Responsible for lubrication, heat transfer, contamination control and energy transmission, your machinery’s hydraulics are essential to the performance of your heavy machinery. That’s why we’ve put together our 6 top tips for keeping your machinery’s hydraulics healthy, including hose, pump, filter and oil maintenance.

Tip #1: Check your hydraulic oil levels

Checking your oil levels is a simple task, but it’s something you should keep up with regularly to keep your hydraulic pump healthy and ensure optimal hydraulic function.

To check oil levels, make sure your machine is on a level surface. Locate your hydraulic oil tank and check the sight glass for the oil level – it needs to be between the min and max marks.

When refilling your oil, don’t overfill above the maximum line. Oil can leak if there is no space left to allow for oil expansion.

If you notice that the oil level seems too low, it could indicate that there is a hydraulic leak somewhere in your machine, and this needs to be identified as soon as possible. Attempting to run your machine with insufficient oil levels can cause damage to the hydraulic pump and impair hydraulic function.

Tip #2: Clean your hydraulic oil filter

The best way to clean your hydraulic oil filter is by cleaning the cover with degreaser and clean rags.

Remove the old filter and install a new one, and do this as per the manufacturer’s recommendations at a minimum, but as often as needed based on your machinery’s usage and performance.

A dirty hydraulic oil filter can hinder your machinery’s efficiency when dirt clogs holes in the valves, so it’s important to keep filters clean and change them as often as is necessary.

Tip #3: Store hydraulic cylinders correctly

There’s a correct way to store your hydraulic cylinders: indoors in a dry, clean area with minimal temperature fluctuations. This will prevent rusting, pitting and reduce replacement costs for your business too.

Tip #4: Clean the inside and outside of the hydraulic reservoir

The hydraulic reservoir needs to be thoroughly cleaned if the hydraulic pump experiences failure, if the system has been opened up, or if an analysis of the oil comes back with high levels of contamination.

To do so, first remove the oil using a filter pump and store in a clean container. Then clean the insides of the hydraulic reservoir by opening it up and using a lint-free rag.

Tip #5: Check the pressure of your hydraulic pump

If possible, you should check the pressure of your hydraulic pump on a daily basis, and carry out flow checks every other week. When checking the flow of your hydraulic pump, record the flow and pressure on a graph. This makes it easy to review over time and notice any excessive fluctuations in your machinery’s pressure, which could be a sign of component failure.

Tip #6: Repair or replace damaged hydraulic hoses

If you notice any signs of damage, tearing, erosion or leakage, it’s time to repair or replace your hydraulic hoses. Our previous article looks at the main causes of hydraulic hose failure, but essentially, abrasion, tube erosion and improper assembly are some of the leading causes of hose failure.

When replacing a hydraulic hose, drain all of the oil first, and upon installation ensure that connections are tight, but not over-tightened.

The dangers of hydraulic hose failure include machinery shutdown, user downtime, pricey repairs and increased risk of injury or fatalities in the event of high-pressure leaks or explosions.

At Jaytrac we stock and supply hydraulic replacement parts for your heavy machinery, for brands including Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Volvo. If you need advice on a specific hydraulic part for your machinery, please contact us on +44 (0) 1604 491133, sales@jaytrac.co.uk  or via our contact form.