Large and small equipment alike are very dependent on well-functioning and stable hydraulic cylinders. When it is time for them to receive repair, you need to seek out good hydraulic services in Minnesota, which is more than manageable. To give you an idea of how these essential repairs work, here are the parts of a hydraulic cylinder that require attention:
Piston and rod seals: Just as with most hydraulic equipment, seals can mean the difference between optimal operation and a dead piece of machinery. Piston seals are inspected for erosion or to see if they have disintegrated entirely. This can lead to the barrel bulging, and if it has reached that part, it is normally replaced entirely. Rod seals are also checked for distortion. If this ends up being the case, they can be replaced for a short-term fix. However, the problem will arise again if the cause is not discovered and dealt with soon.
Rods: Rods can crack and become crooked. A test that involves putting the rod on rollers will check its straightness, and dye penetrant detects any irregularities in the surface. Either condition can be a sign of imminent failure, so rod replacement can also be part of cylinder repair. Minor irregularities can often be smoothed out with oiling.
Cylinder head: Light-duty cylinders also contain heads where the rod rests. If there are any issues with the rod, heads are checked too to see if there is a cause-and-effect situation. Sometimes, the head is damaged or there are seal breakages that are leading to further problems. This part can also be replaced or repaired to help assure the future integrity of the cylinder.
Barrel: In addition to any repair or inspection related to the pistons, the barrel also gets an inspection to check for pitting or scoring. The more damage that is discovered, the lower the remaining service life of the piston. Damage that is less substantial can normally be repaired while still maintaining the normal life expectancy and use of the piston. Otherwise, there is likely to be a replacement of the barrel or the entire piston.
Piston: Some wear and tear is considered normal for pistons. After all, this is the part that moves the most. Deep scoring suggests compromised functioning, if not now, at least in the near future. The piston is often tested to see how it can withstand loads, and if there is any doubt, parts are replaced. During this time, the piston wear bands are also replaced, as that is usually a routine repair.
Cleaning and reassembly: Since hydraulic cylinders are completely taken apart, this is a good time to give them a thorough cleaning. Once worn seals are removed, each part is scrubbed with a petroleum-based solution and blow-dried with compressed air. After cleaning, replacement seals are installed and the cylinder is coated in hydraulic fluid.
M & M Hydraulic Company offers hydraulic services in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Call us today if you require assistance with your equipment.
While not everyone has considered a portable filter cart for their hydraulic components in Minnesota, it is not a new idea. The concept was invented years ago as a way to clean hydraulic fluid in an offline application. To see if it can work well for your specialty, you can start by renting one from your local hydraulic repair and machine shop so you can learn how to use it without making a permanent commitment. Here are three good practices to remember if you decide to give the portable filter cart a try:
Use it correctly each time: Filter carts can be fussy, which is why workers often have a love/hate relationship with them. In order to assure they work best, you need to be a stickler for correct operating procedure. Use only parts intended for hydraulic systems and keep your hose system clean. The biggest complaint concerns multiple breakdowns, which are preventable through careful use.
Choose the correct filter: It is called a filter cart for a reason. The surface area of your filter will determine if it is appropriate for your application. Just as incorrect use can cause breakdowns, so can filters that stop working when they’re forced to take more than they are designed to handle. You will need to consider your work and the effect it has on the oil, so you can choose a filter that handles the debris often created by your projects. Filter carts often accommodate several types of filters, so this is one additional element you need to consider before choosing one for rental.
Know your required pressure differential: The pressure differential determines how much protection the filter requires from the elements exposed to it. As filters collect debris, the pressure will change. A relieving valve allows fluid to bypass the filter when pressures exceed a certain level in order to protect the filter from damage. On high pressure differentials, the valve may open too early, causing less fluid to be filtered. You will need to determine this tolerance based on your projects, and if you are uncertain, ask an expert, or you risk compromising your hydraulic equipment.
Filter carts work best for high-viscosity systems, as they allow fluid to be filtered in a place other than within the equipment, which is usually too valuable and expensive to risk damage resulting from bad fluid. However, filter carts also require skilled operation to assure that they do their job correctly and tools are not jammed up from excess debris. This could either be the best way you ever handled hydraulic fluid, or a disaster in the making. As mentioned above, it is often best to rent a portable filter cart first, before deciding whether it will be a permanent part of your shop.
To learn about portable filter carts and repair of hydraulic components in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin, contact M & M Hydraulic Company to learn more about the equipment we have available for rental.
If your business utilizes hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, you should consider the approaching new year an opportunity to invest in hydraulic and pneumatic services in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. This specialty area of machinery involves high-cost equipment that is essential to your bottom line. If you want your machine shop to run with more profit and fewer incidents, you would be well advised to consider the following services:
Customized parts: For your truly unique equipment, we can find new solutions for your specifications. Rather than make do with an aftermarket part, we can adapt to cylinder size and perform machining and welding to make a part work better for you. We even rebuild and customize power units, along with cylinders and other parts. A one-size-fits-all approach never works in this industry, because every sector is different in its demands on pneumatic and hydraulic equipment. If you want the assurance of better operation, look into customized parts.
Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder repair: Cylinders are essential parts, and unless they operate well, you risk time off, blown deadlines and unhappy customers. We can inspect the cylinders on your equipment and repair them before they fail. As we have experience with cylinders large and small, you can rest assured that these essential parts will remain reliable.
Prototyping: After years in business, you may be able to see where there are shortcomings in design, but lack the expertise to make the adjustments yourself. If you have an idea for your equipment that might help it operate better, we can design and test the idea through a prototype. We may even find a better approach along the way that surprises you with its effectiveness. Our general machining, welding and fabrication services can leave your tools and equipment in nearly perfect condition and operating better once we finish. As we create prototypes, we can also create or recommend new systems that you may wish to test at the same time.
Rebuilds: Like any other high-use equipment, pneumatic and hydraulic tools wear out, making catastrophic breakdown inevitable. We can rebuild cylinders, pumps, motors and valves to restore your equipment to nearly new condition. If you have older machines, contact us to inspect them. We could find worn and damaged parts before they fail and start a rebuild immediately.
General machining: If you require welding or fabrication, just ask. Chances are, we have done that work before and can include it with your other hydraulic services. We know this equipment well and can make any adjustments you require so it can work better.
Consulting: We offer expert field service that can troubleshoot issues or recommend changes or upgrades. If you are wondering if your current shop equipment meets your needs, this can prove to be an invaluable service, allowing you to receive recommendations before making a major investment.
M & M Hydraulic Company offers hydraulic and pneumatic services in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. To get on a regular service plan or finally address that nagging repair need, contact us today.
As an experienced, widely respected and locally based hydraulic service currently serving Minneapolis, MN; Fargo, ND; Sioux Falls, SD; Des Moines, IA; and Milwaukee, WI, M & M Hydraulic Company is committed to providing our customers with the very best services and hydraulic parts in Minnesota and beyond.
One way that we ensure that all of our products are high quality is by trusting only the top brands in the industry to supply those parts. Here is a closer look at the six high quality brands we proudly work with to provide you with the best hydraulic parts in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin:
Eaton Hydraulics: With over 100 years of experience in the hydraulics industry, Eaton Hydraulics is a well-established, highly trusted source for any and all hydraulic parts you might need. Considered a worldwide industry leader, Eaton Hydraulics is especially well known for its high quality hydraulic motors and pumps, as well as transmissions, valves, cylinders, controls, hoses and fittings.
Char-Lynn: As a subsidiary of Eaton Hydraulics, Char-Lynn offers all the experience and wide recognition that comes with Eaton, but is known specifically for producing excellent general purpose motors, steering controls and other, more specialized hydraulic motors. If you need a hydraulic motor that is specially designed for your specific purpose, Char-Lynn is the brand for you.
Nopak: With an impressive 128 years of inventing, producing and selling fine hydraulic and pneumatic parts and systems, Nopak is a solid choice regardless of what type of hydraulic parts your Minnesota business may need. Some of Nopak’s most popular products include custom large bore cylinders, hand and foot valves and other fine fluid power products.
Geartek: With a straightforward and dedicated design philosophy of “Do it right the first time!”, Geartek distinguishes itself as a no-nonsense, dependable and high quality source for hydraulic products. The brand specializes in creating long lasting and reliable hydraulic gear pumps and hydraulic motors. Geartek offers a wide selection of pumps suitable for both high-pressure seals and low-pressure units.
Hyvair: With its clever tagline, “Solid solutions in a fluid world,” Hyvair is a respected industry brand that produces a wide range of useful and practical hydraulic solutions. Some of its most popular products include valves, pumps, motors and filtration systems. Hyvair also sells pneumatic products, including valves, filters and polyurethane tubing.
Denison Hydraulics: Finally, M & M Hydraulic Company is proud to do business with Denison Hydraulics, a motion control technology company that is a leader in efficiency and clean hydraulics. Denison Hydraulic’s most popular products include a wide range of hydraulic pumps and motors. The company has been in business since 2004, and is based in Marysville, OH.
With this solid roster of high quality and experienced brands, you cannot go wrong when you come to M & M Hydraulic Company for hydraulic parts in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa or Wisconsin. If you find yourself in need of a new hydraulic part, we hope you will not hesitate to contact our friendly team.
If you are looking to hire a hydraulic service in Minnesota, you might be wondering how you can be sure that the business you hire is experienced, fully trained and up to date on all the latest technology and developments in the industry. One way you can be certain that you hired a reputable and fully educated hydraulic service in Minnesota is to make sure the business has a membership with the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS). Here is a look at what it means to be an IFPS member, and what you have to gain from hiring one to be your trusted Minnesota hydraulic service:
Neutral certification: IFPS offers a wide range of hydraulic technology certifications that are known as the industry standard. If a hydraulic business is a member of IFPS, then it has access to those certification tests, and is likely certified in at least one area. (Ask the businesses in question about their specific certifications before hiring them.) These tests are rigorous and require both practical and theoretical expertise. If you want the very best team working as your hydraulic service in Minnesota, look for an IFPS membership and certification.
Access to resources: In addition to offering certifications, the IFPS also offers its members a wide range of useful resources, including updated manuals, additional learning materials and more. These resources help the members of IFPS to stay current on all hydraulic technologies, and to keep them from getting rusty or complacent in their work. Whenever you hire a business, you want one that is excited about and fully engaged in their industry. When you hire an IFPS member for hydraulic services, that is exactly what you will get.
Networking: The IFPS is more than just a source for materials and certification. It is also the world’s largest organization of hydraulic professionals, and it takes that status very seriously. Biannual meetings and connections made through social media allow hydraulic workers from all over the world to share information, tips and news about the latest industry developments with each other. This exchange of advice and information makes each and every member of IFPS more confident, better informed and an all around stronger hydraulic service.
Continued education: Finally, as a member of IFPS, M & M Hydraulic Company has access to free webinars, discounted books and other useful materials that help us to continue our education. If you want to hire a hydraulic service that will only get better the longer you stick with it, then you will certainly want to hire an IFPS-affiliated hydraulic service in Minnesota.
M & M Hydraulic Company is proud to be a member of the IFPS, and we always make a point of taking advantage of the resources and networking opportunities that come along with our membership. If you are looking to hire a hydraulic service in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa or Wisconsin that is well connected, experienced, fully certified and always improving, we ask that you consider hiring M & M Hydraulic Company.
Hydraulic parts are not just a recent invention. They have a long history that spans centuries of theories, inventions and practical applications. Once perfected through modern technology, hydraulic parts in Minnesota and elsewhere became essential for many industries and revolutionized agriculture. This overview will teach you all about the illustrious background of the hydraulic technology you rely on in your shop each day.
From ancient roots to Pascal’s Law
The power of water has been noticed since the beginning of civilization. The Egyptians harnessed hydraulic power for many applications, including irrigation. There were not many attempts to understand the process as much as use it for the essentials of survival.
The nature of pressure and flow patterns was of more curiosity to the Greeks, from which they developed the piston pump, the water clock and the Archimedes screw pump. Romans were more interested in construction applications for hydraulic power. Hydraulic mills produced flour, sawed stone and split timber.
There was some curiosity about how this worked, but it was not really explored in detail until the 17th century. In 1648, Blaise Pascal discovered that “pressure exerted anywhere in a confined incompressible fluid is transmitted equally in all directions throughout the fluid such that the pressure variations (initial differences) remain the same.”
Known as Pascal’s Law, the theory set the groundwork for how fluid could be used to produce energy. In 1738, Daniel Bernoulli expanded on Pascal’s Law by describing how fluid responds to conditions of flow and height, leading to the development of high-pressured water pipes and steam power. The focus turned more towards producing electricity, but the hydraulic press soon arose from this early theoretical study. However, practical uses remained limited until the Industrial Revolution.
The Industrial Revolution
At the time of the Industrial Revolution, the most important hydraulic development was the press. This was significant and effective enough that the design did not change for 150 years. Later, the interest steered closer to the idea of hydraulics for heavy machinery. With production becoming a priority, hydraulics was once again entering into the practical realm more frequently. Study was not as important as making the theories work for something.
One development that revolutionized industry was cylinder and piston systems. These made it possible to develop manufacturing and farm machinery that offered improved reliability and production. The early systems became the basis for the engine development Harry Ferguson and Henry Ford would later adapt to the Fordson Tractor, a significant addition in agricultural technology. Some of this knowledge would also transfer to developing automobiles.
Hydraulic power today has many mechanical applications. Diggers, bulldozers, cranes and other heavy equipment rely heavily on hydraulics to maintain their functions. Theories continue to develop in order to increase the efficiency of machinery, and hydraulics remains prominent in those developments. With time now for both theory and application, it is likely more technological advances are yet to come.
M & M Hydraulic Company offers service and maintenance on hydraulic parts in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Call us to arrange for an onsite visit to help your machinery run its best.
