The hydraulic cylinder is the heart of heavy equipment construction machines. Your business and operations depend on your equipment. So it is important to ensure the hydraulic cylinder is well maintained and stays in its top condition. The goal of a maintenance routine is to both ensure that the machine works at its optimal condition and any potential issues are identified and repaired before they become expensive problems.

Besides ensuring the cylinder is regularly maintained, you should also look out for any signs of leaks, overheating, odd or excessive noises, or slow cycle times. Regular preventative maintenance helps prevent major issues and ensure any problems are taken care of before they become major ones. At Tornado Heavy Equipment Parts, we have valuable tips to help you ensure the proper maintenance of your hydraulic cylinder.

Understanding Cylinder Contamination

Most instances of hydraulic cylinder failures are related to contamination. This shows how important it is to ensure the cleanliness of the hydraulic fluid. Contamination can be controlled by preventing particles from entering the system. Another method is to remove any existing particles from the fluid.

There are different forms of contamination. This includes:

• Soft particles
• Hard particles
• Water

While these particles can also be produced internally within the system, they usually enter from the outside. The various components of the system have seals that prevent contamination. It is part of a regular maintenance schedule to visually inspect the seals for any damage. The Hydraulic cylinder seal kits should be in top condition to prevent containments from entering.

Hydraulic Cylinder Maintenance Checklist

It is recommended to carry out the following maintenance checklist for your hydraulic cylinder. This should help ensure that your equipment works efficiently and effectively.

i. Regular Inspections

Hydraulic cylinders require 3 key components to work – the road, seals, and bearings. Regular maintenance inspections should ensure that these components are carefully checked. This includes:

• The Rods: It is the most important part inside the cylinder. A rod may bend when the rod seal fails, which could occur if there is no effective lubrication or there is excessive load.
• Seals & Bearings: A hydraulic cylinder maintenance schedule should ensure that the seals are regularly checked for lubrication and any signs of damage. While seals are small components, any failure could result in serious damage to your heavy equipment construction machines.

The rod should be checked for any signs of corrosion, pitting, or uneven wear. If there is any uneven wear, it could mean a hydraulic system disaster is waiting to happen. Corrosion is a sign of excessive moisture and can speed up wear on the seals. Pitting can cause damage to the seal and may be caused by corrosion as well.

Any uneven wear will usually be caused due to misalignment. When the rod becomes rough, there is increased friction, causing an increase in load on the machine. This will further increase the consumption of hydraulic fluid and power by your machine. Regular maintenance requires that the rod is polished and finished to maintain a smooth surface.

ii. Checking Lube Oil System

Regular hydraulic cylinder maintenance also requires checking whether the reservoir has enough oil for the system’s operation. This doesn't just mean that the reservoir is full of oil. A scheduled inspection should also look for any clogs or the need to replace a lubricator.

As part of the maintenance schedule, it is also important to check and ensure the oil is clean. A significant percentage of hydraulic system failures occur due to contaminated oil. Make sure the filters are changed regularly. It is also important to choose only high-efficiency filters from a reputed heavy equipment store. It is also recommended to use a differential pressure gauge or pop-up indicator that will let you know whenever the filter needs de-clogging.

iii. Visual Inspection

Regular inspection also requires visually inspecting the piston and cap for any signs of trapped particles. If the system has been pitting with noise for some time, it means there is a metal piece inside it.

When it comes to hydraulic cylinder maintenance, you should ensure the following components are also checked:

• Rod eyes
• Ball joints
• Brackets
• Clevises

Your service provider must look for any signs of major play in the cylinder joints. This can be caused due to a worn out pivot pin or clevis.

Regular and proper hydraulic cylinder maintenance means getting your parts from a reputable heavy equipment store. At Tornado Heavy Equipment Parts, we have helped thousands of our customers get access to quality parts at affordable pricing. We offer hydraulic cylinder seal kits, heavy equipment keys, and much more. Visit our website to explore the products we offer or give us a call at 1.844.202.0123. You may also send us a message at support@tornadoparts.com and we will get back to you at the earliest.