MAINTENANCE MUSTS: KEEPING YOUR HYDRAULIC SYSTEM UP AND RUNNING SMOOTHLY

Why Regular Maintenance Is Crucial for Hydraulic Equipment

If you don’t want any sort of equipment to break down and leave you high and dry at a critical moment, regular maintenance is one of the key ways to ensure everything continues running smoothly. As most hydraulic engineers would readily confirm, maintaining hydraulic equipment is particularly important. Here’s a look at which tasks you might be able to tackle yourself and which are best left to the professionals.

Keep an Eye on the Temperature
One of the fundamental causes of hydraulic system failure is overheating. Maintaining the right temperature should always be a top priority if you want to keep your system running efficiently. Regularly check the temperature levels and ensure they fall within the recommended range.

If the temperature gauge exceeds the limits, you risk damaging hoses and seals. This can also place undue pressure on key components, potentially compromising the entire system.

Seals and Gaskets
A hydraulic system is only as reliable as its seals and gaskets. If these components fail, problems can escalate quickly. Leaks are often an early warning sign, and high temperatures can accelerate the wear and tear on these parts.

Inspect your equipment regularly for lubrication leaks. Staying vigilant about seal and gasket integrity can prevent minor issues from becoming major failures.

Put a Maintenance Plan in Place
Investing in hydraulic equipment means you should also invest in its upkeep. Implementing a structured maintenance plan can significantly extend the lifespan and reliability of your system.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, but remember that these are based on ideal conditions. Real-world variables such as environment, climate, and operator experience can require more frequent checks and servicing.

Casting a Professional Eye
While there’s plenty you can monitor yourself, bringing in a professional technician can be invaluable. Experts can spot minor faults before they develop into serious (and expensive) problems. Professional servicing ensures your system runs at peak performance and helps reduce downtime risks.

Conclusion

Following these maintenance tips can help you keep your hydraulic system in top shape. According to Elliot Curtis, a long-time maintenance technician, routine maintenance and expert inspection are essential. He shares his industry insights to help others avoid costly mistakes — something he believes is truly worthwhile.