Time to Maintain or Overhaul?

14 July 2020 by Mike Retford

Hydraulic systems can operate for many years if they are maintained correctly. Cleanliness is important and for many years it has been understood that contamination is the main cause of hydraulic system failure. Filters are relatively inexpensive and readily available so it is a puzzle why so many owners of hydraulic systems don't change their filters. Changing filters on a frequency basis or when the filter alarm is raised, is strongly recommended. 

Proactively maintaining hydraulic systems is the most cost effective way to ensure a reliable service life.

Proactive hydraulic system maintenance can involve;

• Oil analysis for cleanliness, wear element content and additive package condition.
• Measurement of the pressures and flows to compare to existing readings.
• Vibration analysis of the electric motor and pump.
• Thermal imaging of the system to determine hotspots.
• Checking pipework and hose condition.
• Checking operation of instrumentation.

Proactive maintenance can save a great deal of money over running the system to breakdown, where repair and downtime costs are high.

Overhauling existing systems can cost less than a new system as electric motors, filter housings and reservoirs may be kept and maintained. An overhauled system will then be more reliable and energy efficient.

For many years Torishima Fluid Power (formerly MGR Fluid Power Ltd) has maintained customers hydraulic systems, improving reliability and reducing costs. Overhauled systems have been put back in service with higher energy efficiency and far better reliability.

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