Hydraulic cylinders power the heaviest equipment. From arms and buckets to booms and other lifting functions, these parts guide the machines to complete their tasks. When a cylinder fails, production slows or stops, leading to costly downtime. Knowing a few simple maintenance habits can help extend the life of your machine’s cylinder and keep the job running smoothly.
Common Hydraulic Cylinder Problems
One of the quickest ways to damage a hydraulic cylinder is through contaminated hydraulic fluid. Dirt, debris, or moisture that enters the fluid can wear out and damage the small components inside the cylinder. Keeping your fluids well-maintained with routine fluid analyses, using clean tools during refills, properly sealing hydraulic reservoirs, and following proper filtration procedures can help prevent contamination.
Worn or damaged seals can cause internal or external leaks, reduce pressure, and slow operations. Rod damage is also common; scratches, dents, corrosion, or bending can quickly wear out seals and lead to complete cylinder failure. Additionally, avoid side loading or pushing the cylinder beyond its rated capacity, as improper use can stress the rods and internal parts.
Simple Maintenance Tips
- Inspect daily for leaks, damaged hoses, or debris on the cylinder rod.
- Keep rods clean to prevent abrasive wear and seal damage.
- Check filter levels regularly and replace filters as recommended.
- Flush the system if fluid appears contaminated with water or dirt.
Repair vs. Replace
Minor issues like worn seals, small leaks, or basic wear can usually be fixed quickly and cheaply. However, cylinders with bent rods, scored barrels, severe corrosion, or internal damage often cost more to rebuild than to replace. Choosing to replace these helps prevent repeated failures and minimizes long-term downtime. Always check the manufacturer’s manual before trying any repairs, and if you're not comfortable working on hydraulic cylinders yourself, take the unit to a qualified technician.
Hydraulic Cylinders at Iron Wing Parts
Looking for replacement parts? Iron Wing Parts has a large inventory of hydraulic parts, including cylinders, pumps, motors, seals, and more. All of our parts are in stock and ready to ship. You can search our inventory by part number, category, or manufacturer. For further assistance, contact us at sales@ironwingsales.com or 216-912-9089.