Tips and advice for cheap hydraulic cylinder replacement

Hydraulic cylinders are durable and long-lasting products. But they are machines and are not immune to damage. At times, some portion of the cylinder may suffer from some damage or burn out. At other times, the entire equipment can get damaged owing to some major accident or ignorance. During those times, getting a hydraulic cylinder replacement becomes necessary. Here are some tips and advices for getting them replaced economically:

i.                 Get it inspected by an expert: You are not the right person to pass a judgment about the efficiency of the cylinder or about the extent of damage suffered. It is best to get it inspected by an expert. It may so happen that the reason for the inefficiency of the machine is a minor one, and the expert would be able to sort it out easily. It implies that you may not need a full replacement at all and would be able to save a lot of money.

ii.               Look for the right supplier: In case, you discover that you do need to replace the cylinder then you must look for the right supplier. The reputed suppliers of cylinders & parts will be able to offer a quick exchange or replacement. You may also approach your original seller and seek advice. In case, the machine is still under the warranty period, then you can ask for a free replacement.

iii.              Search the net: In the internet, you can find ways for a very cheap hydraulic cylinder replacement. Geography becomes redundant on the net. So, you need not limit your choice to local sellers, but can even opt for faraway suppliers if they are offering better services & costs.

A guide to hydraulic cylinder maintenance

Buying a quality hydraulic cylinder is not enough. It is vital to maintain it properly so that it can be run for many years and full value can be derived out of it. These are heavy equipments and when they get damaged, then the cost of repair is pretty substantial. Therefore, every effort must be made for looking after them regularly.

Here is a quick guide to hydraulic cylinder maintenance:

i.                    You must check its seal from time to time. Sometimes, wrong fitting or inferior oiling can cause leakage. Any leakage would result in financial loss and can also be catastrophic at times. So, make sure to pay special attention to its sealing.

ii.                  The piston rod is another vulnerable area and can get damaged if neglected or ill-treated. On your part, you must check the part every few days and replace it if you feel necessary.

iii.                Another susceptible region is the cylinder bore. Its maintenance is equally important.

iv.                 Prevention of corrosion: At times, the interior portion of the barrel gets corroded. This may be due to a number of factors, including oil which has been contaminated by something acidic. So, you must pay special attention to the quality of oil which is being used. 

v.                   Sometimes, if there is extra load, then the weld can get disfigured. It will cause further damage and requires careful evaluation. 

vi.                 There are many DIY tips for hydraulic cylinder maintenance on the net. You can also consult those. But it is still vital to consult professional expert every 6 months or so.

How to prevent seal leakage in hydraulic cylinders?

Even though you may have bought your hydraulic cylinders from a top manufacturer, they can suffer from damage or breakdown. While ageing is a natural cause of depreciation, sometimes there can be leakage of seal. Again, one of the common reasons for such leakage is advancing age. If the machine has become very old, then there is a chance that its parts would become weak and hence more susceptible. So, you must provide complete care to the cylinder and look after regular repair & maintenance. 

One more reason for seal leakage is incorrect fitting. It is a very common phenomenon and one that is easily preventable. If the fitting is not as per the guidelines, then there is a higher chance of leakage. The leakage may not occur immediately but may occur after a certain period of time, thereby disguising the inefficiency of the worker. It is therefore vital that you buy the product from a reputed seller and ensure that its parts are set as per norms and fitted to perfection. You can also consult professional experts from time to time especially when you fathom that something is wrong. Regular checkup of the machine parts can curtail the risks associated with them. 

Hydraulic cylinders may also develop leakage if the oil used in the seal is not up to the mark. Inferior quality of oil or one which has been contaminated can pose higher risk of leakages. Therefore, it is necessary to take professional advice regularly and to collect complete information about its maintenance.