Category Archive: Uncategorized
Oil life is very important for hydraulic components in Minnesota. Unless it is clean, it cannot do its job and you will be in for costly breakdowns. That makes checking the lifecycle of lubricants a large priority in every shop that uses hydraulic equipment. Whether you outsource testing or perform it in-house, here is what you need to assure thorough testing of your lubricants:
- Well-equipped labs: Many shops maintain on-site lab facilities for testing oil. Tests analyze viscosity, particle count and moisture levels. Depending on the experience of the technicians and the equipment you have available, results can vary depending on those factors. If you maintain in-house testing, check to be sure all your equipment is functioning properly and your technicians receive consistent training. Check these factors if you hire outside labs for these tasks, too—even though they are ultimately responsible, you must assure they meet these basic standards. The quality of your equipment depends on it.
- Correct test slate: The test slate indicates standards for your lubricants. A general one may not work for your needs, so work with your labs to determine the best slate for your purposes. Many shops that outsource testing rely on the lab to make these decisions, but you must communicate clearly so you are not limited to default standards when something else works better.
- Best sampling location: When you collect lubricant samples from your machinery, you need to choose a spot where you are most likely to find reliable results. Components that receive the most use and demand are likely where you want to start. If you choose a low-use location, your results may not be completely accurate, and you risk failure.
- Good scheduling: Lubricant testing should be performed based on a schedule. Normally based on machine hours, you also need to consider equipment age and how critical it is to your operation. Older machines that perform work for you every day must undergo lubricant testing more often than a newer machine that is only employed once a week.
- Solid procedure: Every lab, whether outsourced or in-house, should have a proven procedure for determining the best results. That includes protecting testing samples from outside contaminants and creating clear documentation. Technicians should test lubricants the same way each time so you can compare results and analyze any trends.
- Sound data interpretation: This starts with technicians who can read analysis reports and explain how they affect your operating conditions. The best testing in the world will not help you if you do not receive useful results. Lubricant analysis may also vary depending on equipment type and its essential role in your operation. Technicians and reports should make those distinctions and be able to indicate any trending data that could influence future operating procedure.
M & M Hydraulic Company provides repair and maintenance for hydraulic components in Minnesota and the upper Midwest. If you require assistance with lubricant testing or need a repair, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Hydraulic systems are an incredibly important tool in many different industries. If you have your own hydraulic machinery, you probably understand just how important it is to keep it in good repair year-round. Sometimes, you can handle things on your own, but when it comes to regular analysis and important repairs, it’s best to call in the pros. This is especially true for one crucial component of your system: the oil.
When you choose M & M Hydraulic Company as your provider of hydraulic services in Minnesota, we’ll make sure your oil is clean, and we’ll give you tips for how to keep it that way between regular maintenance inspections. In the meantime, here are some important things you should know about your hydraulic system’s oil.
New doesn’t always mean clean
You would be in good company if you thought that simply putting new oil in your hydraulic system was enough. It makes sense—out with the old, in with the new, problem solved. But unfortunately, it’s not always quite that easy. You see, most oils are already contaminated by the time they reach you. The ideal level for hydraulic oil is between 5 and 10 percent microns, but most oils contain 30 to 40 percent microns! Knowing this up front will help you plan for your oil needs down the road, and M & M Hydraulic Company can help you make sure your oil is safe for your system.
Testing for glycol is essential
During your regularly scheduled oil analysis, your professional should let you know that they are testing for glycol. This is good news for you, because glycol contamination in your machine can lead to a bad buildup of potassium—an issue that you definitely don’t want to go unnoticed!
Potassium contamination is usually caused by glycol, which is the primary element found in antifreeze. It’s also possible to find contamination in your oil from a variety of other sources—such as silicon, boron, phosphorous and chromium—but if you have a potassium buildup, it’s almost certainly caused by glycol.
It is also possible that potassium found in your oil is due to other contaminants finding their way in on the wind. Some of these offenders might include granite, ash or even road dust. But if you and your professional suspect glycol is the issue, you’ll want to get testing specific to rule out or confirm this possibility. Common tests include Gas Chromatography (GC), Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR), a blotter spot test and Schiff’s reagent test. Gas Chromatography is particularly effective for detecting glycol levels in engine oil, but it should be used in conjunction with other tests to make sure there are no false negatives or false positives.
No one should have to worry about how well their hydraulic system is going to perform on a daily basis. Eliminate surprises and potentially costly repairs caused by missed problems—call M & M Hydraulic Company for expert hydraulic services in Minnesota, and we’ll make sure your machines perform to their full potential year-round.
Even the most powerful and hard-working hydraulic systems are only as good as the care they receive. Your hydraulic system should serve you well for many years, provided you give it the regular maintenance it needs. In fact, proper hydraulic maintenance in Minnesota can save you a lot of money down the road, and ensure you aren’t left out to dry one day when your system suddenly gives up the ghost!
At M & M Hydraulic Company, we are experts in repair and maintenance for a wide range of hydraulic systems, with a full hydraulic repair shop to serve your needs. Here are a few things you should know about setting up a hydraulic maintenance program.
Regularity is key
It’s fantastic to get your system serviced, but if you don’t follow up on a regular basis, one checkup alone will not spare your machine from potentially costly damage later on. Fortunately, it’s easy to make sure everything is running smoothly with your system when you make a plan. To do this, just call your local hydraulic company and set up a schedule for yearly inspection. That way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting, and you’ll be sure to keep your hydraulic equipment in good repair year-round.
Oil analysis is a must
One of the most important and beneficial things you can do for your hydraulic system is to schedule a regular oil analysis program. This will bring down maintenance expenses for your rotating hydraulic equipment. It’s worth noting that the answer to an oil-related issue is not necessarily getting the oil changed. That’s why it’s important to have a knowledgeable hydraulic maintenance company on hand to accurately analyze your system and make sure you get the maintenance and repairs that actually apply to your specific situation. Your hydraulic service provider will be on the lookout for:
- Water contamination
- Oil that is in poor condition
- Higher than normal levels of oil particulate
- Unusual wear on the machine
Follow through with necessary repairs
No one likes paying for repairs, but when it comes to hydraulic equipment, it’s absolutely in your best interest to invest a small amount now for good repairs, instead of finding yourself having to pay big bucks for a huge issue later on due to neglect. When you invest in scheduled hydraulic maintenance in Minnesota, you’ll be able to catch or prevent issues before they even arise, because you’ll always stay on top of the situation.
Keep an eye on your equipment
After you’ve had repairs made and inspections completed, remember to keep an eye on your hydraulic equipment. For example, if you had issues with high oil levels, those levels should start to go down now that the problem has been addressed. If anything seems off to you, or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call your hydraulic repair company and ask for help.
M & M Hydraulic Company is your go-to source for hydraulic maintenance in Minnesota. Give us a call today to start prolonging the life of your system.
There are several things you can do to help increase the efficiency and lifespan of your hydraulics equipment. However, and perhaps more importantly, there are several mistakes you can avoid making to help protect your hydraulics equipment. As your local source for hydraulic repairs in Minnesota, we’ve seen a lot of hydraulic repairs that could have been prevented. If you want to protect your hydraulic equipment, here are the seven most common hydraulic equipment mistakes to avoid:
- Using the wrong oil: Not only does the oil function as a conductor of power, but it is also a lubricant for the system. The most important component of your hydraulic oil is its viscosity. Viscosity controls the minimum and maximum oil temperatures for your hydraulic system to operate safely, so it’s essential to choose the proper oil with the right viscosity for your system.
- Changing the oil at the wrong time: There are many variables that determine how often your hydraulic oil should be changed. Changing your oil on a schedule is not the most accurate way to determine when your oil should be changed. Oil analysis is the only accurate way to determine when your oil needs to be replaced.
- Installing the filter in the wrong area: Filters are important to your hydraulic system, but if they are installed in the wrong area they can do more harm than good. Placing filters near the pump inlet or drain line of the system will actually prevent oil from flowing freely in these areas and could shorten the life of your system.
- Changing the filters at the wrong time: Just like changing the oil too often can be wasteful, so is changing your filters. However, not changing the filters often enough can be damaging to your system. The best way to determine when you need to change your filters is by monitoring flow restriction or a pressure drop near the filter.
- Allowing the system to run too hot: When the oil gets to a temperature where the oil viscosity falls below the level required for proper lubrication, this is known as operating the system too hot, and you can burn up your seals, hoses and other components.
- Not educating your employees: It can take years of training and experience to grasp all the ins and outs of a hydraulic system, so don’t assume that your team knows it all. It’s best to ask an expert before implementing a hydraulic maintenance program.
- Allowing hydraulic components to prime themselves: Hydraulic components do not lubricate themselves. If the proper steps are not taken to lubricate the system at startup, the hydraulic components can be seriously damaged. Remember to not only check and fill the pump housing with clean oil, but to also open that intake valve.
If you feel that you may not be up to maintaining your hydraulic equipment on your own, don’t worry—we can help! For professional hydraulic maintenance and hydraulic repairs in Minnesota, call M & M Hydraulic Company today.
The single greatest cause of hydraulic equipment not performing as it should is hydraulic oil contamination. In fact, three out of four hydraulic equipment failures are caused by contaminated hydraulic fluid. Contamination is a serious threat to your hydraulic system; it can cause the system to work much less efficiently or even cause system failure, so it is important to monitor your hydraulic oil closely.
There are a variety of ways that your hydraulic fluid can become compromised and different signs of contamination to watch out for. By preventing contamination or detecting it early on, you can save your system from serious damage, prevent the need for hydraulic repair service in Minnesota and also avoid costly fluid replacement and disposal fees. But how do you know if your hydraulic oil is contaminated? Below are a few signs of oil contamination to watch out for:
- Clogged jets, nozzles and/or valve jamming
- Icing (frozen water) that causes a system malfunction
- Increased component wear and corrosion
Hydraulic fluid contamination can occur in a number of ways. Hydraulic fluid is made up of two basic parts—base stock (the oil itself) and the additives that help protect the oil. Contamination causes problems when contaminants interact with either the base stock or the additives. The most common causes of hydraulic fluid contamination can be broken down into three categories—physical properties, base-stock degradation and additive depletion:
- Physical properties: If water or particulates (air particles such as dust, dirt and other contaminants) enter the hydraulic oil, they can form insoluble precipitates (particles that will be mixed in with the oil but can’t dissolve) or cause the oil to sludge or gel. Insoluble precipitates and sludges can cause undue stress on system components, causing wear or malfunction, or they can clog nozzles, jets and valves.
- Degradation of base stock: Degradation refers to a chain of chemical reactions that break down the base of your hydraulic fluid. The most common example of degradation is when the hydraulic fluid becomes contaminated with water and metal particles. Oxygenation occurs, creating oxygenated compounds that settle out of the fluid as gums, resins or sludges. These compounds can then cause corrosion and surface wear of components.
- Additive depletion: A variety of additives are added to hydraulic fluid to help protect it and maintain quality. Chemical reactions, or simply the physical removal of hydraulic fluid additives, can result in additive depletion. Water can lead to the precipitation of additives, or chemical reactions caused by interaction between contaminants and additives can result in additive depletion. The results are similar to those mentioned previously—component wear, clogs created by sludge or resins and ultimately system malfunction.
By watching for early signs of contamination, you can help prevent irreparable damage to your hydraulic systems. However, not all damage can be prevented or avoided. If you do find yourself in need of a hydraulic repair service in Minnesota, call M & M Hydraulic Company. We’ve been the top-rated hydraulic repair service in Minnesota for over 40 years. To schedule services, give us a call today!
Without a functioning pump, your hydraulic equipment cannot operate. The fluid is the base of operations, and when joints and machinery do not get any of it, that is when you experience stuck lifts or equipment that stops midway through a job. Hydraulic pump repair in Minnesota arises from frantic circumstances, but most damage links to similar causes. Here are five reasons why you may find yourself in this situation:
- Dirty filters: The filters in your hydraulic equipment are tougher and have a longer lifespan than oil filters in your car. They do not need to be changed on a set schedule, although if you have a busy quarter, they require attention more often. Regular maintenance reveals when filters need changing. However, we encounter shops that wait until filters are black with debris and then wonder why the pump systems no longer work. To avoid this, install a monitoring system which will indicate pressure drops associated with a dirty filter. Also, keep to your maintenance schedules, especially if your workload spikes.
- No priming: Hydraulic fluid is not self-priming. If an impatient or inexperienced worker consistently skips the priming step, the startup process will not have proper lubrication. This decision places additional pressure on the pump that can damage the entire system. When training workers, emphasize that priming is not a waste of time—it is essential and considered time well spent.
- Do-it-yourself attempts: You must admit your limitations and know when to call us. Hydraulic equipment is sensitive and your attempts to save money could end up costing you more. Filter installation and replacement is one example. On some equipment, the process of changing a filter is easily executed without calling in a professional. However, with heavy equipment, you are better off calling us in, since failure could result in serious complications, like worker injury.
- Mishandling oil: Clean oil is essential to good operation. It normally does not get dirty because it is drawn from a protected reservoir. Changing the oil frequently and choosing the wrong type of oil often leads to failure. If you constantly notice dirty oil, there is something else going on and you need to call us in for repairs. The only time you need to change oil is when the additives stop working or the supply decreases. You will only notice these effects with an oil analysis. This is just another reason to stay current on maintenance and never assume you know all the answers. When in doubt, call in a specialist.
- Lack of monitoring system: Since hydraulic pump needs depend on workload, there is usually no set schedule for when it requires service. A light winter followed by a busy summer will change maintenance needs. The best way to determine if there is an issue and avoid any of these miscalculations is by installing a monitoring system. It will indicate when there is a problem needing attention. Combining this with regular maintenance helps you discover problems before they lead to shutdown.
If you need hydraulic pump repair in Minnesota, M & M Hydraulic Company is here for you. Call us today to schedule repair or maintenance.
