Renovating a three story house proved to be more work than I originally thought it would be. Adding two bathrooms to the upper levels with beautiful garden tubs seemed like a great idea on paper, but when it came down to getting the tubs up to where they needed to go, we ran into several problems. The contractor suggested that we consider renting a crane to get some of the heavy stuff lifted to the upper levels - that was a brilliant idea. If you are considering a project such as this, read through my blog to find out how heavy construction equipment can make the impossible possible.
If you use hydraulic equipment, such as cranes, backhoes or dump trucks, in your line of business, you need to be aware of the potential problems. These machines use liquid as a source of power for operation of the equipment, which makes for efficient equipment, but it can also cause issues like leaks and overheating. Here are some tips for troubleshooting these common hydraulic equipment problems.
Overheating
One of the most common problems to occur with hydraulic equipment is that it overheats. This is due to an inefficiency with any of the major components of the equipment, such as the actuators, valves, or pump. It can also be due to issues with fluids or lack of fluids in the equipment. If the filter gets clogged or there isn't enough oil, that can lead to overheating. Having too much input to handle proper fluid temperature can easily lead to overheating of the equipment, which reduces its ability to function normally. Lack of repairs for the source of overheating can lead to more issues. If your equipment is overheating, check the fluids, empty the filter, and have the equipment's cooling system inspected.
Leaking Fluid
If your hydraulic equipment isn't performing as it should, this can be a sign of a leak. This may either be with slow operation due to different kinds of delays or longer cycle times. Since hydraulic equipment is based on fluid, that is usually a lead component for issues with the speed and response of the equipment. There are internal and external leaks can occur with hydraulic equipment. External leaks are more obvious, showing signs of oil and other fluids in puddles beneath the equipment or on different mechanisms outside of the equipment. Internal leaks occur with the actuators, valves, and pumps, but are more difficult to catch. If you believe the machine has a leak somewhere, it is best that you contact a professional. They will inspect it and perform the necessary repairs.
Odd Noises
When you are operating the equipment, pay close attention to its overall performance and the sounds it makes, as this can tell you a lot about its current condition. If you hear odd noises while operating the backhoe or dump truck, they are likely due to cavitation or aeration. There is often too much air in the hydraulic fluid, which can cause loud knocking noises. This is due to the fluid compressing and decompressing due to the extra air when the fluid makes its way through the hydraulic system. This is called aeration, and is one of the most common causes for strange noises. Like leaks, sound issues can be hard to diagnose on your own, and often require assistance from a professional. However, some things you can check for are a clean filter, changing the oil, and tightening all fittings and clamps.
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Share19 January 2016
