The development of hydraulic equipment has made jobs that once seemed impossible a now common occurrence. So naturally, when hydraulic equipment fails or breaks, all work grinds to a halt until the machinery can be repaired.
There are ways you can help prevent a full breakdown of your hydraulic equipment and it requires pro-activity.
The first step is to understand the major signs of damage that you should keep an eye (or ear) out for.
3 Major Warning Signs
Alarm bells should ring if you notice any visual, noise, or performance changes in your hydraulic equipment. Let’s dive into each of these categories to give you a better idea of the issues that can arise so you know when to act fast!
Visible
Some problems can easily be caught with the naked eye with a close inspection of the equipment in question. For example, you may notice cracked parts or worn seals from typical wear and tear, or you may even notice fluid leaking from the machine. All of these are prime examples of times to call for a maintenance check before your pump or motor completely fails, halting your work altogether.
If the fluid is funky in color, then it’s possible you also have issues inside the machine that is infiltrating the fluid, which can lead to even further problems. Even just one of these issues deserves immediate attention.
Noises
We’re all familiar with that gut feeling when you start up your car to hear a weird banging, or maybe the air conditioner kicks on and something just doesn’t sound right. The same applies to your hydraulic equipment. If something sounds wrong, there’s a good change it is.
Bangs or clanking could be signs that parts are no longer secured in place, from issues such as loose screws. If you hear grinding, that could indicate poor lubrication, which means tremendous wear on the internal mechanisms of the equipment that lead to major malfunction.
Finally, if you hear hissing of any kind, you might be leaking air, a key functionality to hydraulic performance.
Performance
Obviously, the equipment’s actual performance is going to be the biggest factor in determining the urgency of your repair needs. If you notice that your equipment is moving much slower than normal, or it’s having trouble maintaining consistent strength, you need to have a professional take a look.
Additionally, if you notice the machine’s movements are no longer smooth, or if the machine is overheating, give a hydraulic repair service a call as soon as possible.
Don’t DIY It – Reach Out to Industry Experts
Hydraulic equipment uses a combination of fluids and pressure to operate, and these forces can be dangerous when malfunctioning or dealt with improperly. Attempting DIY maintenance on these machines can not only lead to additional damage to the equipment, but to you as the attempted mechanic!
Further, quick fixes are not long-term solutions. Our hydraulic repair engineers are equipped with the knowledge and training to address any issues you’re having in an efficient manner to minimize downtime, as well as extend the life of your hydraulic equipment by ensuring quality repairs.
Finally, if your equipment is under warranty, be extra careful. These agreements can be voided if issues aren’t addressed by a professional.
Repair vs. Replace
Hydraulic equipment is expensive, so it makes sense that you would rather repair than replace. That’s yet another reason it’s incredibly important to call a pro when you first notice any of the above signs.
By utilizing professional maintenance and hydraulic repair services, you actually minimize long-term maintenance cost and extend the time before you may have to make another large investment for a replacement.
Minimize Overall Downtime with Servo Kinetics
Your hydraulic equipment is a core part of your business’s ability to operate. Luckily, knowing the above warning sign gives you an advantage in mitigating potential disaster when it comes to your machinery. The goal is to have little to no downtime, so make sure to seek repair services right away when needed.
Keep your hydraulic pumps and motors in check and operating efficiently by partnering with the experts at Servo Kinetics. Our hydraulic repair services are unmatched due to our highly skilled technicians that work hard and fast to get your equipment up and running in no time. Our free inspections, detailed maintenance checks and state-of-the-art equipment help our customers save without waiting. Call today!