Seven Most Common Hydraulic Equipment Mistakes to Avoid

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.