How to Clean Your Hydraulic System Effectively

Hydraulic systems are powerful pieces of machinery that require lots of care and upkeep to continue operating as intended. Whether you use a single hydraulic forklift at your company’s distribution center, or you employ dozens of pieces of hydraulic gear at a local construction site, it’s important to understand the nuances of hydraulic maintenance, and know the basics on how to keep your hydraulic system running smoothly and effectively.

If you’re in need of hydraulic services in Minnesota, you should always rely on professionals for help and assistance. Hydraulic system care is a complex task that requires a highly skilled team in order to be performed correctly.

Hydraulic system cleaning is an essential task that should be performed with some level of regularity. Here are the steps associated with a successful hydraulic system cleaning operation:

  • Make a plan: Before you even begin cleaning your hydraulic system, you should conduct a careful analysis of the system itself. Examine its parts and its layout in as much detail as possible. If you have schematics or a user’s manual associated with your machine, now is the time to get it out. Most hydraulic systems actually come with cleaning instructions.
  • Drain the fluid: Next, you’ll need to drain all of the existing fluid and change out the system’s filter. Then, fill the system with the minimum amount of fluid required for safe operation, and cycle it through the system using sustained, mild operations. Once the fluid is cycled through, drain it once again.
  • Purge the launcher: If your hydraulic system is large enough to require this step, you should begin it by attaching a pneumatic projectile launcher onto one of the open ends of your hydraulic system. Then, fire at least five times. This will purge the hose of any residual contaminants.
  • Disassemble and scrub: Now, you’ll want to disassemble the hydraulic machinery as much as possible. Using a safe cleaning solvent and a heavy-duty wire brush, scrub the interior of the fluid reservoir and any other accessible places to the fullest possible extent. The goal is to reduce the amount of sludge, chipped paint and spent fluid inside the machinery.
  • Flush and refill: Next, you should use a low-viscosity fluid to flush out the interior of your hydraulic system. Monitor the flushing fluid regularly to determine how clean it is—after the desired level of cleanliness has been reached, allow the machinery to continue operating for at least 15 minutes.

Since 1976, M & M Hydraulic Company has been a highly trusted source of hydraulic services in Minnesota. We provide a robust range of services, including hydraulic system maintenance, repair, cleaning, flushing and more. We are the Twin Cities’ one-stop shop for hydraulic system services. We are a family owned and operated business that is proud to serve industrial communities throughout the Upper Midwest. We are known throughout the region for our attention to detail and our dedication to prompt and friendly service. Contact us today to learn more.

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