It is inevitable that hydraulic systems will lose efficiency as they get older, and sometimes components will even fail completely. Understanding how to spot issues early on and put into place preventative measures is crucial. With careful attention, regular maintenance and timely repairs, hydraulic systems can keep running well and safely and even save you money in the long run.

What is Involved in Hydraulic Repairs?

1. Understand the risks

A poorly maintained hydraulic system won’t perform optimally, but this is not your only issue. Unhealthy hydraulic systems put operators and the environment at risk. Furthermore, major breakdowns can lead to downtime and unwanted costs. That’s why it is critical that hydraulic equipment be properly maintained and monitored on a regular basis.

2. Know how to recognise the warning signs

Every technician and operator of a hydraulic system should have the skills to recognise the tell-tale signs that something is going wrong. Some of the common symptoms of hydraulic problems include:

Strange noises – these are often caused by aeration or cavitation in the hydraulic fluid which can lead to degradation of the fluid and damage to the system components.
Excessively high fluid temperatures – when temperatures are too high, many problems can arise such as damage to seals and degradation to the fluid. System temperature should be regularly monitored and maintained at the right level for optimal performance.
Slow operation – if your system is performing much slower than usual, it could be an indication that something is wrong such as a leakage.
Leaks – a leak causes major issues if left untreated, including increased heat and slow and inefficient operation.
Higher energy consumption – if your power bill is much higher than normal, it could be due to an issue with your hydraulic equipment. When there is an issue with leakage or increased friction, your system has to work harder and power consumption goes up.
Unusual or excessive wear and tear – this can be an indication of a bigger issue. For example, if a cylinder rod is worn down more on one side, it could indicate misalignment or a bent rod.

If you notice any of the warning signs listed above, it’s time to get your equipment looked at as soon as possible. Hydraulic repairs or replacements may be required to restore your system to top working condition.

3. Make necessary repairs

Hydraulic repairs can be simple matters, but often they are more complicated, requiring the assistance of specialist technicians. A service provider such as Hydraulic Solutions and Sales, will be able to advise you if it is more cost effective to replace a part instead of repairing it and assist in selecting the ideal components for your situation.

4. Avoid failures in the future

It is very rare that a hydraulic failure occurs without warning. Most of the time, your system will have a few symptoms that all is not well. Learning to spot these is an important skill that can have many benefits in the long run. The best way to avoid costly major breakdowns is by staying on top of regular maintenance and making repairs or replacements as necessary.

If you need assistance with troubleshooting, maintenance or hydraulic repair services, get in touch with Hydraulic Solutions and Sales. Our team of highly trained technicians can assist Australia wide.