Explore Our Blog Posts - Category: How To Series

As temperatures drop and winter approaches, ensuring your equipment is in peak condition is more critical than ever. Skid steers, excavators, dump trucks, and other heavy machinery face extra wear and tear in cold weather. Hydraulic systems, in particular, can be vulnerable to freezing temperatures, causing reduced performance, leaks, or even complete failure. Hydraulic Cylinders, …

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” …

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 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 …

When you’re selecting a roll-off hoist for your operations, choosing the best option is critical for success. There are several factors to consider, including various types of hoists and their best applications. In this guide, we explore important considerations to help you choose the right roll-off hoist for your system needs. Types of Roll-Off Hoists …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Hydraulic fluid is one of the most important elements of successful hydraulic operations. These fluids help your hydraulic system dissipate heat and transfer power, exhibiting lubricating properties that keep hydraulic cylinders and components running smoothly. Hydraulic fluid can also act as a sealant and, thanks to special additives, protect your hydraulic system from contamination and …

Over time and with extended use, the seals in your hydraulic fluid will naturally wear down and degrade. To keep your systems up and running, you can perform hydraulic cylinder repacking, a process that involves disassembling the cylinder, removing components, and installing new seals. While this may sound daunting, the process is straightforward and takes …

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 …

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 …

Expanding and retracting motions are the backbone of hydraulic cylinders, facilitating controlled movements for transporting or moving loads. However, if your hydraulic cylinder is not retracting, this could be a sign that your equipment is damaged or needs repair. Malfunctioning hydraulic cylinders can create expensive solutions, damage equipment, or halt operations altogether. Understanding why your …

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 …

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 …