Making A DifferenceMaking A Difference

Hydraulic cylinders are an integral part of heavy machinery. They provide the high power needed to operate a lot of the equipment that is used on construction sites. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of the equipment. However, it is reasonable to expect that repairs will be needed at some point. Repair issues can arise from normal wear and tear, aging equipment, or other factors. 

Malfunctioned equipment may cause project delays. This is why it is important to identify the signs of failing parts. Timely repairs may prevent damage to other parts of equipment and extend the lifespan of heavy machinery. The following points identify a few things that can lead to a need for a hydraulic cylinder repair.

Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturer Estimated Lifecycle

Manufacturers create parts with estimated lifecycles. These estimates can be used for guidance and planning for future mechanical failures. Sometimes parts fail prematurely, but some may last beyond their lifecycle. The engineering process may impact the longevity of parts.

Hydraulic cylinder manufacturers use mass-production processes, which creates more parts in shorter periods of time. This is ideal to ensure that replacement parts are plentiful. Repair issues can be examined on a smaller scale by a hydraulic cylinder repair shop and are likely to be identified more easily than through inspecting thousands of parts at a time during production.

Seal Damage

The seals on hydraulic cylinders can break or become corroded. Extreme temperatures, fractures, aging, and installation issues can negatively impact the integrity of seals. The repairs need to be made or they will lead to fluid leaks. Fluid is not supposed to enter into the cylinder area, and intact seals serve as barriers against this occurring.

If fluid leaks into the cylinder, contamination occurs and will require a more complex repair solution than replacing damaged seals. Fluid leaks cause contamination that leads to the mixing of particles and fluid. This will inevitably cause clogs and may extend to leaks in other areas of equipment. 

Loud Noises 

If loud noises are heard coming from a hydraulic cylinder, it is a serious sign that something is amiss. Construction sites are notorious for being loud, and banging or knocking sounds are common. However, the sounds from a damaged hydraulic cylinder might be loud enough to be distinctly heard, or they might be noticed at the start of a workday when things are quieter. It is a sign of a malfunction that is related to a fluid, pressure, or contamination issue. 

A hydraulic cylinder repair shop is a good resource that you can use to determine if a repair or replacement is best. They can inspect equipment routinely and identify early signs of failing parts. This can help contractors pre-plan for future repairs and reduce the chances of complete breakdowns.