3 Hydraulic Equipment Repair Tips for New Construction Business Owners
If you have started a construction business in Australia recently, then you should know that non-residential and infrastructural development sectors are expected to grow, based on projections. If the positive outlook is anything to go by, then your business should witness steady growth; however, as with all other startups, keeping expenses low should be a primary objective. Management of running costs entails paying attention to repair and maintenance of construction equipment. Understanding the do's and don'ts of hydraulic equipment repairs will help you to keep operational costs low. This article highlights essential tips when repairing hydraulic construction equipment.
Eliminate the Obvious First -- When hydraulic equipment fails, it can be challenging to identify the cause. It is especially the case in startup construction firms where business owners are less exposed. For instance, it is typical for a business owner to call in a technician for repairs only to find out that a hydraulic valve was mistakenly closed due to normal vibrations. It can be costly considering that most technicians charge an hourly rate for repairs. Therefore, make sure that you eliminate the obvious causes of hydraulic system failure first before seeking the services of a professional technician. Most user manuals provide a guide on critical areas to check before pursuing technical assistance.
Get Seal Measurements Right -- Seals are a significant component of a hydraulic system because they protect the system from leakages as well as debris. However, over time seals wear out and have to be replaced. One common mistake that hydraulic equipment handlers make is measuring old seals and sending the measurements to a supplier; however, it is wrong to do so. First, seals tend to shrink or swell during service life. Second, there is a possibility that a wrong seal was used,especially if your hydraulic construction equipment is second-hand. For accuracy, use a vernier caliper to measure grooves that require seal replacement.
Avoid Scheduled Oil Change – You have probably heard of the idea of using a schedule to change hydraulic oil. To new construction business owners, the approach might seem legit. However, the fact that several factors determine when the hydraulic oil change is necessary is enough reason to avoid scheduled oil replacement. For instance, changes in environmental temperature partly affect the performance of the hydraulic oil. As such, changing the oil on a schedule might not be the best idea since you could be wasting good oil in the process. Carrying out oil analysis is the only accurate way of knowing precisely when to change hydraulic oil. The process reveals cleanliness and viscosity levels of hydraulic oil at a particular time.