Nothing is quite as discouraging as getting to the job site and finding out that your loader or dozer isn’t working due to a hydraulic pump failure. You now have days of repairs to look forward to, if not an outright replacement. Meanwhile, your equipment sits idle. Here are a few secrets to keeping your hydraulic pumps in top condition.
First, check for oil leaks every day. Make it a part of your normal walk-around before you fire the equipment up for the day, and potentially save yourself thousands of dollars in repairs from an undiscovered leak. Also, make sure you change your oil at least twice a year, more often if your hydraulic pump sees near-constant use.
While on the subject of oil, make sure to regularly check your oil for contaminants. Nothing kills hydraulic pumps quicker than getting foreign objects passing through the inner parts. Keep your oil clean, and your pump will thank you.
As part of your cleaning routine, make sure you replace your high-pressure filter at least twice a year as well. Whatever you do, don’t try to clean and reuse the filter to try to save a buck or two. This is penny-wise and pound-foolish, as the expense of repair or replacement of your hydraulic pump will be far more than the cost of replacing the filter regularly.
Check in with the pros at Texas Hydrostatics if you ever have questions about your hydraulic pump’s operation or maintenance schedule. If you are too late reading this, they can also help you out with repairing your pump. Visit them at https://texashydrostatics.com/ for more info.