Preventing Hydraulic Systems Failure
Regular hydraulic system maintenance is something that gets overlooked far too often on heavy machinery. When hoses fail, they can cause serious damage to equipment, unexpected downtime and expensive repairs. Hydraulic systems deliver the power and movement your machines need to maneuver, lift and dig. Failures can be dangerous and costly. So, let’s address ways to keep your machinery’s hydraulic systems operating their best.
Daily Inspections
The best way to prevent failures of hydraulic systems is routine inspections to catch problems before they happen. Make looking for visible signs of damage and wear part of your daily duties before each shift to ensure all components are in good operating condition. If excessive wear or any issues are noted, get them addressed immediately before they completely break and cause more costly problems like full system failures and project shutdowns.
Routing, Heat and Protection
Preventing hydraulic hose failure begins with how the hoses are set up on the machinery. Friction is a common issue that causes accelerated wear and premature failure. In order to avoid abrasion, route hydraulic hoses away from pivot points or other areas that could cause excessive rubbing. Also, avoid running hoses near or through high temperature areas whenever possible. Heat can break down hose material, causing it to lose its flexibility and weaken its structure. It’s also important to cover or install a protective shield around hoses so they’re less likely to experience tears, cutting or other damage from harsh construction site conditions, including proximity to excessive heat sources.
Proper Fluid for Hydraulic Systems
The fluids that run through hydraulic hoses must be compatible with the hose specifications noted by the manufacturer. Improper fluids can deteriorate the inner hose material causing swelling, leaks, filter clogs and even disintegration which won’t be outwardly visible. It can also lead to much larger issues like system contamination and complete hose failure.
Recommended Preventative Maintenance
Hydraulic systems slowly break down over time, even with the proper fluids within, as small particles are released and contaminate the fluid the system compresses to create the power for movement. Changing your filters at manufacturer-recommended intervals noted in your owner’s manual is critical for the longevity of a hydraulic system and trouble-free equipment operation. Overlooking this service schedule will lead to accelerated hose wear, cuts, tears, abrasions and expensive heavy equipment services. You can pay me now, or you can pay me (more) later.
Few things can grind a job site to a halt like hydraulic hose failure. Avoid costly shutdowns and repair costs by keeping your heavy equipment’s hydraulic system maintenance on schedule with daily inspections and on-time filter and fluid changes. For more about hydraulic system maintenance and repair for your machinery, consult with the experts at Contractor’s Machinery.
