When you own a piece of Earth Moving or Construction Equipment, problems can sometimes arise that are important to diagnose quickly. To fix or replace parts of your heavy-duty plant, it is important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of a faulty hydraulic system to diagnose the problem. At Jaytrac, we are heavy-duty machinery specialists and are here to help you recognise the signs when something may be going wrong with your engine.

Oil flow issues

One of the most common issues with a hydraulic system is oil flow issues. Wear within your hydraulic pump can cause a lack of hydraulic oil flow or reduced pressure. If you notice your heavy-duty machine is operating at reduced power, it is important to check your oil levels and filters. We suggest consulting with a trained technician to help you with pressure tests to check the efficiency of your pump.

Noise

Another indicator of a faulty hydraulic pump system will be an unusual level of noise. If your pump is noisy, it can indicate an issue with aeration (when your hydraulic fluid is contaminated by air), or cavitation (issues with the volume of hydraulic fluid). We recommend monitoring the noise level when your engine is in operation to keep aware of any changes.

Incorrect pressure

Seeing as your hydraulic system relies on pressure to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, it’s no surprise that incorrect pressure levels can lead to issues. Your system may be operating at low-pressure levels that could lead to reduced performance. If your hydraulic system is not functioning correctly, we recommend getting a technician to test the system’s pressure levels.

Overheating

A common sign that there is an issue with your hydraulic pump is overheating. If fluid overheats, it can lead to your entire hydraulic system overheating and failing. If you notice your hydraulic system is too hot, turn off your engine and get in touch with a certified specialist to diagnose the issue. It’s vital to not keep running an overheated hydraulic system as it could lead to total system failure.

Diagnosing the issue

There are many components to a hydraulic system, so it’s important to remember that it may not just be the pump that is at fault. For example, you may require a replacement hydraulic cartridge, cylinder, seal kit, motor, or sensors. We can help you diagnose the problem and source replacement parts if necessary. Check your machine management system for errors codes or indicators as to where the fault lies. Once again, a trained technician can assist.

If you notice any of the above issues with your hydraulic system, it is important to get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid any further damage. At Jaytrac, we stock a variety of replacement hydraulic pumps and components. As the one stop shop for replacement parts, you can rest assured your equipment is in safe hands with us. Give us a call on 01604 49133, email sales@jaytrac.co.uk or send us an enquiry today.