The Importance of Preventive Maintenance for Hydraulic Pumps

Blog | July 14th, 2015

Preventive maintenance of Hydraulic Pumps is intended to reduce or eliminate downtime and major repair or replacement costs by detecting minor inconsistencies and faults that contribute to failure on a larger scale before they happen. Issues and problems found in their early stages can be repaired much easier, quicker, and at less cost than when they are left unattended and grow into a major equipment failure or debilitating issue. Routine / preventive maintenance is as much a safety issue. Improperly maintained hydraulic equipment and assemblies can result in hose blowout that cause serious injury or death.

Regular visual inspections and daily care, as well as periodic servicing and annual functional load testing, are necessary hydraulic pump preventive maintenance routines.

After Daily Use

The pump unit, engine, and hydraulic hoses should be checked after each use. Following general observation of the condition of the pump unit’s carrying frame, the pump unit itself should be (visually) inspected to see that the recommended level of hydraulic oil is adequate and ready for the next use. The unit should also be checked for oil leakage on the oil container and valve block seal.

The pump’s gas or diesel engine should be examined for any external damage and apparent oil or gas leakage. The rope starter should be in good condition and not frayed. The correct motor oil and sufficient oil level, as recommended by the manufacturer, should be checked.

When the hydraulic pump is operated by an electric motor, the engine should be examined for any apparent signs of external damage. The condition of the electric cable and plug should be checked to avoid possible shocks or fire, as well as the cable strain relief and cable entry into the motor. Also test the engine’s on / off switch to ensure contact and easy operation.

The hydraulic unit’s hand pump should have no visible signs of external damage. It should be securely fixed to the piston assembly and the hydraulic oil level should be sufficient for the next use. There should be no oil leakage from the valve block or filler plug.

Hydraulic Hoses

Hoses are as important to efficient pump operation as the unit is – perhaps more so. Check the manufacturer’s date on the hose surface. Hoses older than ten years may need to be replaced to ensure efficient operations.

All end fittings and hoses should be in good condition. There should be no visible cracks, bubbles, kinks, or abrasions that would interfere with flows through the hoses. Connection to the valve block should be tight and show no sign of leakage. Quick couplers should be smooth and in good condition, as should the dust caps.

Annual Function and Load Test

A full function and load test should be conducted annually to ensure the hydraulic pump’s operation and efficiency. Only trained personnel should be permitted to conduct the test.

Mobile Hydraulic Specialties Pty Ltd

Factory 89, 38-40 Popes Road
Keysborough, Victoria, 3173

Phone: (03) 9798-6511

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Mobile Hydraulic Specialties Pty Ltd

Phone: (03) 9798-6511
Address: Factory 89, 38-40 Popes Road, Keysborough, Victoria, 3173