting maximum value from your hydraulic assets and maximum profitability from your operations. That maintenance should include the following:
- Identifying when the hydraulic pump is developing issues – Before hydraulic pumps fail, they usually show several warning signs first. If your operators respond to these signs promptly, extended downtime can be avoided.
Those warning signs include unusual operating sounds (banging, whining), overheating hydraulic pump or system components, loss of power or inconsistent power delivery, or the presence of hydraulic fluid on or around the hydraulic pump (or other system components).
Any of these warning signs merit a deeper look into the hydraulic pump and its performance. If your operators are unsure where to look or what to look for, a hydraulic equipment expert can perform diagnostics.
- Inspecting fluid levels and quality regularly – Hydraulic fluid contamination is the leading cause of hydraulic system failures, responsible for the majority of major issues. As such, it’s important for your hydraulic pump operators to regularly inspect the system’s fluid for any signs of contamination.
The most comprehensive way to do this is to take a fluid sample from a test point near the hydraulic pump. The goal is to determine whether contaminants are circulating through the hydraulic pump. Sometimes contamination can be identified with the naked eye, as it will appear cloudy or milky. At least once every few months – or if contamination is suspected – send a sample to a lab for chemical analysis. This will spot otherwise invisible forms of contamination. If contamination is present, the hydraulic pump should be taken offline until a full system inspection is performed.
- Keeping the hydraulic pump and its accessories clean – Cleanliness prevents contamination when it comes to hydraulics, so your operators should make regular cleanings a part of their maintenance routines.
When cleaning the hydraulic pump, focus on the pump body, drive shaft, fittings, connections and around the breather cap. Extend those cleaning efforts to any hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic hoses (especially around the hose connections), hydraulic manifolds and any other hydraulic accessories.
The hydraulic pump’s reservoir also requires a deep cleaning on occasion to prevent contamination. To do so, drain the reservoir and wipe down the inside surfaces with a mild solvent and lint-free cloth.
- Checking the hydraulic pump’s high-wear components – Some of the hydraulic pump’s parts can cause issues even when the rest of the pump is in good shape. Of particular note are the drive shaft seals, which are more likely to fail early due to their material composition. Seals should be inspected frequently, as seal failures will result in hydraulic fluid bypass and contamination.
The hydraulic pump’s couplings and bearing should also be checked for wear frequently, as they are also more likely to fail early.
- Checking the filters and filter indicators – Overly soiled hydraulic filters will inevitably cause contaminants to escape into the system or adversely affect hydraulic fluid flow. To prevent this from occurring, regularly inspect the hydraulic system’s filters (including the breather cap and filter) to verify they aren’t dangerously soiled. Many hydraulic filters are designed with visual indicators that show when it’s time to switch out the filter. Stay on top of these and change out the filters when necessary. The hydraulic pump’s breather cap and suction strainer should also be cleaned frequently to ensure moisture doesn’t intrude into the system.
Checking the hydraulic system’s valves – Malfunctioning hydraulic valves will obstruct flow and reduce the hydraulic pump’s ability to deliver power. Sticky valves may be the result of a failing solenoid or may be caused by improper valve calibration.
No matter the cause, valve issues can normally be identified by aiming a thermal gun at the offending valve. If temperatures are elevated, it’s a strong sign that hydraulic fluid is not flowing through the valve efficiently. Verify that the valve is correctly calibrated and that its powered components are functioning normally.
Keep Your Hydraulic Pumps Running with Expert Hydraulic Equipment Maintenance
It’s worth investing in professional maintenance for your hydraulic pumps, and this maintenance should include the occasional full system inspection. It’s during these inspections that emerging issues can be addressed before they cause hydraulic pump failures. However, full hydraulic system inspections must be performed carefully and with precision to avoid contamination that may be introduced into the hydraulic pump.
If your operators aren’t comfortable or trained to perform these inspections, an expert hydraulic technician can provide the necessary expertise. An experienced hydraulic technician can also provide on-time preventative maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure your hydraulic pumps stay up and running.