Hydraulic Tool Maintenance

30 April, 2010- The most common reason for hydraulic tool failure is dirt and contamination. Generally, the area from where the dirt and contaminants enter are the pistons and rams on the remote head. Here are few preventive tips which can help you tackle the problem of dirt and contamination :

• Make sure that you wipe clean and brush all the hydraulic connections thoroughly, prior to inserting them into a remote head or a hydraulic pump. Always use fiber brushes for cleaning the hydraulic tools. Strictly avoid metal brushes as they can score the piston hence making a way for contaminants to contaminate the hydraulic fluid. Such carelessness makes a compromise with the tool rings and balls and the tool pump too.
• Try and use non-petroleum solvents to clean the hydraulic heads so as to reduce the contamination of hydraulic interfaces and traveling surfaces. Since different hydraulic tools have different types of seals, one should double check it with the tool manufacturer as to be sure of the solvent. At times some of the tool manufacturer may need certain specific solvents which might be useless for others. For example- few petroleum based solvents may affect the rubber or neoprene O-rings on piston and ram followers.
• If you are use the hydraulic tools in adverse conditions, make sure that you clean them daily. For example- working near the salt water can be the worst scenario. Though most of the hydraulic tool manufacturers pre-test their products in salt-spray cabins while designing and provide certifications as to whether or not those can withstand the adverse exposure up to 24 hours or more. Hence it is important to clean the tools at least once in such surroundings. Experts advise to flush the tool with clean water grease it by wiping with the requisite solvent.