Tips To Prevent Hydraulic Cylinder Problems Before They Start
If you work with any type of hydraulic machinery, including hydraulic cylinders, you surely already know how important it is to keep a close eye on this equipment. A malfunctioning or broken hydraulic cylinder doesn't just present a potentially costly repair issue—it could also lead to safety issues for you and your employees. To that end, here are a few tips for hydraulic maintenance designed to help keep your hydraulic cylinders out of the repair shop.
Maintaining the Seal Is Key
Your hydraulic seals are arguably some of the smallest components in the entire piece of equipment, but even a small defect or misplacement could lead to a serious issue. You never want your hydraulic cylinders to begin operation without a fully effective seal. When installing new seals, make sure they measure up exactly to the cylinder. Then, keep a close eye on the seal's lubrication. In fact, you should add seal lubrication to your daily checklist for every employee. A seal on a hydraulic cylinder that is not properly lubricated is going to quickly deteriorate with excess wear and tear.
Make Sure All Rods Are Straight and Not Bent
Your hydraulic cylinder's rod is critical. If the rod becomes bent at any point, the hydraulic cylinder will not be able to effectively do its job. You've already learned the importance of seals, and that includes the rod seal. Failure to properly lubricate the seal could lead to trouble, as could overloading the hydraulic cylinder. Visually inspect the cylinder's rod before every operation. Turning the cylinder on while the rod is bent could lead to serious damage.
Periodically Add Polish
As the hydraulic cylinder operates, internal parts, including the rod, will accumulate wear and tear over time. The rougher the rod or other internal components become, the more likely it is that the inside of the cylinder will begin to sustain physical damage. You can extend the lifespan of your hydraulics by periodically polishing any rough edges throughout the machine.
A hydraulic cylinder is a powerful device that should be treated with respect. Failure to keep up with a regular maintenance plan could lead to significant damage to your hydraulics or to a safety issue for nearby employees. Keep all seals lubricated and add polish to moving components as necessary in order to restore rough edges and reduce friction that could lead to more wear and tear on your equipment.
Contact a local hydraulic shop today if your hydraulic cylinder is in need of maintenance or repair, or check out websites like https://www.cerprodnjhydraulics.com/ to learn more.
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