At MCH Hydraulics we continue encouraging clients to maintain machinery. Carried out regularly, this process saves both time and money whilst ensuring hydraulics are working to capacity. Based upon the notion of maintenance we have put together a list of five handy pieces of information every hydraulic troubleshooter needs to be aware of.
Recommendation 1: Knowing the Function
An experienced troubleshooter will be well versed in the workings of each and every component found within a piece of hydraulic equipment. This is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, a lot of components look similar but actually perform differently. If a troubleshooter gets this wrong in the first instance not only will the machine not work optimally upon fixing, it will cost more whilst being inoperable for longer.
Top Top: Don’t mistake a cartridge-type flow for a relief valve.
Recommendation 2: Understand a Schematic
A schematic takes into consideration the entirety of machines right down to the plumbing, even when spread across different rooms and eve sites. Using this method allows you, the troubleshooter to directly trace the flow whilst using a process of elimination across components. Schematics are wholly beneficial in locating problem sources. They save time and mean you’re not changing parts, testing and repeating, over and over.
Top Tip: Systems with manifolds are impossible to troubleshoot without a schematic. Choose this option in the first instance to save time and money.
Recommendation 3: How to Identify Specific Troublesome Components
This method is based upon meeting a solid understanding and knowledge of our first two recommendations. A deep understanding of components and the ability to trace potential problems using a schematic will produce an outcome showing a small number of potential problems. This is prize information and when used correctly with additional steps, allows troubleshooters to hone in. Changing all parts found having gone through the initial steps is not conducive to good working ethics or good business. In addition, removing multiple components puts hydraulics at risk of external contamination.
Top Tip: Use in-depth troubleshooting techniques based upon component knowledge.
Recommendation 4: Adjust Hydraulic Systems Correctly
It’s surprising just how many problems and failures arise simply from negative adjustments. Again, troubleshooters are required to take all of the above recommendations into account. It’s important to be knowledgeable surrounding not just components but adjustments also. Without this level of intelligence machinery may as well be fitted with faulty pieces.
Top Tip: Choose to arm yourself as a troubleshooter with the knowledge of how to properly adjust hydraulic systems.
Recommendation 5: Carry out Liability Checks
Maintenance is all about knowing your machinery and understanding that scheduled reliability checks are required. Get these right and you’ll see machines lasting longer whilst performing optimally.
Top Tip: As a troubleshooter, take your level of knowledge one step further in understanding how to spot the gradual wear and tear of components before complete failure occurs.