Why It’s Important to Schedule Hydraulic Pump Change-Outs
Regular pump maintenance ensures that it not only performs at its peak but also mitigates any minor fault to make sure that it does not escalate to an expensive breakdown.
Here are other reasons why it's vital to schedule hydraulic pump change-outs.
It Is Economical in the Long Run
Over time, a hydraulic system undergoes wear and tear, which limits its efficiency. In such scenarios, it is logical to order replacements for the damaged parts. However, while these replacements are relatively cheap, waiting until the machine can no longer function could also damage other working parts.
Such breakdowns, though, can be limited by scheduling regular change-outs. Performing regular oil change-outs will prolong the lifespan of hydraulic pumps along with accessories such as the valves, filters and cylinders.
When using our Enerpac hydraulic pump, we recommend that you check the oil 50 hours into its use and change it after 500 hours of use. This could change depending on your system and the oil you use, but make sure you refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations. You need to clean the areas around the filter and dip sticks before removing them for an oil check or change.
Dirt particles cause the majority of the faults in hydraulic equipment. Though these faults might be deemed minor, they can quickly escalate to costly repairs. This may easily be avoided by ensuring the equipment is clean and by following the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing the equipment’s parts.
Also schedule regular change-outs for such components as air breathers, seals and filters.
Less Downtime
Replacing a component that fails during service is often more costly than replacing it in its pre-failed condition. This is because in most cases, a failure that happens when the equipment is running causes damages to other internal components. This implies that parts that could have been serviced need to be replaced.
Performing regular maintenance and replacing a worn-out part in your hydraulic equipment may take only a few minutes or hours. On the other hand, repairing equipment that is completely broken down can take a few days. These downtimes result in a waste of resources.
Safety
Hydraulic systems can be quite hazardous to the people who operate them. Some of the most common hydraulic system hazards include bruises or abrasions from hydraulic lines, high-pressure fluid sprays and hydraulic injection of fluids. Common maintenance practices to ensure that the equipment is safe include:
- Examining the hydraulic lines for signs of leaks and general wear
- Periodically changing filters to keep the hydraulic oil safe from contaminants
- Using a lubricant to coat the cylinder rods and protect them from rust.
How to Tell If You Need a Pump Change-Out
Check the Temperature of the Hydraulic Fluid
The first thing you should constantly check is the temperature of the hydraulic fluid. If it is too hot or it smells burnt, it may be a sign that your equipment’s cooling system is not functioning properly or there are pressure-related issues.
Check the hydraulic oil reservoir and remove any debris that could inhibit airflow. Keep in mind that if the fluid stays too hot for long, it loses the ability to lubricate the equipment’s parts.
Check for Rattling Sounds and Leakages
If your pump produces rattling sounds, it could be a sign that cavitation is taking place. Shut down the system immediately to avoid further damage. Check the pump’s inlets for any leakages or bends that may be restricting flow. Most systems have inlet strainers or filters that are meant to keep dirt and debris from getting into the pump. If your system has them, make sure they are always clean.
Hydraulic valves have tight-fitting components that are prone to leakages and abrasions leading to low pressure. Besides, contaminants could get lodged in the valves, restricting flow. We recommend that the valve casings be cleaned at least once or twice during the year. Corrosion and mineral build-ups on valves warrant a change-out.
Conclusion
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Apart from providing you with high-quality hydraulic pumps and accessories, Aztec Bolting will also help you out with any change outs. We highly recommend our low-maintenance XC-Series Cordless Torque Wrench Pump as well as the E-Series E-Pulse Electric Pumps.