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.
Operating heavy equipment can involve many different types of machines and workplace environments. But one thing that is likely to be shared by each machine is the use of some type or size of hydraulic cylinder. The invention of hydraulic systems have helped all types of industries work more efficiently, especially the heavy equipment industry where the use of hydraulic cylinders make it possible for one operator to perform work that once required dozens of people to accomplish.
When you are new to owning and operating heavy equipment, avoiding downtime is important to the success of your business. Learning to recognize some common signs of hydraulic cylinder repair issues can help you achieve that goal.
Noise and vibration
While few pieces of heavy equipment operate quietly, equipment operators must learn to pay attention to the sound the machine makes while operating so that they can detect any changes. Sudden or increasing instances of unusual sounds, such as loud bangs or knocks, should always be investigated immediately to determine if they are being caused by cavitation or other types of repair issues. In many cases, hydraulic cylinders that are becoming more noisy due to cylinder wear, fluid pressure or other issues can also experience unusual levels of vibration or intermittent movement issues, called juddering.
Rising cylinder heat
Under the stress of a load, hydraulic cylinders do experience some degree of heating, especially in hot climates or situations where air flow is insufficient to provide relief. However, increases in the temperature in less stressful situations should be viewed as a sign of a possible problem in the developing stages. To avoid costly repairs from a failed hydraulic cylinder due to excessive heating, heavy equipment operators will want to learn the normal operating temperature ranges for each piece of equipment they use and have the cylinders inspected frequently for signs of wear or repair issues.
Piston rod wear
To function, a hydraulic cylinder operates in a linear fashion, placing nearly equal amounts of stress on the surfaces of the piston rod. When heavy equipment operators notice that one surface of the piston rod is wearing at a faster rate than the others, it can be a sign that the cylinder has become worn and is no longer exerting equal amounts of stress on the piston rod.
Keeping your heavy equipment in good operating condition begins with making sure that the hydraulic system is working correctly and in good repair. Heavy equipment owners who suspect a developing problem will want to immediately discuss the situation with a reputable machine shop, such as Certified Products Inc, that specializes in hydraulic cylinder repair and maintenance.
Share25 January 2022
