Whether it is a piece of heavy equipment at a construction site, a vital piece of equipment in a manufacturing facility, or perhaps a robotic welder at an auto plant, the common denominator in all this is that each of these types of equipment relies on hydraulics to operate properly. Since a breakdown will lead to downtime that will cost your company money, it is important you have a regular maintenance program in place for your hydraulics. To know which maintenance steps are most important, here are some you should perform regularly on your hydraulic equipment.
Check and Change the Oil
If you don’t regularly check and change your equipment’s hydraulic oil, you will eventually have equipment that does not work. As with most oils, hydraulic oil must be clear of contaminants as it works its way through the equipment. To do this, you will need to keep fuel plugs and dipsticks free of debris and dust.
Inspect the Rods
Along with maintaining the hydraulic oil, you should also conduct regular visual inspections of the rod for signs of wear and tear, the most common of which is pitting and corrosion. Should this happen, wear and tear will rapidly increase, leading to a lack of proper lubrication. If you notice problems with a rod, let technicians from Miller Hydraulics Service, Inc. examine the equipment and make the necessary adjustments.
Inspect the Filter Indicators
Since the various filters on your hydraulic equipment are responsible for keeping dirt and debris out of the oil and other fluids, they should be inspected on a monthly basis. While doing so, also inspect the filter indicators, since most filters have these pop-out buttons on them that when triggered let you know the filters need to be changed.
Examine Pipes, Connections, and Hoses
Should you find hoses that are kinked, pinched, or frayed, these need to be adjusted or replaced at once, since failure to do so will lead to a restricted flow of oil or other fluids. Pipes and fittings should be examined for dents and corrosion, then repaired or replaced as needed. While doing this, make sure the fittings have a snug fit, but not one that is too tight.
Along with these steps, also remember to check the system temperature and breather caps, all fluid levels, and listen closely to the pumps on your hydraulic equipment for a high-pitched whining sound, since this will indicate extreme pressure changes. By taking these steps on a regular basis, you can care for your hydraulics and keep equipment running smoothly for many years.
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