Hydraulic oil leaks are often considered to be an inherent characteristic of hydraulic machines. While this may have been true 30 years ago, advances in sealing technology and the development of reliable connection systems means that today, leak-free hydraulic plumbing is readily achievable.

Reliable Connections

Leak-free reliability begins at the design stage, when the type of hydraulic fitting is selected for port, tube-end and hose-end connections.

Ports – Connectors that incorporate an elastomeric seal such as UN O-ring, BSPP and SAE 4-bolt flange offer the highest seal reliability. NPT and BSPT are the least reliable type of connector for high-pressure hydraulic systems because the tapered thread itself provides a leak path.… continue reading »

The hydraulic hose fabrication process – or more specifically – the hose cutting process introduces contamination. This comprises metal particles from the hose’s wire reinforcement and the cutting blade itself, and polymer dust from the hydraulic hose’s out cover and inner tube.

The amount of contamination which enters the hose during cutting can be reduced by employing techniques such as using a wet cutting blade instead of a dry one, blowing clean air through the hose as it is being cut and/or using a vacuum extraction device. The latter two aren’t very practical when cutting long lengths of hose from a roll or in a mobile hydraulic hose van situation.… continue reading »

Troubleshooting hydraulic problems can be a complex exercise. It involves a lot of science and sometimes, a bit of art. Incorrect diagnosis prolongs downtime and can result in the unnecessary repair or replacement of serviceable components. To avoid these costly mistakes a logical approach is required.

Before you incur the expense of hiring a technician, assess the problem and eliminate all of the obvious, possible causes. I have lost count of the number of times that I’ve been called to a problem and found its cause was something quite simple. A wire broken off a solenoid valve, a pin fallen out of a mechanical linkage, an isolation valve that had vibrated closed, a blocked heat exchanger…..… continue reading »