How to Maintain Your Hydraulic Equipment

Hydraulic systems give your equipment the power required to handle heavy lifting, digging, and maneuvering tasks. A problem with your hydraulics means big problems with your machine’s performance. To keep everything working smoothly, regular hydraulic maintenance is crucial. We put together some key tips and best practices that will help you maintain your hydraulic equipment and minimize your downtime.

Conduct regular inspections
It’s important to check your hydraulic equipment regularly for any leaks, damaged hoses, or worn out seals. We recommend looking closely at the connections, fittings, and hydraulic fluid reservoirs, as well as making sure the filters and screens are clean and free from debris that would hinder proper flow. In addition to inspecting for damage, you should also routinely remove dirt, dust, and other particles that accumulate on your machines and hurt hydraulic performance.

Check fluid levels and quality 
One of the most important parts of hydraulic maintenance is monitoring the fluids. Low levels will lead to cavitation and poor lubrication, resulting in accelerated wear and hurting performance, while contaminated or degraded fluid will reduce the hydraulic system's efficiency and could cause component failures. Regularly test fluids for contamination, moisture, and degradation, and replace them, if necessary.

Ensure proper fluid temperatures
Hydraulic components generate heat and friction during normal operation, but excessive temperatures will cause fluid breakdown and eventual system failure. A critical piece of hydraulic maintenance is monitoring the system's temperature to keep it within the recommended range. If the temperature exceeds the optimal range, we recommend implementing coolers or heat exchangers for improved regulation. Proper ventilation and air flow around the hydraulic components will also help dissipate heat effectively. 

Lubrication and seal maintenance
Proper lubrication is crucial for minimizing friction and reducing wear within your hydraulic equipment. It’s important to follow manufacturer's guidelines closely for lubricating moving parts, such as cylinders, pistons, and bearings. Lubricate seals and O-rings to prevent leakage and to help maintain their integrity. Confirm that the lubricants are compatible with the hydraulic fluid and the system's components before applying them in order to avoid seal swelling and system damage. 

Replace filters regularly
Filters play a very important role in hydraulic maintenance by catching and removing contaminants to prevent them from circulating in the system. However, filters will become clogged and less effective over time, hurting hydraulic performance. It’s important to replace filters at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer, based on your specific usage and conditions. 

Maintain proper system pressure
We recommend regularly monitoring and adjusting hydraulic pressure levels to ensure they meet the manufacturer's recommendations. Too much pressure can result in damage to system components, while too little pressure will lead to poor machine performance. Routinely inspect and calibrate pressure relief valves to ensure accurate and consistent pressure control. 

If you have any questions about hydraulic equipment or maintenance, then contact the Star Equipment team today!