It is a challenge when a hydraulic system fails. But, in most cases, it is because of the hydraulic equipment mistakes people make. The many parts of a hydraulic system can be the source of failure. However, it can also fail due to human error or poor maintenance practices. Thus, if your system fails, you need to know why it does, find the failure, and get the right industrial parts to keep it running smoothly for future use. Also, educate your personnel of the following hydraulic equipment mistakes to keep them safe and for better handling of hydraulics.
1. Running overheated systems

People can destroy hydraulic components, hoses, seals, and oil, is through a high-temperature operation. Plus, knowing when to stop hydraulics operating on an overheating system is not just by taking its temperature. Most hose and seal compounds cannot withstand heat above 82 degrees Celsius, and at lower temperatures, oils begin to degrade. Therefore, determining safe temperatures for a system is vital. Plus, the basis is on the types of hydraulic components, the viscosity, and the viscosity index of the oil.
The warmer the oil, the less viscous it will be. Also, various hydraulic parts require minimum viscosities that differ. For instance, a piston pump, compared to a vane pump, needs a lower minimum viscosity. Thus, to solve such differences, invest in high viscosity index base oils with low pour points for better applicability of temperature range.
Hoses in hydraulic systems play a vital role in maintaining optimal oil viscosity levels. Resilient hoses ensure the smooth flow of hydraulic fluid, facilitating the transfer of power and control within the system. Proper maintenance of hoses is essential to prevent leaks, ensure system efficiency, and maintain the overall integrity of the hydraulic system.
Different hydraulic parts have varying minimum viscosity requirements, with piston pumps typically needing lower viscosity than vane pumps. Investing in high viscosity index base oils with low pour points to address these differences can ensure broader applicability of temperature range and facilitate efficient performance.
2. Changing oil with no proper oil analysis

Most people misunderstand this as a costly matter. Changing the oil can compromise service life and throw money to the drain if you do not follow through as it should be. The two main reasons to change the oil are if the additive package depletes or the base oil degrades. Therefore, assuming that changing oil should be routine, according to the hours of service of the hydraulics, ignores the many variables involved in oil conditions. Thus, it is vital to have a proper oil analysis to have a solution and discover when the oil needs a change.
3. Not researching the right oil for your hydraulic system
The hydraulic oil of any hydraulic system performs vital tasks to transfer power throughout the hydraulic system and lubrication. Therefore, you need to choose the oil’s viscosity to help control the temperatures in which your hydraulic system should operate safely. Plus, the end goal is not getting the oil viscosity right to achieve adequate lubrication, but a low operating oil viscosity leads to power loss to internal leakage and friction.
And high operating oil viscosity sees power lost to . Thus, it is best to consider the best type of hydraulic oil for your system to save money and avoid components’ premature failures.
4. Placing filters in no-go zones

Avoid placing hydraulic filters in no-go zones such as drain lines or pump filters from the housing of piston motors and pumps. This is common today as part of workplace conventional wisdom. Whereby they place the filters on pump inlets to keep the trash out, yet, it does not work that way. Also, avoid placing filters on drain lines of piston pumps and motors as it reduces their service life and can cause failures of the expensive components.
5. Making assumptions about hydraulic components self-efficiency
Making assumptions not only ruins your reputation but it ruins the companies’ budget. Also, it can ruin the entire hydraulic system if you do not follow the proper steps in the initial startup of a system. It is vital to enact the correct procedure, and the damage inflicted to the components will not be noticeable immediately. Many individuals may think everything is fine until premature failures pop up later because of making assumptions.
6. Not learning about hydraulics

You can avoid most hydraulic equipment mistakes if those handling them can learn or get more information about them. If you own, repair, operate or maintain hydraulic equipment, and you are not aware of the latest maintenance practices, a lot of money will go down the drain. Educating your personnel will ensure some of the mistakes do not happen. Or they do not repeat them.