3 Signs Of A Broken Hydraulic Machine

Hydraulic cylinders are vital to any manufacturing business and can improve or reduce the efficiency of your operations depending on their conditions. You should run maintenance checks on your hydraulic cylinder every couple of months. 

With routine checkups, you can identify and fix problems early enough before they become bigger issues. However, call a hydraulic cylinder repairs expert if you notice any of the following issues. 

1. A Juddering Cylinder With Banging Noises 

Your hydraulic cylinder should move in smooth motion whenever you use it. Call a hydraulic cylinder repair expert if the cylinder gets stuck or has jerky movements as it extends. If your cylinder gets stuck as it moves, it will use more power and raise your electricity bills. 

Friction is the main cause of a juddering hydraulic cylinder and can result from the following: 

• Worn out seals
• Inadequate lubrication
• Bent piston rods 

You should also call a repairs expert when you hear loud alarming sounds from your hydraulic cylinder. Most times, loud banging sounds in the cylinder are indicators of air trapped in the hydraulic fluid or cavitation.

Air bubbles in the hydraulic fluid will go through compression and decompression as the cylinder works, hence the loud bangs. On the other hand, cavitation occurs when the hydraulic circuit doesn't get enough hydraulic fluid. This situation causes a drop in pressure as the liquid vaporizes. When the hydraulic cylinder gains more pressure, the fluid cavity causes loud banging sounds.

If you notice a juddering cylinder or banging noises when your machine is in operation, turn it off immediately to prevent further damage, such as overheating and burnt seals. Call a hydraulics repairs expert to assess it and fix the problems.

2. A Slowed Actuator

If your machine loses power, stops working, or works slower than usual, it indicates internal leakage or too much friction. When your hydraulic fluid leaks, your cylinder will take longer to build pressure to facilitate its functionality.

If these problems drag on, you'll damage your hydraulic machine severely.

While you could increase the power to get your machine to top performance, you'll only mask the problem. You'll also be fueling your hydraulic machine to its collapse. The best action is to call a hydraulic machine repair expert to fix the problem immediately.

3. A Heated Hydraulic Machine 

While it's normal for a hydraulic cylinder to heat up when in operation, there's a temperature limit it should not exceed. However, in normal working conditions, your cylinder should never heat beyond 82 degrees Celsius. Abnormal increments in the temperature are an indicator of a faulty machine.

Call a repair expert to assess the problem if your hydraulic cylinder tends to overheat. Most importantly, you shouldn't use the machine until an expert checks and fixes it to avert further damage that could be more costly to repair. For more information, contact a company like Miller Hydraulics Service, Inc.

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