Is Your Equipment Ready for Spring? Essential Hydraulic Cylinder Maintenance Tips

As spring approaches, preparing your equipment for the upcoming season is crucial, especially focusing on the hydraulic systems that play a vital role in your machinery’s operation. Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. is a leading supplier of aftermarket replacement hydraulic cylinders, custom hydraulic cylinders, and USA-made component parts, emphasizing the importance of proactive maintenance to “Demolish Downtime” …

Published: March 5, 2024 Last Updated: March 5, 2024 How To Series

Replacing Hydraulic Cylinder Filters

Hydraulic fluid contamination is the top cause of hydraulic cylinder failure. Contamination can cause seal damage, component degradation, and other critical damage. Knowing how and when to change hydraulic filters will save you time, money, and stress, as oil filters are the most efficient way to remove dirt, particles, or other contaminants from your hydraulic …

Skid Steers: Dynamic Equipment for Any Job Site

Skid steers have been a staple at job sites for decades. Often used for snow removal, landscaping, construction zones, or in many other places, skid steers are compact pieces of machinery that can add value to any fleet. Versatile Skid Steers for Snow Removal & Other Essential Applications Sometimes also called skid-steer loaders, skid steers …

Published: October 26, 2022 Last Updated: November 3, 2023 How To Series, Hydraulic Cylinder Component Parts ,

Choosing the Right Hydraulic Roll-Off Hoist

Roll-off trucks are an essential component of any operation involving collecting, hauling, or disposing material from industrial job sites. When choosing which hydraulic roll-off hoist is best for your mobile or industrial project, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Several considerations impact which machinery is best for your job: Container type, size, and weight Lifting capacities …

Published: September 14, 2022 Last Updated: June 2, 2023 How To Series ,

Maintaining Your Hydraulic Cylinder

Hydraulic cylinders are built to withstand heavy-duty applications, rugged environments, and continuous use. However, no matter your application or equipment, hydraulic cylinders require upkeep and servicing to continue operating at a high level. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance are the best ways to maintain any hydraulic cylinder. Through these processes, you can get to know …

Published: August 3, 2022 Last Updated: June 5, 2023 How To Series ,

How to Prevent Bent Hydraulic Cylinder Rods

Bent cylinder rods are a common source of hydraulic cylinder failure. Rods bend when they are forced out of alignment by pressurized fluid, when a load’s weight is greater than the pressurized fluid inside the cylinder, or if they are impacted by heavy objects or machinery. Bent rods can scrape the interior of the cylinder …

Published: July 20, 2022 Last Updated: June 5, 2023 How To Series ,

Servicing Your Snap Ring Hydraulic Cylinder

Snap ring hydraulic cylinders feature a snap ring installed into a groove at the gland near the cylinder’s rod end. These snap rings retain the seal packing while keeping contamination and particulates away from the hydraulic cylinder seals. They are held in place by an end cap, rod guide, or other component part. By servicing …

Published: July 6, 2022 Last Updated: June 5, 2023 How To Series ,

Installation of Hydraulic Cylinder Seals

Hydraulic cylinder seals are designed to keep contaminations from entering a hydraulic cylinder and stop hydraulic fluid from leaking. Many hydraulic cylinder seal configurations are available, including piston seals, rod seals, v-ring seals, and many others. Each seal is located at various points throughout the cylinder and serves specific functions. No matter their intended purpose, …

Published: June 22, 2022 Last Updated: June 5, 2023 How To Series ,

How Do I Know It’s Time to Repair My Hydraulic Cylinders?

Hydraulic cylinders are industrial powerhouses that perform at a high level to keep your equipment operating as designed. As cylinders are an integral part of mobile and industrial machinery, it is critical to recognize when your hydraulic cylinders are broken, worn, and need repairs. Signs of Hydraulic Cylinder Wear & Damage By understanding and recognizing …

Published: June 8, 2022 Last Updated: October 12, 2023 How To Series ,

Protect Your Hydraulic Cylinder with Grease

Cylinder rods are a critical component in any hydraulic cylinder. When rods are not given routine maintenance or if your hydraulic cylinder is only used occasionally, rods can quickly become rusted or pitted, directly affecting the efficiency of your cylinder and possibly resulting in a failure of your hydraulic system. To avoid this outcome, incorporate …

Published: May 25, 2022 Last Updated: June 5, 2023 How To Series ,

Cleaning and Lubricating Your Hydraulic Cylinder

How to Clean and Lubricate a Hydraulic Cylinder The best way to extend the operating lifespan of your hydraulic cylinder is to ensure all rods and component parts are adequately lubricated to avoid friction and wear. Failure to do so can result in rust, pitting, and complete system failure. Cleaning and lubricating your hydraulic cylinder …

Preventative Maintenance for Your Hydraulic Cylinders

To protect your hydraulic cylinders for a long life performing at a high level, it is essential to incorporate preventative maintenance into your regular protocol. By establishing and following a strict maintenance calendar, you can create a safer work environment for operators while preventing premature hydraulic cylinder failure. Cleaning & Maintaining Hydraulic Cylinders Conducting regular …

The Different Types of Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic fluid helps your hydraulic system dissipate heat and transfer power, and exhibits lubricating properties that keep hydraulic cylinders and components running smoothly. These fluids can also act as a sealant and, thanks to special additives, protect your hydraulic system from contamination and damaging corrosion and wear. Each type of hydraulic oil or fluid on …

Published: April 13, 2022 Last Updated: June 15, 2023 How To Series

A Guide to Repacking your Hydraulic Cylinder

Drift, fluid leaks, or changes in performance can all be signs that your hydraulic cylinder needs repacking. But don’t worry, the process is straightforward and takes less time than you might think. We take the mystery out of repacking a hydraulic cylinder by breaking down the process for you, step-by-step. Prepare the Workspace Your workspace …

Published: March 30, 2022 Last Updated: June 15, 2023 How To Series ,

Navigating Your Hydraulic Cylinder Components

A Breakdown of Hydraulic Cylinder Components A hydraulic cylinder is primarily built inside a barrel fabricated from a seamless steel tube. The barrel is the main body of the hydraulic cylinder and holds the pressure of the cylinder inside and houses components that make up the hydraulic cylinder. Cylinder Base The cylinder base encloses the barrel …

Extending the Life of Hydraulic Cylinder Hoses

Hydraulic hoses are vital to any cylinder application, whether construction, agriculture, oil and gas, or dump trucks. Even though hoses have a rugged construction, the constant exposure to harsh work and environmental conditions makes them prone to kinking, bending, abrasion, and tears. This damage can eventually cause: Hydraulic fluid contamination System leaks Permanent damage to …

3 Reasons Why My Hydraulic Cylinder Won’t Retract

When hydraulic cylinders don’t retract, all operations come to a halt. The situation is frustrating from a maintenance standpoint and from the downtime involved in troubleshooting the issue. Understanding common problems with retracting hydraulic cylinders can help save time and even prevent the problems altogether. What Makes Single-Acting and Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders Retract? Knowing how …

Published: August 18, 2021 Last Updated: June 15, 2023 How To Series

Hydraulic System Overheating

Whether you have a welded rod cylinder or telescopic cylinder, chances are you already know how destructive cylinder issues like fluid leaks can be. While leaks are known to cause cylinder issues, system overheating can be less obvious but just as pervasive. Hydraulic system overheating problems can be caused by different factors, including high heat …

Published: June 9, 2021 Last Updated: June 15, 2023 How To Series ,

Why a Custom Hydraulic Cylinder is Right for You

With advanced technological software and enhanced engineering capabilities, custom hydraulic cylinders may be the best option for your mobile and industrial machinery needs. While standard cylinders can accommodate most needs, there often remain issues not addressed with standard cylinders. Design and engineering factor into how well your hydraulics can adapt and perform reliably. Custom hydraulic …

Published: May 26, 2021 Last Updated: June 5, 2023 Custom Hydraulic Cylinders, How To Series

Rebuilding a Hydraulic Cylinder

Despite your best efforts to prevent hydraulic cylinder failure, a time may come when your cylinders stop working dependably. Signs of a failing hydraulic cylinder include a loss in performance, leaking, jerking movements, unusual noises or clangs, fluid contamination, excessive heat, and more. The best way to address these issues is through repairing, rebuilding, or …