Preventing Equipment Failure: Tips for Maintaining Clean Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic systems play a critical role in many industries, powering both equipment and machines. To keep these systems functioning at their best, it’s essential to maintain clean hydraulic fluid and use high-quality filters. Read below to learn some tips for regular maintenance of clean hydraulic systems as well as the benefits of using Todd Technologies Inc’s (TTI) PowerGuard™ Filter Elements for hydraulic equipment.

Understanding Hydraulic Systems, Filtration, and Fluid Contamination

Hydraulic systems use fluid to transmit power from one part of the system to another. As fluid flows through the system, it can pick up potential contaminants like dirt, dust particles, metal particles, and water. If these contaminants are not removed, they can cause damage to system components, reduce equipment life, increase operational and maintenance costs, or even cause premature failure.

Proper maintenance is key to taking care of your equipment, and hydraulic filters play a critical role in removing contaminants or solid particles from the hydraulic fluid. There are different types of hydraulic filters, including in-line filters, suction filters, and spin-on filters. These filters are often used in pressurized fluid management systems and are installed on both the low, and high pressure sides of a hydraulic system.

Tips for Maintaining Clean Hydraulic Systems

To keep your hydraulic components functioning at their best, it’s essential to maintain clean hydraulic fluid and use high-quality filters. Here are some tips for maintaining clean hydraulic systems:

1. Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Conduct routine inspections of the hydraulic system to identify any potential issues or leads. Check for signs of wear and tear, loose connections, or damaged components. Keep the system clean and free from debris to prevent clogs and contamination. Regularly replace filters, desiccant breathers, and hydraulic fluid as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Maintain proper Fluid Levels

Ensure the hydraulic fluid is at the appropriate level. Low fluid levels can lead to inefficient operation and increased wear on the system. Additionally, use the correct type of hydraulic fluid recommended by the manufacturer to maintain optimal performance and prevent damage to the system. Remember, new hydraulic does not mean that it is clean hydraulic fluid, so always filter your new hydraulic fluid before, or during, top offs and replacement.

3. Monitor System Pressure

Keep an eye on the system pressure to ensure it remains within the recommended range. Excessive pressure can cause damage to seals and hoses, while insufficient pressure may result in poor system performance. Use pressure gauges to monitor the system’s pressure and internal filter’s life as necessary.

4. Train and Educate operators

Provide proper training to operators to ensure they understand how to operate the hydraulic system correctly. Emphasize safe practices, such as avoiding sudden or excessive movements and overloading the system. Educate operators on recognizing early signs of potential issues and encourage them to report any problems promptly for timely repairs and maintenance. It is important that operators and maintenance professionals communicate regularly in order to both work towards a proactive maintenance strategy.

Contact TTI for Hydraulic Filter Elements

Todd Technologies Inc. offers our line of PowerGuard™ filter elements with advanced features to fit TTI filtration systems as well as retrofit industry-standard systems. These filter elements come standard with Dual Phase microglass, but are also offered in water removal and static dissipative media options as well. TTI’s Dual Phase media provides superior dirt holding capacity and lower system pressure drop with the use of our built-in pre-filter layer. With over 33,000 competitor crosses and counting, TTI has the hydraulic filter elements you are looking for.

If you need assistance with selecting the right PowerGuard™ filter elements or PowerBreather™desiccant breathers for your hydraulic system or have questions about TTI’s offerings, contact us today. Our team of experts will be happy to help you find the best solution for your application needs.

TTI, Your Total System Cleanliness Provider.