Hydraulic systems are the lifeblood of numerous construction machines, providing unmatched strength and efficiency when adequately maintained. Even small mistakes in the operation, upkeep, or setup of hydraulic machinery can lead to expensive interruptions, decreased system efficiency, or considerable losses. In this blog, we’ll examine typical hydraulic equipment blunders and deliver actionable insights to help you bypass these traps, ensuring your procedures run reliably and efficiently. Whether you're a seasoned expert or new to hydraulic system management, knowing the basics, such as selecting a high-quality hydraulic oil and adequately maintaining filters, can make all the difference in your system's performance.
Mistake No. 1 – Changing the Oil before its time, or rarely
Only two circumstances require a hydraulic oil change: degradation of the base oil or a deficit of the additive package. The rate at which oil degrades and the consumption of additives are influenced by numerous variables. Therefore, changing hydraulic oil solely based on hours of service, without considering the actual condition of the oil, is ineffective. One of the most crucial factors to consider is the quality of hydraulic oil.
Picking a fluid invented to fulfill the demands of today's high-precision hydraulic systems is key to expanding oil drain gaps.
Mistake No. 2 – Inappropriate Filter Care
A similar problem spreads to hydraulic filters. If you change them based on the plan, you’re changing them either too prematurely or too late. If you change them prematurely, before all their dirt-catching capacity is used up, you’re wasting money on excessive filter changes. If you change them late, after the filter has gone on bypass, the gain in particles in the oil quietly lowers the service life of every part in the hydraulic system, costing a lot more.
Mistake No. 3 – Operating Too Hot
Few machinery owners or operators continue to use an engine that is overheating. Sadly, the same cannot be stated when the hydraulic system gets too hot. But like an engine, the quickest way to destroy hydraulic parts, seals, hoses, and the oil itself is high temperature.
As the oil’s temperature rises, its viscosity drops. Therefore, a hydraulic system is running too hot when it comes the temperature at which oil viscosity falls below that needed for sufficient lubrication.
Mistake No. 4 – Using the Wrong Hydraulic Oil
The oil is the most essential part of any hydraulic system. Hydraulic oil serves two main purposes: it acts as a lubricant and facilitates the transmission of force throughout the hydraulic system. Zinc-free anti-wear hydraulic oils are specially formulated lubricants that offer exceptional protection for hydraulic systems without relying on zinc-based additives.
Mistake No. 5 – Wrong filter locations
Any filter is a good filter, right? False! 2 hydraulic filter areas do more damage than good and can rapidly destroy the very parts they were installed to protect. These filter areas, which should be avoided, are the pump inlet and drain lines from the housings of piston pumps and motors.
Mistake No. 6 – Assuming that the hydraulic components are capable of self-priming and self-lubricating.
You wouldn’t initiate an engine without oil in the crankcase – not intentionally, anyway. And ultimately, I’ve seen the same thing occur to a lot of high-priced hydraulic parts.
The fact is, if the right measures aren’t followed during initial start-up, hydraulic parts can be seriously damaged. In some cases, they may work OK for a while, but the harm incurred at start-up then dooms them to premature collapse.
Mistake No. 7 – Not obtaining an instruction in hydraulics
The aim of this blog is to show that if you own, operate, repair, or maintain hydraulic machinery and you aren’t conscious of the latest hydraulic equipment care procedures, a lot of money can slip through your hands.