It’s important to maintain your hydraulic system, particularly when the problems are just starting. If you resolve the issue early on, you’ll help avoid much larger problems in the future. There is no good reason to leave problems to become worse, so fix them as soon as you can.
Use the Right Hydraulic Fluid
You will need to research what type of hydraulic oil you should be using before you start in with the machine. The correct viscosity of the fluid will help it stay running, but the operating temperature will also have an impact.
The hotter the machinery gets, the smoother and thinner the oil gets. If you work with too much heat, your parts will not be adequately protected by the oil and will start to rub against one another. This can result in unnecessary wear and tear.
Keep the Oil Clean
It’s very easy for hydraulic fluid to become contaminated, which is typically the main reason for a hydraulic system failing. Always check your hydraulic fluid before using it to ensure there are no contaminants. Even air can cause problems if it gets into the system. Any type of contaminant can cause the components of the system to become worn down and this may cause them to either freeze or break down completely over time.
Replace Parts as Needed
You should never wait until the whole system is ruined before you replace a part. If there is a leak, for example, you should fix it immediately and avoid waiting for it to get worse. The longer you wait for parts or repairs, the worse the problem will become. It’s best to be proactive in cases like this, since you don’t want to end up replacing the entire system.
Check the Temperature
You should make sure the hydraulic system is running at the correct temperature, too. This is important, since you will need to make sure that the machine is not running at too high of a temperature. It’s also a good way to tell if you’ve been using the correct lubricant. If not, there will be higher temps.
Your hydraulic system should come with a guide to follow for maintenance. You should be sure to keep this in mind, since it will lay out just what you need to watch for. If in doubt, call in the experts at HP Hydraulics to help you repair anything that needs repairing.