Extend the Life of Your Crane's Hydraulic Cylinder with these Tips

A hydraulic cylinder plays a critical role in the performance of your crane. The cylinder receives its power from the hydraulic fluid which is pressurised by the pump. Once powered, it creates a mechanical force in linear motion and causes the crane's boom to move. If the cylinder is not working correctly, your crane will not work. That is why you need to pay close attention to the hydraulics in the equipment to facilitate smooth operations and minimise downtime on your site. Here are three tips that you can follow to extend the lifespan of your crane's hydraulic cylinder.

Inspect regularly

When is the last time you gave your crane's hydraulics a thorough check? Regular inspection allows you to spot mishaps and faults before they become a problem. Look out for pits, rust, or unusual wear in the cylinder rods. Pitting can occur due to corrosion, and it will eventually cause the seals to wear as well. If there is rust, your cylinder may be exposed to too much moisture from the hydraulic fluid or the atmosphere. Corrosion, pitting, and wear can cause substantial damage to other parts of the hydraulic system. Address them with urgency before you end up incurring huge repair costs.

Check the lubricant

The hydraulic system in your crane should be properly lubricated at all times. As the parts move, they can grind against each other and wear if there is no lubrication. Check the lube reservoir and make sure that there is enough oil. If not, refill it before commencing operations. Also, empty the lube reservoir during the crane's servicing schedule to get rid of old contaminated oil. Continued use of old lubrication can also cause adverse effects to the cylinder parts.

Rotate cylinder regularly

Using one cylinder for weeks or months will result in premature wear. A worn cylinder exposes other parts such as the seals, gaskets, and pump to wear as well. In this light, always keep several cylinders at hand so that you can rotate them. Once a one is used, inspect it for signs of damage and give it proper maintenance. Also, as you remove a cylinder, look for issues that may indicate a problem with the hydraulic system. For example, if there are dirt particles inside, it means that your oil is dirty and it needs filtering. If the cylinder has multiple pits, it could be a sign that there is a loose piece of metal in the system.

Hydraulic cylinder maintenance is paramount if you want your crane to operate optimally at all times. Contact an expert for proper servicing and repairs to extend the life of your hydraulic system.


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