Good maintenance practices for your hydraulic system can help you prevent any potential issues. Maintenance procedures also improve the system's efficiency, reduce operation costs and increase safety. Find below the maintenance practices for your hydraulic system.

1. Change Filters

Filters remove contaminants from the hydraulic fluid. The oil is an integral part of the hydraulic system as it acts as a coolant, lubricates, and protects the internal parts of the system from wear. Thus, change the filters as often as needed based on your hydraulic system guidelines.

2. Inspect the Oil Levels

Checking the oil level in your hydraulic system is one of the basic and important maintenance practices. It ensures optimum system lubrication and can prevent premature failure due to wear. This process also helps you determine if there are issues with your hydraulics fluid contamination.

Feel free to consult hydraulics repair services if you are unsure how to do it.

3. Check the Hydraulic Seals

Although hydraulic seals are often overlooked, they play an important role in all hydraulic systems. They keep the fluid from escaping and prevent contaminants from entering the system. Inspect the system for leaks and replace any broken or worn-out hydraulic seals.

4. Clean the Heat Exchangers

Hydraulic systems use water-cooled and air-cooled heat exchangers to dissipate the heat generated by fluid friction, electrical components, and fluid power motors. Heat exchangers are also used as condensers in hydraulic systems.

Air-cooled or liquid-to-air heat exchangers have external fins that collect airborne dust, dirt, and other particulate matter. Likewise, cooling coils of water-to-air heat exchangers can collect scale, salts, or other deposits from the cooling water.

These contaminants can interfere with the thermal transfer between the hot hydraulic fluid and cooler air or water. These issues reduce the capacity of your lubricant to dissipate heat. Ensure you hire hydraulics repair experts for regular check-ups of the heat exchanger in your hydraulic system.

5. Lubricate Fittings and Hoses

Fittings, hoses, and hydraulic seals are vulnerable to moisture and contamination. The lubricant contains a rust inhibitor added by the manufacturer. If not, you can add the inhibitor to help reduce rust and oxidation.

The first step is to remove rust or corrosion with a wire brush or other abrasive tool. This step needs expert hydraulics repair services to prevent damage or scratches to the surface. After that, apply a thin coat of lubricant to the surface. The lubricant will help prevent further corrosion.

Conclusion

Understanding your hydraulic system helps you identify potential problems. Then, you deal with them before escalation. Also, regular maintenance practice using a hydraulics repair professional increases efficiency. You also safeguard your hydraulics against breakdown and damage. Look into a company like Miller Hydraulics Service, Inc. for more information.