In industries ranging from food service to landscaping and construction, hydraulic cylinders are an invaluable resource, providing concentrated force to increase productivity and reduce project time requirements. Like any mechanical system, they can become worn and at risk of failure, thus disrupting carefully planned project timelines while you wait for a hydraulic equipment repair specialist. For that reason, recognizing the signs of a hydraulic system failure is vital to ensuring uninterrupted operations. Have a look at the information below to learn more.

What Are the Signs of Hydraulic Equipment Failure?

1. Unusual Loud Noises

Although a hydraulic cylinder will make some amount of noise while in use, it shouldn’t make loud banging or hammering sounds. If you notice these, it’s often a sign of cavitation, or the formation of air bubbles inside the cylinder. This causes pressure in the unit to drop low enough that hydraulic fluid effectively vaporizes.

When fluid levels are restored, the resulting implosion of the air cavity makes an explosive sound. This can cause seals to overheat and burn, so seek help from a hydraulic equipment repair technician as soon as you notice this issue.

2. Fluid Leaks

There are several potential causes of leakage in hydraulic systems. It’s possible that cavitation has caused one or more seals to fail, thus allowing hydraulic fluid to empty out, or physical damage to the piston or barrel may have opened up a gap in the cylinder.

Because all hydraulic equipment relies on fixed levels of fluid to function as designed, ignoring leaks can quickly lead to system failures and put vital equipment out of commission. Inspect any unit you suspect of leaking for visible signs of damage or schedule a professional inspection to determine the nature and extent of the problem.

3. Increased Operating Temperatures

Hydraulic cylinders produce heat as a natural byproduct of the compression of hydraulic fluid, which causes molecules to speed up and grow warmer in the process. Most hydraulic equipment should only reach temperatures within a safe range designated by the manufacturer. However, if you notice a cylinder growing noticeably hotter, it may be a sign of underlying issues which will require professional repairs.

If you’ve noticed these or other signs of hydraulic equipment failure, contact Commercial Machine Service in Kalispell, MT. Since 2003, they’ve offered hydraulic equipment repair services to clients throughout northern Montana, along with services including fabrication, welding, and CNC machining. Call (406) 752-4979 to request an estimate, and find out more about their services by visiting them online.