What are Some Signs that Hydraulic Equipment Should be Replaced?
With on-time preventative maintenance and detailed inspections, hydraulic equipment can last for many years without a drop in performance. However, even the best maintained hydraulic equipment will eventually need to be replaced. When a piece of hydraulic equipment is nearing the end of its useful life, it will typically show some concerning signs which include:
- Recurring hydraulic fluid leaks
- Loss of power delivery or slower power delivery
- Hydraulic fluid contamination
- Overheating equipment or fluid
- Frequent breakdowns and climbing repair costs
- Excessive vibration or unusual operating noises
If any of these signs are present, it’s time to schedule a full hydraulic equipment inspection with your hydraulic equipment supplier for repairs or a potential replacement.
Why do Work Crews Need to Know the Signs That a Piece of Hydraulic Equipment Should be Replaced?
Hydraulic equipment should be kept in good working order to keep your crews safe. Be sure that your crews are knowledgeable regarding the signs that your hydraulic equipment is nearing the end of its lifespan. Here is a closer look at the signs your crews should be aware of:
- Recurring hydraulic fluid leaks – Severe or recurring hydraulic fluid leaks are often a sign that one or more internal components are overly worn or failing. If you’re lucky, it’s nothing more than a seal, but it could be something worse like a hydraulic cylinder failure. If leaks are apparent on the outside of the equipment or if hydraulic fluid is pooling around it, it could be caused by a hydraulic hose (a best-case scenario), or it could be due to a failure in the equipment’s body, which will require much more extensive repairs or a replacement.
- Loss of power delivery or slower power delivery – If a hydraulic pump or hydraulic cylinder is having issues delivering power, it could indicate an internal fluid leak, issues with the hydraulic fluid (like contamination), failing equipment valves or damaged internal surfaces. Most of these issues are typically an early sign that the hydraulic equipment is failing and that replacement may be required soon.
- Hydraulic fluid contamination – Hydraulic fluid contamination is a major threat to the system’s overall stability and performance. If it’s not corrected as soon as possible, contamination will cause worsening problems, like accelerated component wear or changes in fluid behavior. Hydraulic fluid contamination can be caused by many factors, including contaminants intruding through an opening in the system, or by internal component wear shedding contaminants into the hydraulic fluid. If contamination is a significant issue, there may be underlying wear inside the system that indicates imminent equipment replacement.
- Overheating equipment or fluid – When hydraulic equipment or fluid overheats, it could be due to a failing heat exchanger, a problem with one or more of the valves or an issue with the fluid’s quality and viscosity. Regardless, the only sure way to isolate and resolve the problem is to perform a complete equipment inspection.
- Frequent breakdowns and climbing repair costs – If your hydraulic equipment is experiencing downtime more often and repair costs are escalating with every breakdown, replacing the equipment may be more cost efficient than continuing to repair it, especially if every breakdown comes with significant downtime.
- Excessive vibration or operating noises – Hydraulic equipment produces noise and vibration during operation. However, if your operators notice new sounds, or louder noises than normal, the equipment needs to be inspected. Unusual operating sounds could be a sign of cavitation or excessive wear, and excessive vibration could be due to flow issues or leaks.
- Recurring hydraulic fluid leaks – Severe or recurring hydraulic fluid leaks are often a sign that one or more internal components are overly worn or failing. If you’re lucky, it’s nothing more than a seal, but it could be something worse like a hydraulic cylinder failure. If leaks are apparent on the outside of the equipment or if hydraulic fluid is pooling around it, it could be caused by a hydraulic hose (a best-case scenario), or it could be due to a failure in the equipment’s body, which will require much more extensive repairs or a replacement.
Some of these issues, like excessive noise, may point to a correctable problem like loose hardware. However, most of them are a clear sign that the equipment needs professional maintenance or replacement.
How Can a Hydraulic Equipment Supplier Help with Equipment Replacement or Repairs?
If your hydraulic equipment is showing signs of impending failure, you’ll either need to schedule a round of equipment maintenance or consider a replacement. In both cases, your best bet is to partner with an experienced hydraulic equipment supplier to get the job done. Here’s how an expert hydraulic equipment supplier can help:
- Provide preventative maintenance – Hydraulic equipment suppliers are also able to provide on-time preventative maintenance that will extend the life and performance of your hydraulic pumps, cylinders and other accessories. Preventative maintenance includes fluid service, component replacement, system calibration and full equipment inspections. Together, these low-cost tweaks can delay equipment replacement costs and protect your operating budgets.
- Provide prompt equipment repairs – When a piece of hydraulic equipment does fail, the mission is to return it to service as quickly as possible. Doing so will minimize downtime costs. A hydraulic equipment supplier is able to expedite repairs, as they have priority access to replacement components and diagnostics. By partnering with an expert hydraulic equipment supplier, you’ll minimize downtime and avoid repeat repairs when a hydraulic pump or cylinder sustains a failure.
- Provide a viable replacement if maintenance and repairs aren’t an option – Eventually, even the best maintained hydraulic equipment will need to be switched out. When it’s time to do so, a trusted hydraulic equipment supplier can identify the best model and configuration for your application, ensure it is properly calibrated, and get it delivered to your facility as quickly as possible.
- Provide preventative maintenance – Hydraulic equipment suppliers are also able to provide on-time preventative maintenance that will extend the life and performance of your hydraulic pumps, cylinders and other accessories. Preventative maintenance includes fluid service, component replacement, system calibration and full equipment inspections. Together, these low-cost tweaks can delay equipment replacement costs and protect your operating budgets.
Respond Quickly to Signs of Hydraulic Equipment Failure to Avoid Costly Downtime
If excessive noise or vibration, mounting repair costs, overheating, loss of power delivery or fluid leaks are present during operation, your hydraulic equipment needs an inspection at the very least. Equipment replacement may be necessary if wear is excessive or if performance issues are recurring. Following inspection, if it’s clear that your hydraulic equipment needs to be replaced, an experienced hydraulic equipment supplier can provide insight into the best hydraulic pumps, cylinders and accessories for your application.