A Few Key Ways to Maximize Hydraulic Cylinder Service Life

When you get down to the bread and butter of most industrial machinery, hydraulic cylinders become just as important and as common as pumps, motors, gears and just about any other mechanical component needed to keep a machine operational. And, like these other parts and pieces, they require steadfast attention and the proper service to remain functioning at peak efficiency.

When it comes to keeping hydraulics in peak condition and preventing costly hydraulic repair in Minnesota, preventative maintenance and fast action in the face of malfunctions is key. To that end, it’s important to brush up on a few of the easiest, most common ways to keep your cylinders in great condition, both now and for the future:

• One of the most common issues to befall hydraulic cylinders is bent rods. Anyone who has spent enough time around old or improperly maintained machinery has seen bent rods and knows just how much of a trial they can be. Bent rods cause a myriad of problems: namely premature seal failure when the load that’s normally supported by the rod is absorbed by the seal. Bent rods should be replaced when identified at all times—no exceptions! And, when they are, the proper cylinder capacity should be gauged to prevent it from occurring again.
• Testing the integrity of your hydraulic cylinder annually is going to ensure that you’re able to avoid all types of catastrophic failures and a good deal of unwanted hydraulic repair in Minnesota. Integrity testing will reveal any ballooning to the cylinder, as well as any broken seals or structural imperfections that may worsen over time as a result of a compromised pressure system.
• Refinishing the surface of your rods can have a profound impact on their life expectancy and resilience through the years. If the roughness of the surface is too low it’s going to require more lubrication and in time, the seal is going to suffer. Likewise, if the finish is too rough, you’re going to see more leakage via increased contamination within the cylinder itself. Keep your rods finished to the proper degree and you’ll be able to prevent these two extremes from occurring—both of which can be costly in their own right.
• If you have any knowledge of hydraulic cylinders or any other type of mechanical marvel, you know that friction is the enemy. Proper lubrication of your cylinder and regular lube maintenance is going to be key in preventing friction and can help to spot problem areas that may be wearing quicker than others. Keeping an eye on problem areas and giving your cylinder routine attention is going to help ease fluid function that’s friction-free!

Hydraulic cylinders are by no means a perfect piece of mechanical equipment, but they can be tremendously effective when maintained to the right degree. Rather than spending thousands a year on costly hydraulic repair in Minnesota, why not take the time to learn more about how these components function and what signs you should be looking out for to ensure they continue to function at the highest levels possible?