Common Hydraulic Problems And The Reason You Are Experiencing Them

Many types of heavy equipment, such as cranes and excavators, use a hydraulic system to make the equipment work. Unfortunately, over time, you may experience problems with this type of system. Knowing what signs are indicative of problems with a hydraulic system can help ensure that you know when it is time to get heavy equipment repair instead of ignoring the problem or thinking it is normal as the machinery ages. Here are three signs that something is wrong with the hydraulic system on your heavy equipment.

The Hydraulic System is Running Hot

Typically, when a hydraulic system begins to run hot, pressure is building up somewhere inside of the machine. This can be a sign your hydraulic system needs to be adjusted or that your components, such as hoses and connectors, are not sized properly. Excessive heat can damage your hydraulic system, so unless you want to pay to replace the entire system, pay close attention to the running temperature on your heavy equipment.

The Equipment is Making Abnormal Noises

Another sign that your heavy equipment may need hydraulics repair is that the machine is making abnormal noises when the hydraulics system is in use. This may mean swinging the arm on a crane or lifting the arm and bucket on an excavator. Problems with hydraulic hoses, pumps, and fluid can all cause abnormal noises. If you hear screeching, squealing, or grinding, especially if excessive vibration occurs when these new noises are present, you will want to get your piece of heavy equipment looked at promptly.

Slow Operation

The last sign that you may have a hydraulics problem with your heavy equipment is slow operation. Unfortunately, there are many reasons this may occur. Something as simple as a loose wire or clogged air filter can cause slow operation or movement. On the opposite end of the spectrum, slow operation can be caused by system components losing efficiency and needing to be replaced. If you experience this problem, inspect your system for clogged filters, loose wires or have the hydraulic oil changed if it hasn't been done in a timely manner. If the problem persists, a professional will need to look at it for you.

Heavy equipment can be costly to repair. But if you fail to make these repairs, you may need to replace the entire hydraulics system, or the piece of equipment, sooner than you would. This costs even more money. As such, you want to be aware of what the signs are of problems with your heavy equipment's hydraulic system. This will allow you to catch minor problems and have them repaired before they turn into expensive problems that compromise the lifespan of your heavy equipment.