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Pneumatic maintenance is different from your typical hydraulics in that pneumatic components use air rather than fluid pressure. They also require their own maintenance to help keep them in prime condition. To know what to expect at an appointment for pneumatic maintenance in Minnesota, here are some of the essential tasks involved:
- Clean filters: Some tools and machines contain filters for oil or air. Wire-gauze and oil filters need regular cleaning using safe solvents. Once cleaned, they need time to dry thoroughly. Some main air filters also contain a paper or felt element that needs to be switched out periodically to prevent malfunction. During the cleaning process, filters are also checked for leaks, as trapped moisture can suggest other repair issues. If filters require replacement, that can be done at the time of the maintenance and cleaning.
- Inspection: Checking for corrosion, cracks, dents and other damage can prevent more serious problems later. Minor damage can be repaired, but once it develops beyond regular protective steps, it is time for the component to be replaced.
- Check for loose screws: Any loose parts can threaten the efficiency and safety of your work area. Checking for loose screws, and tightening them, will help keep tools and components in one piece and make them work better. Loose cap screws leak air, which also affects a tool’s power.
- Clear the feed system: With pneumatic tool guns, the feed system is the difference between getting something done and struggling with constant jamming. Removing debris will help the whole apparatus work better and prevent productivity-killing events that frequently lead to frustration in the workplace. Rather than using than oily lubricant, which can attract more dirt and dust, this is normally a dry cleaning using a lint-free cloth or pressurized air.
- Working with the air fitting: The air fitting normally needs pneumatic tool oil, and it is recommended that this step be taken every day with high-use items. However, if it has not been well maintained, it often needs to be taken apart, cleaned thoroughly and then oiled again to get it back to optimal function.
- Testing: Taking steps to test equipment after maintenance will assure its long-term functioning. Sometimes, cleaning will help reveal problems that a regular operator learned to ignore, but that will stand out to a repair technician. This expert opinion can often prevent future breakdowns or expensive equipment repair that frequently arises from waiting too long to make minor adjustments.
- Minor repairs: If the maintenance process reveals small issues, they can often be repaired during the same appointment. New screws, filters or seals are all examples of work that can be finished after maintenance steps are completed. But if there are repair issues that go beyond that, it is likely that you will need to set up a follow-up appointment.
M & M Hydraulic Company can get your shop on a schedule for pneumatic maintenance in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Call us today to set up an appointment.
Hydraulic repair in Minnesota is a specialty service, and it is likely a relief to those in the industry that it is possible to find a local shop for repairs here in Minnesota or within our regional area. But when it is available to you, it is always a good option to go with a local shop. Going local helps your shop in terms of accessibility, peace of mind and personal service. Even staying with a service provider in your home state confers advantages, even if they have to travel a longer distance. Here are five reasons to find a repair technician in your area, or at least in the same state:
- Good referrals: There are many different industries that use hydraulic machinery, and it is likely you are not the only one who uses hydraulics in your area. When you seek repairs or maintenance, it can be more efficient to reach out to others who retain services for this specialty work. Your colleagues are nearby and easy to contact, and this is a good way to hear firsthand praise or criticism. This is not a field that benefits much from Google or Yelp, so local connections become very important.
- Quicker response: Some service requests require service more quickly than others. If your production or services are on the line, having someone nearby who can arrive quickly can prove a valuable asset. Even if you have to reach out to a repair technician in another town within your state, it is still easier to wait hours instead of days. You are much more likely to enjoy that benefit with a local repair technician.
- Accessibility: It can also be an advantage to have someone who’s easily accessible. Local technicians must navigate fewer logistics to visit your site. Long travel times to make a repair call can wipe out most of a day and if you hire someone local, you will likely pay less because there is less planning involved. Technicians also enjoy the occasional break of not having to drive long distances to finish a job.
- Follow-up services: Peace of mind also exists when you know a repair technician can make a quick follow-up if the issue does not go away. Hydraulics can be temperamental and even the most thorough inspection can overlook something. If you need follow-up service or a new problem develops soon after maintenance or repair, quick travel once again becomes an advantage.
- Give to the community: There is nothing wrong with the additional feel-good measure of doing business with a repair center located in your community. If they do good work, you can also help get the word out to others who require hydraulic repairs. Cohesion strengthens relationships, and you never know the source of your next profitable business referral.
M & M Hydraulic Company in St. Paul offers hydraulic repair in Minnesota as well as throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. We offer efficient service and will make the effort to travel quickly to your site. Call us today if you require hydraulic maintenance or repair.
Many industries make use of hydraulic components in Minnesota and nationally. Almost anything that raises, lowers, bends or presses has some type of hydraulic system, which makes the use of this type of machinery very extensive. To get to know hydraulics better, here is a list of six industries that regularly benefit from this technology:
- Automotive: The most familiar hydraulic in an auto repair shop is the hydraulic lift. Installing hydraulics in this essential tool made it more durable to the strain of lifting vehicles of many different sizes and weights. However, that is not the only area where the automotive industry features hydraulics. In cars themselves, brakes, suspension systems, air bags and even battery chargers all run on hydraulic systems. Mechanics tools also frequently feature hydraulic parts and it is likely safe to assume this technology revolutionized the automotive industry.
- Construction: This heavy industry is also highly reliant on hydraulic systems. Cranes face harsh working conditions, and their ability to operate safely is vital for any construction site. Hydraulics recently became important in bridge construction as the processes of moving large heavy parts require nothing short of perfection. The equipment can streamline construction while also ensuring the end product meets durability standards to keep workers, and eventually commuters, safe.
- Mining: Mining is a high-demand harsh industry where material handling and heavy work continues non-stop. If conveyor belts, cranes or even bulldozers stop working, the operation can grind to a halt. Reliable strong equipment becomes a necessary element as mining operations are expensive to start and maintain. The only way they are viable is if the material sought comes out of the ground. Hydraulics not only offers effective machinery, but also reliability.
- Material handling: Manufacturing, much like mining, requires the quick movement of parts and materials. You need to keep items moving from one station to the other or products are not completed. Once again, reliability is essential, as without completed products, there is no solvency for the plant. Conveyor belts on assembly lines or forklifts in shipping yards or warehouses depend on hydraulics to keep up with these demands.
- Pulp and paper: The lumber industry is not dead, and it has become more mechanized. Paper mills are in a constant state of movement, and because they must handle large material, lumber and raw logs, their equipment must be made well for the job. Throughout every step of the paper-making process, there is at least one piece of equipment that depends on hydraulics. Belts, presses and even the pulp boilers contain hydraulic parts.
- Research and development: From medical labs to large space science facilities, there are few developments that come together without the assistance of hydraulic equipment. Medical lab centrifuges are currently being developed to run on hydraulics for a smoother spin and better reliability. Large equipment used for testing products or vessels also frequently features hydraulic parts.
M & M Hydraulic Company in St. Paul offers repair and maintenance for hydraulic components in Minnesota and North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Call us today to give your equipment the care it needs to continue to serve you well.
Hydraulics run many heavy tools and require specialized repair and maintenance. When it is time to give these functions attention, some find this to be unfamiliar territory due to the specialized knowledge involved. As this is not always familiar area even for people who work with hydraulics every day, there are plenty of misunderstandings and misdiagnoses of issues, as these systems really have no everyday consumer equivalent. This review will help you understand common hydraulic repairs in Minnesota so you can recognize symptoms before they become more serious (and more expensive) issues.
Clearing lines
Hydraulic systems frequently encounter aeration or cavitation. Aeration describes the incident of hydraulic fluid contamination from outside air. Cavitation is when the fluid demanded by operation exceeds the amount being supplied, placing pressure on circuits that regulate fluid intake. The result is an alarming noise that often worries operators, especially since the effects can compromise metals.
Aeration is reversed by clearing lines, replacing clamps and fittings and even replacing the lines if they have become too deteriorated. Cavitation needs immediate attention when the knocking noise it generates starts up. To stop it, the pump and its lines also need to be cleared along with any filters. The point is to keep fluid and air flowing freely for optimal functioning and operator safety.
Heat exchanger maintenance
Operators must watch fluid temperature carefully. If the temperature rises above 180 degrees, the system becomes dangerous to use. The first step when this happens involves checking the fuel reservoir level, as temperatures will frequently rise when this is low. This is an easy problem to solve and many can return right back to work after topping off the fluid. Another possibility is poor airflow, which often results from debris buildup in the system. If the operator detects blockage at first glance, removing it will often solve the problem.
However, once these possibilities are eliminated, the problem is often with the heat exchanger. The core also attracts dirt and becomes blocked, which means there is no heat regulation for the fluid. Cooling circuits fail as a result, and a thorough cleaning and circuit replacement can be necessary. Since the heat exchanger is so essential, monitoring it should be part of every maintenance and repair schedule.
Seal leaks
Leaks within the system can cause a variety of problems including poor airflow, overheating and slow operation. Fluid leaks are a common cause of slow cycles, as that drops the pressure needed for good functioning. Air leaks happen for many reasons, including the reasons already stated above. However, they are not just limited to the lines and are frequently found in the valves, actuators and pump, as well.
Finding leaks is not an easy task and needs professional handling. As they can lead to several dangerous conditions, if any function slows down, seek hydraulic repair immediately.
M & M Hydraulic Company is located in St. Paul and offers hydraulic repairs in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. We can offer the specialized assistance required to keep your system running properly and safely. Contact us today to schedule repair and maintenance.
Even with good intentions, the most skilled workers will still make mistakes. Thinking that they are merely helping, operators will take it upon themselves to maintain hydraulic systems, often with disastrous results. If you would like to avoid unnecessary hydraulic services in Minnesota and keep your workforce informed, ask them to avoid these common mistakes.
Changing filters
Some people believe filters need to be changed on a schedule, much like their car’s oil or air filter. This is not true. Keeping to a schedule often means they are changed out too early or late. Filters have an extensive capacity for holding dirt and you waste money if you change them out before that point is reached. However, if it is put off until the filter is practically black with debris, that can lead to other issues that compromise the whole system.
The best way to know when to change filters is with a monitoring system that will let you know when pressure drops. This will be more effective than any set schedule.
Skipping the priming step
Startup is a sequence, and workers may skip steps due to impatience or inexperience. However, hydraulics are not self-priming, and the startup process means proper lubrication. Without these steps, you risk serious damage to the system. Reassure workers that time spent in startup is well spent and not considered unproductive.
Misplacing filters
Filter installation and replacement should be left to the professionals. When operators take this into their own hands, filters end up in the wrong locations. While it seems like filtering the pump inlet and drain lines makes the most sense for catching debris, it will actually do more to destroy these components.
Clean oil is more essential to good operation than filtering. Since it is drawn from a reservoir, it is likely not dirty unless that area is not maintained correctly. While filters do have a purpose, they should not be placed in locations that hinder rather than support operation. You want to control the buildup of dirt, but you also want oil and air to remain free flowing, which will not occur if filters are not installed appropriately.
Mishandling the oil
There are two common mistakes related to oil. One is changing the oil. The second is choosing the wrong oil.
Just like filters, oil does not need to be changed on a set schedule. It only needs to be changed when it is necessary. If the additive package no longer works or the supply depletes, those are the only reasons to change the oil. The only way you will know if one of these events occurs is if you order an oil analysis.
If you need to change the oil, choosing the right kind is critical. This is the most important part of a hydraulic system, and the wrong choice means compromised functioning. You require just the right level of viscosity, and that depends on temperature and various characteristics of your environment. Contact a hydraulics repair specialist if you are uncertain of what oil type you need.
M & M Hydraulic Company offers skilled hydraulic services in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Whether you require repair or maintenance, we will find the best solution for your needs and your particular equipment.
Pneumatic, or gas-driven, cylinders come in a variety of configurations for a selection of applications. From the run-of-the-mill to the highly specialized parts, these cylinders generally consist of a piston that is set into motion with the application of air or other gases. Unlike hydraulic cylinders that can pose the risk of oil leaks, pneumatic cylinders offer less risk and more reliable operation, making them ideal for sensitive uses. Let’s take a look at several of the more common types of gas-operated cylinders that are available on the market today.
- Perhaps the most common type of air-driven device is the straight-line, single-action piston cylinder. These relatively simple units push a piston forward using air, and in most cases, an internal spring allows the piston to be automatically pulled back into its original position. Once it has a reset, the piston can be activated again with the application of the gas.
- Then there is the double-action cylinder, a slightly more complex device but it still operates on the basic premise of the single-action cylinder. In the case of a double-action cylinder, air is used to move a piston into position as well as to reset it. This allows for seamless travel forward and backward without the need to keep gas flowing into the cylinder.
- Telescoping cylinders are another type of pneumatic device. When these units are activated it expands in stages, much like a classic spyglass. Retracting the cylinder can be accomplished in a single or double-action manner —these devices are comparable to the satellite masts on television broadcast vans and can be raised fully or to a specific height.
- Rodless cylinders operate similarly to the double-action cylinders, except that the cylinder travels along what could be considered the piston. These units can be single or double-action.
- The rotary cylinder is another type of pneumatic parts in Minnesota. In the case of a rotary cylinder, the piston does not extend past the end of the cylinder, but rather rotates within it. The circular, or semi-circular, movement is a less common pneumatic device.
- In addition to these devices, high-impact pneumatic cylinders serve as a option where consistent impacts occur. Consider these devices similar to that of a pneumatic hammer used in auto body shops.
Due to the compressible nature of the air or common gases used to operate pneumatic cylinders, these devices are not typically used to lift heavy weight because air-driven cylinders can “jerk” if over strained. This compression also protects pneumatic devices in that there is a certain amount of give allowed for a certain amount of give not found in hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic cylinders are more often used for heavy lifts.
You don’t need to memorize all of the different types of pneumatic cylinders listed here — it can be viewed as a reference. But, if you are looking for a certain types of pneumatic parts in Minnesota and don’t know where to start, contact the experts at M&M Hydraulic Company for assistance.
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