Hydraulic Maintenance Knowledge | Essential Reading for Cooling! 3 Key Points for Autumn Maintenance of Hydraulic Cylinders

2025-11-12

With the arrival of autumn and its refreshing breezes, the temperature difference between day and night increases, and air humidity gradually decreases. These environmental changes pose new challenges to the stable operation of hydraulic systems. As the power source of construction machinery, the precise operation of hydraulic cylinders directly affects work efficiency and safety. To ensure the healthy operation of hydraulic systems, please pay attention to this episode of the Hydraulic Maintenance Mini-Lesson and learn some lesser-known facts about hydraulic components!

Cleaning first: Eliminate hidden dangers and prevent corrosion

Autumn brings increased wind, sand, and fallen leaves, making it easy for dust and impurities to accumulate on the surface of hydraulic cylinders. If not cleaned promptly, these can enter the hydraulic system with the piston's movement, causing wear on seals or blockage in the oil passages.

Tips:

• After daily operation, wipe the exposed parts of the hydraulic cylinder with a clean, soft cloth, paying particular attention to cleaning dirt and water stains from the piston rod surface.

• Regularly check the dust seal for damage. Replace it immediately if any is found to be broken to prevent particulate matter from entering.

• Avoid using chemical solvents for direct cleaning to prevent corrosion of the surface coating.
  
  
  

  

Seal Inspection: Details Determine Lifespan

Seals are the "lifeline" of hydraulic cylinders. Large temperature differences in autumn can easily cause rubber parts to harden or shrink, leading to oil leaks.

Tips:

1. Observe the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder for oil seepage. If leakage is found, disassemble and inspect the seals.

2. Pay special attention to checking the elasticity of O-rings, Y-rings, and dust rings. Replace them immediately if cracks or deformation are found.

3. When replacing seals, ensure the model matches and apply an appropriate amount of hydraulic oil for lubrication to avoid installation damage.
   
   

      
   
   

   

Autumn brings significant temperature differences between day and night. In low-temperature environments, hydraulic cylinders require preheating before starting to prevent stress concentration caused by high-load operation when the machine is cold.

Tips:

• In low-temperature environments (<5℃), after starting the equipment, run it at low speed under no-load for 5-10 minutes until the oil temperature rises above 20℃ before normal operation.

• Avoid prolonged overload operation to prevent sudden increases in internal cylinder pressure, which could lead to seal failure or cylinder deformation.

• When stopping the machine, retract the piston rod into the cylinder to reduce the risk of environmental corrosion to exposed parts.
  
  
  

•