Hydraulic equipment plays a pivotal role in many industries, from construction and agriculture to manufacturing and transportation. Hydraulic cylinders are an essential component of this machinery, and they need to be in good working order for the equipment to operate properly.
If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to take your piece in for emergency hydraulic cylinder repair.
Leaking Hydraulic Fluid
If you see hydraulic fluid leaking from your cylinder, this is a sure sign that something is wrong. Leaking fluid can lead to a loss of hydraulic power, which can ultimately cause your equipment to fail.
Remember that hydraulic fluid is what transfers power throughout the hydraulic system, so a leak can have a major impact on the function of your equipment. So, if there's a leak, that hydraulic fluid will drain out slowly, and as it does, the hydraulic power will greatly reduce. This leads to reduced performance of your equipment and can eventually cause a complete hydraulic system failure.
In addition, the hydraulic fluid acts as a lubricant and a coolant, so a leak can also damage the cylinder and cause overheating issues. Even a tiny leak can quickly turn into a nightmare, so it's important to take care of the problem as soon as possible.
Piston Stuck in the Cylinder
The piston inside your hydraulic cylinder works to transfer hydraulic fluid and power throughout the system. If the piston becomes stuck, it can cause a loss of hydraulic pressure and power, which will impact the performance of your equipment.
In some cases, the piston can become completely lodged inside the cylinder, which will cause a complete hydraulic system failure. This triggers a cascade of problems that might come as a surprise if you're not familiar with hydraulic systems.
The hydraulic system will not generate the necessary pressure to operate, an issue that happens slowly at first but will quickly become a major problem.
Second, it can cause excessive wear and tear on the cylinder itself. When the hydraulic system is turned on, a lot of pressure is exerted on the cylinder. If the piston is stuck, that pressure will be transferred to the cylinder walls instead, causing them to wear down over time. Eventually, the cylinder could fail completely, leading to an emergency repair situation.
In some cases, a stuck piston can also cause hydraulic fluid to be forced out of the cylinder, resulting in an uncontrolled release of hydraulic fluid. This can be extremely dangerous since the hydraulic fluid is under a lot of pressure when it's confined inside the cylinder. If it's released suddenly, anyone nearby could be seriously injured, especially if the hydraulic machine is large.
If you notice that your hydraulic machine isn't operating properly and you suspect that the piston might be stuck, reach out to an emergency repair technician right away. The sooner you can get the cylinder repaired, the better.
