Tips for Inspecting Your Hydraulic Cylinder

Hydraulic cylinders are workhorses. They provide the machinery with the right motive power in harsh environments and in tight places. However, if your company wants its cylinders to work optimally, you need to be proactive.

Even the best cylinders suffer damage and wear-and-tear over time. To avoid degradation of your hydraulic cylinders, follow these inspection tips from the experts at SHC, Inc..

Basic Tips

Hydraulic cylinders generally house all their components within a barrel. It is imperative to inspect each component. Consider the following:

  1. Cylinder Rod: Check specifically for any indications of
    a. Stress
    b. Weakness
    c.Wear

    If the rod shows any signs of roughness or is misshapen, bent, or scored, this can lead to leakage or damaged seals.

  2. Piston and Cap: Examine for the presence of dirt, grime, and other contaminants.
  3. Sealed Sectors and Fluid Lines: Inspect all sealed areas of the various components of your hydraulic cylinder. Make sure there are no indications of leaks from faulty or damaged seals.
  4. Cylinder Barrel: Closely examine the barrel for any indications of machine interference and/or ballooning. Both can produce severe damage, leakage, or in extreme cases, failure of the cylinder.

You should also look at the purity and amount of hydraulic fluid as well as the mounting and loading.

Keeping Your Hydraulic Cylinder Running Efficiently

If you want to keep your hydraulic cylinders running smoothly and effectively, SHC, Inc. recommends your company put into place a regular system of inspection.

Check the machinery regularly, being careful to note any signs of wear-and-tear. Look at the rods, the piston, the cap and any other component that comprises the specific type of cylinder. By doing this, you can you reduce work stoppages that would result from needing to repair or replace an ineffective, inefficient, or failed hydraulic cylinder.