9 March 2016
 Categories: , Blog

Many hydraulic cylinder repairs can be avoided if operators and owners of hydraulic equipment avoid several mistakes as they use that equipment. This article discusses three such mistakes that you should avoid making if you want your hydraulic equipment to have a long service life.

Mistake 1: Not Using a Checklist

Some errors that reduce hydraulic component life result from oversights made after components of the hydraulic cylinder (such as pistons) have been repaired or replaced. For example, you may forget to open your equipment's intake isolation valve. Such a mistake can prevent hydraulic oil from circulating within the system before you restart the machine. This can cause the components to rub against each other, shortening their lifespan. Avoid such errors by having a checklist that you follow during the restart process after repairs have been done on the hydraulic system of your construction equipment.

Mistake 2: Changing Oil Based on Hours

Many people change the hydraulic oil of their equipment when it is too late. Such a mistake occurs because the operator or equipment owner changes the oil based on how many hours that it has been used. Operating conditions vary for each piece of equipment. For example, one machine may be used in environments where contaminants (such as water and particulates) easily get into the hydraulic system. Such work conditions make the oil to degrade quickly due to the reactions (such as oxidation) that occur with the contaminants. Degraded oil becomes ineffective in lubricating the equipment, causing hydraulic cylinder components (such as seals) to break down. Avoid making this costly mistake by having a hydraulic oil analysis done by professionals so that you have a failsafe way of determining when the oil should be changed.

Mistake 3: Running Too Hot

Some hydraulic systems fail because the equipment is allowed to run too hot for prolonged periods. Each type of hydraulic oil has a safe operating temperature range. The oil may lose its viscosity and will no longer provide ample lubrication to equipment components when that safe temperature range is exceeded. Insufficient lubrication causes parts to run hot, shortening their life.. You can avoid this mistake by checking the operating temperature of your equipment regularly. Most hydraulic machines have gauges that display the temperature at which the equipment is running. Check to this gauge frequently. Change to oil that has a higher operating temperature range in case you discover that your equipment is operating outside the safe temperature range for the type of hydraulic oil that you are currently using.

Consult hydraulic cylinder services for help in case you are unable to implement the suggestions given above in your bid to avoid the costly mistakes discussed.