A Few Common Mistakes Made By Hydraulic System Operators

Think of engineering muscularity and hydraulic machinery pops up in mind. Most users make several omissions and mistakes while maintaining their hydraulic systems. For example, a user of custom hydraulic cylinders might not consider the design of piston rod while purchasing them. Continue reading to know a few mistakes that many users make while working with such machinery.

Mistake 1 – Changing filters

Most users think it’s wise to change hydraulic equipment’s filters periodically. However, this is just a myth that needs to be debunked. If filters are changed following a fixed schedule, then they can be either overused or underused. 

If overused filters are not changed as their “changing date” has not arrived, then they can pose a serious threat to machine’s oil. Likewise, if filters are changed early – before the entire dirt-holding capacity is used –, then unnecessary cash is wasted.

Hence, it’s advisable to always change filters after examining them firsthand. The apt time to change filters is when their dirt-holding capacity is used up, but before bypass valve opens.

Mistake 2 – Changing oil

Changing oil without knowing its actual condition equals to shooting in the dark. Dumping oil that has not lost all its potential is the last thing to do as it’s very costly. If, however, users continue operating with base oil that’s degraded i.e., having all its additives used up, then it can impact the equipment’s performance.

Two conditions mandating a hydraulic oil change are:-

•   Depletion of additive package
•   Degradation of base oil

Apart from these two pointers, there are plenty of reasons that determine how oil degrades. The best way to know when to change hydraulic oil is to analyse the oil’s total hours of service.

Mistake 3 – Running hot

Overheating is an issue that’s overlooked by many equipment operators. Like any other engine, a hydraulic engine’s efficiencies drop quickly when it’s too hot. Many components of the equipment – hoses, seals and oil – get destroyed if the entire machinery is overheated.

Many users come up with a common question: “How hot is bad for a hydraulic system?” The answer depends upon oil’s viscosity.  Many car parking systems in India succumb to the pressures of everyday working as they are consistently used in high temperature.

Always note, as the system’s oil temperature increases, its viscosity decreases. Consequently, whenever oil’s viscosity decreases, it efficiency also takes a plunge.

Mistake 4 – Using wrong oil

Oil is one of the significant components of any hydraulic system. Not only hydraulic oil is a lubricant, but also helps in power transfer within a system. Hence, choosing the right oil as per the nature of work (performed by the equipment) becomes important.

Oil’s viscosity plays an important role in determining its aptness. If the viscosity is too high, then the oil will not be able to lubricate during colder days. Likewise, if the viscosity is low, then the oil will end up lubricating inadequately during hot climates.

All these are common errors that are performed by most hydraulic machine users.