skid steer hydraulic pump problems brands

Pumps are the heart of hydraulic systems, and when they quit working, your equipment is dead. That’s why it is so important for you to know the four key signs of an impending pump failure!

Right before a pump completely fails, operators usually notice a loss of power or change in how the machine behaves. For example, the arms on a skid steer loader might not have their normal lifting power or the arm on a compact excavator may behave erratically. The arms on an excavator or a skid steer may be moving much more slowly.

Another bad sign is a pump that suddenly starts making some new noises or exhibiting excessive vibration. That can point to quite a few different causes, from loose set screws to failed bearings.

Another bad sign for pumps is when they start running hotter than normal. That can point to quite a few things, such as contamination in the system or a dirty heat exchanger. It can also point to issues within the pump, too.

Leaks are another bad sign, and when ignored they can lead to a host of problems for your pump. A leak indicates that a seal is wearing out and needs to be replaced -- and this makes sense, because seals will eventually wear out.

If you ignore the leak, then dirt, grit, dust, grease, and moisture can make their way into the pump. This type of contamination will cause the pump components to wear out faster than they should, and lead to clogged filters.

If you see any of these symptoms, then you need to schedule some time to have your pump repaired. The solution might be as simple as replacing a seal or bearing, or it could be a more troubling issue like cavitation. Regardless of the

In this common cause of failures in CTLs and skid steers and how to prevent it. As part of this case study, we will be specifically discussing CAT 246 skid steer hydraulic motor and brake assembly that was sent in to us for diagnosis.

Typically, these types of failures are caused by leaking brake seals or a weak pressure needed to release the brakes and help prevent freewheeling. In this case, our inspection of the damage indicated it was a weak charge pump. That means that even if they replaced the final drive with a brand new one, the same problem would occur and damage the new final drive.

By the time the machine refuses to move forward or backwards, the damage is likely irreparable and the final drive will need to be replaced. Be on the lookout for these signs of a weak charge pump!

If your final drive motor seems weak, don"t forget that it might be a problem with a weak charge pump. Before you pull your final drive to send it in for repair or reman, take a little while to verify that your charge pump is working correctly by checking the pressure coming out of the charge/gear pump. This simple step could save you thousands of dollars!

The hydraulic pumps on construction equipment are critical components of the machines and even though they are often designed to work under vigorous and intense conditions, no pump will last forever. Discovering a problematic pump can be complicated as the effects might seem to originate in other connected parts, and, if failures are gradual, the cascading effects of a pump failure can spread throughout a machine.

To help in your diagnosis — and with a small dash of preventive maintenance — we’ve put together this basic, short list of common pump problems and their causes.

Not every hydraulic pump on a machine is simple to inspect, but this Volvo main hydraulic pump on a EC220B-LC excavator sits behind a quick access door so an operator can check it often.

A failing hydraulic pump can be a long and subtle process, a sudden and catastrophic calamity, and all shades in-between, but often a perceptive operator will notice the signs of a pump failure in advance. It might take a few minutes of stopping and inspecting, but knowing what to watch for and taking the time to inspect your hydraulic pumps can often pay off in the long run and lead to fast and simple fixes, instead of prolonged and labor-intensive downtimes.

A hydraulic pump is often secured behind a door or guard or integrated deeply into the body of a machine, but taking the time to inspect the pump for the presence of oil (or oil and dirt clumping) can lead to the early discovery of problems. If the issue is simply a loose connection, a quick tightening can often stop a small issue from growing.

Since a hydraulic pump has both seals to prevent fluid from exiting the pump and also fluid from prematurely entering from one chamber to the next, failing seals can be both internal and external. Spotting an exterior leak is, of course, simpler, but being aware of where seals exist inside the pump can also help you diagnose a failing internal seal.

The most frequently noticed indication of a failing pump is often the start of a new sound coming from the hydraulic pump. An experienced operator will often immediately know and recognize a pump that is indicating issues through sounds, but for many it can be harder to pinpoint.

A problem with a pump can cause it to simply become louder in its operations, develop a whining sound, or even create a knocking sound. The sounds can indicate a number of problems, but often the cause is either cavitation or aeration in the pump.

Over long spans of work and under intense conditions, a hydraulic pump will often heat up, but excessive heating is often a sign of internal issues in the hydraulic pump. Checking a hydraulic pump for excess heat should always be done with safety in mind and with a secure machine and proper protective equipment. Periodically ensuring a hydraulic pump isn’t overheating allows an operator to discover if the pump is under undue strain and on a path to failure.

Overheating in a hydraulic pump can also cause fluid to thin, cause internal components to more rapidly degrade, and introduce dangerous working conditions to the machine. Overheating in a pump is both a sign of current trouble and a cause of other growing problems.

Unexpected and non-fluid movement of parts can be caused by issues with the hydraulic pump, but since the culprit can be a number of other parts in the system, diagnosing pump issues from these movements isn’t always simple. Still, if you do notice non-uniform movements in your machine, taking time to rule out the hydraulic pump is important.

A main hydraulic pump, like this one from a Komatsu PC400LC-6 excavator, comes with a working life and will need to be replaced or rebuilt at some time. This one is fresh from an H&R Recon and Rebuild shop and is headed to a customer.

Knowing some of the common causes of hydraulic pump failures is a proven way of proactively discovering developing issues and correcting them before they become disastrous to the pump and the machine.

The internals of a hydraulic pump are designed to work with fluid that meets exacting specifications. When hydraulic fluid is contaminated it can lead to issues developing in the pump, force the pump to work harder, and cause the pump to work erratically. One common culprit for contamination is water, and it can quickly lead to increased corrosion, changes in viscosity that lead to inefficiencies, and the inability to properly regulate heat in the pump.

Other debris, either introduced from outside or from the degradation of internal elements, can also lead to issues in the pump and signal failing seals or other parts.

A hydraulic pump is often containing a high level of pressure and as this pressure exerts force on seals in the pump, the seals can begin to leak or fail. Even minor leaks in seals can lead to loss of fluid and create issues in the system. Leaks can be both external and internal. For an internal leak, fluid will move from one part of the pump to another in unintended ways and force inefficiencies into the pump as it has to work harder to compensate.

While many hydraulic pumps are built to stand up to tough and continuous working conditions, every hydraulic pump is designed with an upper limit. Every time a hydraulic pump is subjected to overpressuring and overloading beyond what the manufacturer has specified, the pump is more prone to damage.

All hydraulic oil has a defined amount of air dissolved in it, but increases to this amount can lead to inefficiencies in the pump and force the pump to work harder or erratically. An increase in air can also happen inside the pump and create similar problems. Even though the pump and hydraulic system have mechanisms in place to regulate air in the system, if excess air is introduced the system should be returned to a balanced system before prolonged use of the pump.

The hydraulic system on a construction equipment machine is designed to work within defined parameters. Operating a machine with too little oil or too much oil for even the briefest amount of time can cause the pump to overwork, lead to increases in working temperatures, or create conditions for non-uniform movement. The exact type of oil used — matched to the machine and the working environment — can also impact how the hydraulic pump operates.

The operator’s guide of your machine will define the hydraulic oil change schedule and adhering to that schedule can extend the life of your hydraulic pump. When oil is changed, take time to examine the spent oil for signs of debris

Keeping a pump on a hard-working machine looking new every day is nearly impossible, but routinely peeling back dirt, grime, and oil can help catch issues early.

No one wants to take a machine out of work for cleaning, but keeping the machine clean and ensuring pumps are not covered in mud, dirt, or other debris can allow them to be inspected more easily and avoid contamination and overheating.

The hydraulic hoses connected to a hydraulic pump can wear out over time and ensuring they are well-maintained can help you avoid the introduction of debris and even catastrophic issues in the case of sudden failures.

If a hydraulic pump fails on your machine, taking time to ensure you properly diagnose why and how the failure occurred will help you avoid repeating the failure with your replacement pump. Even if the pump failed simply from prolonged use and age, taking time to confirm that can lead to insights about how to extend the life of the next pump.

A hydraulic pump on an excavator, wheel loader, dozer, or articulated truck can be an often ignored component of the machine — until it starts to act up and cause issues. If problems have brought a pump to the forefront of your mind, hopefully, this short guide has helped simplify your pump problem solving.

If you find yourself in need of a replacement hydraulic pump, our Parts Specialists are always here to help. As a supplier of new, used, and rebuilt hydraulic pumps and with our deep inventory of parts, our Parts Specialists can often find the perfect solution to get a customer back up and running quickly. Simplify your search and give them a call.

The look and design of a hydraulic pump is customized to fit the machine and the available space. This main hydraulic pump is freshly reconditioned from a Kobelco SK160LC-VI excavator.

Hydraulic pumps come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. This large Volvo main hydraulic pump requires assistive overhead cranes and forklifts to move around the warehouse.

Both the poppet and the seat of the relief valves were inspected. Further investigation revealed that the real problem was the relief valves. The relief valves (there are four in the pump) were popping where they shouldn’t be popping, but also jammed where they shouldn’t be. They became the main suspect in what was causing the loss of pressure in the hydrostatic pump.

The pump itself only required repairs, and did not need to be replaced. The hydrostatic pump required a new seal kit, a set of piston shoes, and a relief valve assembly.

The Sundstrand hydrostatic pump was not providing the required pressure because of damaged (and malfunctioning) relief values. The required repairs were made and the pump was sent back to its owner.

The diesel engine isn’t really the heart of a skid steer. When it comes to a heart (the machine’s pumps), a skid steer or track loader actually has three or four hydraulic hearts. These pumps power fluids — compressed oil — to move, spin, lift the boom, curl the bucket and run a zillion different attachments. This set of hydraulic pumps (gear, hydrostatic, tandem, back to back, variable displacement) come in many configurations, brands and power ranges. Over the last decade in particular, the science and technology behind these systems has made them smaller, more efficient and more sophisticated.

“Probably one of the biggest innovations in the last five to 10 years has been the advent of electronically controlled hydraulic systems. We call them EH systems,” explains Nathan Wood, hydraulics system engineer for John Deere Construction and Forestry. “You’re controlling the hydraulic system precisely with electronic signals. It leads to a lot more controllability and a lot more ability to do different types of automated controls and functionalities.”

“Originally the first skid steers were hydrostatic controlled by mechanical linkages,” says Kevin Scotese, product manager of sales support, compact equipment, at Volvo Construction Equipment. “The next step in the evolution was the implementation of pilot controls, and the last step has been in the improvements of electro hydraulic controls, which provide the possibility to customize the feel, speed and responsiveness. Another technology to maximize the power and reduce parasitic losses is the implementation of state-of-the-art closed center load-sensing systems in combination with the variable axial displacement piston pumps.”

Pretty high-tech stuff, eh? Today, fluid power is being used to control everything from the tracks to the attachments to the cooling fan to automated features such as creep mode, return to dig and settable attachment speeds — all built right into the joystick. But as you might expect, skid steer and track loader hydraulic systems have gotten quite complex, and just like any oil system in a machine, it will definitely require routine maintenance, testing and proper seasonal oil.

Well, that all depends on the size and configuration of each skid steer or track loader. Every brand is somewhat similar, but each unit is engineered uniquely. Let’s break the system down into two parts: 1) the hydraulics powering the boom, bucket and auxiliary circuit and 2) the hydrostatics powering the wheels or tracks. The hydraulic system powering the boom, attachment, automation features and even cooling usually uses up to three pumps — a main hydraulic pump, a charge pump, which provides control pressure, cooling and fan power, and if you get the high-flow option, a third high-flow pump. Without that option, there are two.

“For the pumps powering the arm, bucket and auxiliary hydraulics, smaller machines run a gear pump, but on the larger models this is a load-sensing axial variable displacement pump limiting the parasitic losses and providing better power to the loader functions and auxiliary,” says Scotese. “For the auxiliary, high-flow option on the smaller models, an additional gear pump is utilized in tandem to provide the required flow. On larger models, a higher-capacity load sensing axial variable displacement pump is providing the higher flow. Charge pressure and flow for the transmission and hydraulic fan motor is usually provided by a smaller PTO-mounted gear pump.”

When it comes to powering the tracks or wheels, there is a bigger, double-pronged hydrostatic pump that powers the machine’s mobility. There is a hydrostatic pump that provides flow and pressure to one motor on the right-hand side and one motor on the left-hand side. On a skid steer or track loader, it’s usually one tandem pump or back to back, providing dual power to two motors for each set of wheels or tracks.

Manufacturers use lots of different brands of pumps — Danfoss,Turolla, Rexroth, Concentric, Eaton and Parker Hannifin. These pumps combined with the overall hydraulic systems come with three main specifications — system pressure (psi), gallons per minute flow to the attachment (gpm) and overall hydraulic horsepower (which tops off about 100 hp). Each manufacturer will engineer and market those specs differently.

“Starting with the hydrostatic system, the transmission and drives system, pressures are pretty high, upward of 6,000 psi,” explains Woods. “These are heavy-duty components to get the speed and torque you want. When it comes to the hydraulic system, bucket, boom and aux, typically you’re running between 3,000 and 5,000 psi. We run right around the 3,500-psi range. We find that that allows us to use reasonably sized cylinders and boom geometry to get the breakouts we need, while still maintain the speed we require.”

Hydraulic flow to the auxiliary circuit and the attachment will be determined in gpm and as standard- and high-flow configurations. Bobcat’s tiny S70 skid steer uses 9.8 gpm for its standard flow system. The optional high-flow on the Takeuchi TLV12V2 (the biggest track loader on the market) is 40.4 gpm. The price difference between standard and high flow usually falls right around the $3,500 range (5 to 7 percent more), and the high-flow option is usually more common on the largest skid steers and track loaders.

Let’s start off with this ubiquitous warning: It’s very important to review your owner/operator’s manual before attempting to perform any maintenance to the hydraulic system, taking special care to review the safety procedures listed in the manual. With the variety of options available today such as high flow, bucket self-leveling, ride control and hydraulic quick-attach brackets, there may be up to five or six control valves as well as pumps. All of these components are designed with very tight tolerances, which may fall below 0.001 in. Because of this, keeping the hydraulic system clean is critical to the life of these components.

“Keeping the system clean and cool is the No. 1 objective,” explains Wake. “ASV has the largest cooling packages and hydraulic tank capacities in their respective classes. That combined with double and triple filtering assures the oil is kept both clean and cool. Owners can help by following the maintenance guidelines in the machine’s owner’s manual, as well as making sure to clean around the hydraulic cap before removing. Be sure any hose fitting is cleaned before removal, and wipe off quick-coupler ends before hooking attachments to the machine.”

Contamination can enter the system in a variety of ways. Before removing the hydraulic oil reservoir cap, clean the area around it to prevent dirt from entering the tank. If using a bucket, make sure that there is no loose dirt on the lip. While all machines will have at least one hydraulic filter to remove debris from the system, this filter might be in the return side of the hydraulic system. There is a screen inside the tank to prevent large material from getting into the pumps, but it won’t catch small particles. Make sure you look for features from brands that make using and cleaning the hydraulic system easier.

“A very important feature which is standard on Volvo skid steers is the case drain on the auxiliary block and the pressure relieving by simply pushing in the quick-connect couplers on the manifold which simply vents pressurized oil in the main lines to the tank. This is a very well-liked feature to ease the hookup of hydraulic lines,” says Scotese.

In order to further prevent contamination, make sure to follow the OEM’s service interval for hydraulic filter replacement. This may fall anywhere between 500 to 1,000 hours depending on manufacturer and operating conditions. A plugged up hydraulic filter may cause a variety of issues such as loss of speed or power, overheating of the hydraulic oil and damage of components. What type of hydraulic oil should be used in your loader?

Just as important as the type of hydraulic oil used is the amount in the tank. The operator’s manual will show where the level should be within the sight glass and where the boom and bucket should be located while checking the hydraulic oil level. Most machines should be checked on a level surface while having the boom all the way down and the bucket flat on the ground. Hydraulic oil should be checked daily, if not before every time the machine is operated. If the level is low, look around carefully for leaks. Given the dusty and dirty conditions that skid steer loaders and compact track loaders operate in, it is not uncommon for debris to damage the hydraulics and thus affect things like “feeding speed.”

“Brushcutting and cold planing are a couple examples of demanding applications on a hydraulic system,” says Wake. “Both can use 100 percent power at nearly 100 percent of the time. In demanding applications like this, the key to maximum production is feeding speed. Feeding the attachment at a rate to use 100 percent of the power — but not exceeding it to the point the engine bogs, the attachment slows greatly or the attachment stops — will give the most production with the least demand on the machine and operator. A feed pace with the engine pulling a few hundred rpm off peak, tends to be the sweet spot.”

The accumulation of debris from an application like brush cutting can harm the hydraulic cooler. The oil cooler might use engine coolant or outside air to cool the oil. It is vital that the oil remain within the acceptable operating temperature range. Make sure the oil cooler is free of debris and the cooling fins are fairly straight. “John Deere has an electronically controlled hydraulic fan that can vary the speed based on the required cooling,” says Wood. “It’ll also automatically reverse at a set interval to expel the debris built up on the coolers to help limit the number of times you actually have to physically clean out the cooling package.”

Another common way for contamination to enter the hydraulic system is by using hydraulically powered attachments. Before connecting any of the auxiliary hoses, be sure to wipe off the connectors to get rid of any water, dust or other debris. If an attachment was used on a loader that had a hydraulic failure and spread contamination into the attachment, that contamination may enter the next machine it’s connected to.

“That’s probably one of the more concerning things,” says Gregg Zupancic, product marketing manager of skid steers and compact track loaders with John Deere Construction and Forestry. “When you rent attachments, the question is: Who rented that machine last, and what types of materials are in their hydraulic systems and sitting in that attachment unused for a long period of time? That’s why you do things like hydraulic fluid sampling.”

The Cool Flow hydraulic oil cooler from Loftness Specialized Equipment greatly reduces the risk of overheating in skid steers and hydraulically powered attachments when operating in demanding applications and hot work environments. The automatic thermostat-controlled fan provides adequate cooling to the system whenever needed to boost machine efficiency, even when an attachment is not being used. Unlike most other hydraulic coolers that are mounted near the attachment, the Cool Flow attaches to the roof of a skid steer cab where it is less susceptible to vibration, back pressure, debris and potential impact damage. It is specially engineered to allow full hydraulic flow to the attachment in either direction without risk of damage to the cooler. The Cool Flow has up to 40-gpm flow capacity and is compatible with all brands of skid steers.Concentric, Danfoss, Eaton, home, John Deere, March 2016 Print Issue, Parker Hannifin, Rexroth, Turolla, Volvo Construction Equipment

Things like restrictions and blockages can impede the flow of fluid to your pump. which could contribute to poor fluid flow. Air leak in suction line. Air present in the pump at startup. Insufficient supply of oil in pump. Clogged or dirty fluid filters. Clogged inlet lines or hoses. Blocked reservoir breather vent. Low oil in the reservoir

Now that we’ve ensured that the directional control is not reversed, it’s time to check that the drive motor itself is turning in the right direction. Sometimes incorrect installation leads to mismatched pipe routings between control valves and motors, which can reverse the direction of flow. Check to see that the motor is turning the pump in the right direction and if not - look at your piping.

Check to ensure that your pump drive motor is turning over and is developing the required speed and torque. In some cases, misalignment can cause binding of the drive shaft, which can prevent the motor from turning. If this is the case, correct the misalignment and inspect the motor for damage. If required, overhaul or replace motor.

Check to ensure the pump to motor coupling is undamaged. A sheared pump coupling is an obvious cause of failure, however the location of some pumps within hydraulic systems makes this difficult to check so it may go overlooked

It is possible that the entire flow could be passing over the relief valve, preventing the pressure from developing. Check that the relief valve is adjusted properly for the pump specifications and the application.

Seized bearings, or pump shafts and other internal damage may prevent the pump from operating all together. If everything else checks out, uncouple the pump and motor and check to see that the pump shaft is able to turn. If not, overhaul or replace the pump.

If your pump is having problems developing sufficient power, following this checklist will help you to pinpoint the problem. In some cases you may find a simple solution is the answer. If your pump is exhibiting any other issues such as noise problems, heat problems or flow problems, you may need to do some more investigation to address the root cause of your pump problem. To help, we’ve created a downloadable troubleshooting guide containing more information about each of these issues. So that you can keep your system up and running and avoid unplanned downtime. Download it here.

Hydraulic pumps are used in almost every type of production system, from plastic mold injection machines to the common conveyor belt. With proper maintenance, most hydraulic pumps will operate smoothly for years, but even with proper maintenance, the pressure inside these devices will eventually cause failures that need to be addressed as soon as possible. The way to avoid total system failure is by monitoring your pumps and looking for the following warning signs.

Liquids should remain in the tubes that were designed for them. If you notice any liquids anywhere else inside the pump, you have a problem. A line may have a break, or a seal may be loose. No matter what the case, an interior leak means your pump has gone bad.

Have you discovered liquid on the outside of your pump? This means either an interior leak has worsened or there could be a leak on the HPU that the pump is mounted to. This leakage results in reduced pressure in the system and immediate action is required to repair and salvage the pump. Leaking reduces the pressure, which increases the temperature of the system. This affects the viscosity of the oil, reducing the pressure in the system.

Increased fluid temperatures can be the result of the system’s inability to dissipate heat. In most systems, heat within the fluid dissipates through the fluid in the reservoir and a heat exchanger. Heat can cause the fluid to thin, which prevents proper lubrication and may cause pump leaks, reducing pump efficiency and system performance.

Hydraulic fluid that has a milky appearance is a clear indication of water contamination. One source is condensation buildup on the walls of the fluid reservoir as a result of temperature changes from warm days to cool nights. Water contamination can also corrode the pump and other critical components, which can shorten component life. Periodic fluid changes and draining of the water from the reservoir ensure water removal from the system.

If your seals continuously leak and fail, your pump may be operating with a bent or misaligned rod. Depending on the extent of the damage, a skilled machine shop may be able to repair your existing equipment, allowing you to get the most out of your equipment and minimizing costs.

System moving slow? If performance decreases, this could be a sign that your hydraulic pump is starting to go bad or your system is designed incorrectly. This lack of efficiency indicates a lack of flow.

You never want to let your system run if your pump is suffering from any of these problems listed above because it means your system is on the verge of experiencing pump failure. These symptoms are an indicator that something could be seriously wrong and could result in some expensive damage to your hydraulic system. The hydraulic experts at Pneumatic And Hydraulic Company can help in identifying the warning signs and replacing your pump before the damage becomes too costly.

When a hydraulic system fails, finding the source of the problem can be a challenge. Though hydraulic systems primarily consist of a sump, motor, pump, valves, actuators and hydraulic fluid, any of these parts could be the source of failure. That"s not to mention the additional potential for failure through human error and faulty maintenance practices. If your system fails, you need to know why it fails, how to find the failure and how to keep it running smoothly in the future, all while keeping personnel safe.

It"s often easy to tell when a hydraulic system fails — symptoms can include high temperatures, low pressure readings and slow or erratic operation are glaring problems. But what are the most common causes of hydraulic systems failures? We can trace most hydraulic issues back to a few common causes, listed below.

Air and water contamination are the leading causes of hydraulic failure, accounting for 80 to 90% of hydraulic failures. Faulty pumps, system breaches or temperature issues often cause both types of contamination.

Air contamination is the entrance of air into a hydraulic system and consists of two types — aeration and cavitation. Both can cause severe damage to the hydraulic system over time by wearing down the pump and surrounding components, contaminating hydraulic fluids and even overheating the system. Although we are not pump manufacturers, we know it is essential to be aware of these types of contamination and how to identify their symptoms.

Cavitation:Hydraulic oil consists of about 9% dissolved air, which the pump can pull out and implode, causing pump problems and damage to the pump and to other components in a hydraulic system over time. You can identify this problem if your hydraulic pump is making a whining noise.

Aeration:Aeration occurs when air enters the pump cavity from an outside source. Usually, loose connections or leaks in the system cause this issue. Aeration also creates a sound when the pump is running, which sounds like knocking.

Water contamination is also a common problem in hydraulic systems, often caused by system leaks or condensation due to temperature changes. Water can degrade hydraulic components over time through oxidation and freeze damage. A milky appearance in hydraulic fluid can help you identify water contamination.

Fluid oxidization: Extreme heat can cause hydraulic fluid to oxidize and thicken. This fluid thickening can cause buildups in the system that restrict flow, but can also further reduce the ability of the system to dissipate heat.

Fluid thickening:Low temperatures increase the viscosity of hydraulic oil, making it harder for the oil to reach the pump. Putting systems under load before the oil reaches 70 degrees or more can damage the system through cavitation.

Fluid levels and quality can affect hydraulic system performance. Low fluid levels and inappropriate filtration can result in air contamination, while fluid contamination can cause temperature problems. Leaks can further exacerbate both issues.

Using the correct type of fluid is also essential, as certain hydraulic oils are compatible with specific applications. There are even oil options that offer higher resistance to temperature-related problems. Some oils even offer anti-wear and anti-foam additives to help prevent against wear and air contamination, respectively.

Human error is the base cause of many hydraulic system problems. Some of the most common errors that may result in your hydraulic pump not building pressure include the following.

Faulty installations: Improper installation of any component in a hydraulic system can result in severe errors. For example, the pump shaft may be rotating in the wrong direction, negatively affecting pressure buildup, or pipes may be incorrectly fitted, resulting in leaks.

Incompatible parts: An inexperienced installer may put mismatched components together, resulting in functional failures. For example, a pump may have a motor that runs beyond its maximum drive speed.

Improper maintenance or usage:Using systems outside their operational capabilities or failing to perform regular maintenance are some of the most common causes of hydraulic system damage, but are easy to rectify through updated maintenance policies and training.

The sources of system failures can be tricky to identify, but some hydraulic troubleshooting steps can help narrow down the options. So how do you troubleshoot a hydraulic system? Here are some of the fundamentals.

Check the pump: Take the pump assembly apart and assess all parts to ensure that they are functional and installed correctly. The most common problem areas include the pump shaft, coupling and filter.

Check the fluids:Check the level, color and viscosity of the hydraulic oil to ensure it meets specifications and has not become contaminated. Low hydraulic fluid symptoms include pressure or power loss. When in doubt, drain and replace the fluids.

Check the seals: Look for evidence of any fluid leakage around your hydraulic system"s seals, especially the shaft seal. Leakage can indicate worn-out or blown seals that can cause malfunctions with pumps, motors and control valves.

Check the filters: Ensure filters are clear of plugs and blockages. Common clogged hydraulic filter symptoms include sluggish operation and noisy operation.

Hydraulic system issues are inevitable at some point. However, simple steps can help you avoid these issues and increase the longevity of your hydraulic system. On top of effective troubleshooting, you can prevent hydraulic system failure by taking the following steps.

Follow specifications: We can trace the most common hydraulic system issues back to fundamental system problems like incompatible or improperly installed parts. For this reason, it"s essential to always double-check specifications to ensure your purchased parts can work together seamlessly.

On top of these steps, look into hydraulic system products that are specifically designed to help prevent failures. One such product is Bear-Loc® by York Precision. This innovative locking actuator is a safe, reliable feature for hydraulic components, automatically locking when sleeve pressure is relieved, preventing movement if a hydraulic system fails. This way, your can protect your personnel from injuries related to hydraulic failures. Even better, York Precision offers in-house design, engineering expertise and machining and manufacturing capabilities to produce a hydraulic locking device that meets your exact specifications.

Regularly review hydraulic system maintenance, always following manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices. Also, consider the storage condition, external influences, working pressure and usage frequency of your system to tailor your maintenance schedule and procedures.

Daily tasks:Take care of a few simple daily checks to avoid issues. For example, personnel should check the oil levels, hoses and connections and listen to the pump for abnormal sounds.

Be mindful of location:Do not stand at endpoints while working on hydraulic systems. This safety measure can help prevent loss of limb and life, as there is a lot of pressure built up in these areas that can release and result in life-threatening situations.

The best safety measures, however, are to perform excellent maintenance and use high-quality parts. If you"re looking for a quality hydraulic component manufacturer, York Precision Machining & Hydraulics can help.

When it comes to the repair and maintenance of hydraulic systems, there are certain hydraulic equipment mistakes that occur more often than others. Whether it is changing hydraulic filters too often or using the wrong type of hydraulic fluid, these errors can lead to serious problems such as unnecessary maintenance costs, increased repair costs, system downtime, premature wear of components, and even catastrophic failure.

Hydraulic fluid is expensive, and changing it before it actually needs to be changed wastes money, results in more system downtime than is necessary, and can even increase the risk of hydraulic contamination – none of which are good for the system or for your bottom line.

Many hydraulic systems come with manufacturer recommendations as to how often the hydraulic oil should be changed, and these recommendations are meant to serve more as guideline than a hard and fast rule. Most recommendations are based on service hours, but there are many other variables that can affect when your hydraulic fluid needs to be changed, such as:

In fact, heat, water, and contamination are the three key factors in shortening the life of your hydraulic fluid. The only accurate way to determine when hydraulic fluid needs to be changed is to perform an analysis on fluid samples, preferably from different points in the system.

If you maintain your hydraulic system well, you will discover that the hydraulic fluid lasts much longer and may only need to be replaced when the additives have been depleted. Most hydraulic contamination can be removed through off-line filtering, and a system that is carefully maintained will not have major issues with overheating and accelerated degradation. In short, the better maintained your hydraulic equipment is, the longer your hydraulic fluid is going to last.

Using the wrong hydraulic oil in your system is one of the more common hydraulic equipment mistakes. When it comes to the type of hydraulic fluid you use, it is important to keep in mind that it serves a variety of purposes: it transmits power through the system, lubricates parts within the system, prevents oxidation, and helps to conduct generated heat away from critical components. Failure to use the correct proper oil will not only decrease the efficiency and performance of the hydraulic system, but it can also seriously shorten the life of the system and the many components that comprise it.

The key to selecting the right hydraulic oil lies in the viscosity of the fluid. If the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid is too high, it will not be able to fully lubricate the hydraulic components during a cold start, which can lead to premature wear. In addition, higher viscosity hydraulic fluid will result in system power losses due to increased fluid friction, which in turn reduces the overall efficiency of your system while increasing its power consumption.

On the other hand, if the viscosity is too low, then the components will not be adequately protected during operation. This will result in increased wear and, over time, premature failure of key components such as hydraulic pumps and motors. It also leads to generated contamination, which can cause even more efficiency losses and accelerated wear.

Because of the factors tied to viscosity, we can see that there is more to selecting the correct hydraulic fluid than simply following manufacturer recommendations. With viscosity being one of the deciding variables, it is important to keep in mind that operating temperatures and even environmental temperatures (in the case of mobile hydraulic equipment) will significantly impact the viscosity your system needs for optimal performance. In addition, a different viscosity may be needed depending on the time year, especially if you have mobile hydraulic equipment that may be exposed to the elements.

The best approach to determining the correct viscosity of hydraulic oil for your system is to consult with an experienced technician who is familiar with the system.

Using the right hydraulic oil in your system won’t do much good, however, if the system runs too hot. Heat decreases the viscosity of the hydraulic oil, causing an otherwise appropriate oil to have low viscosity – another common hydraulic equipment mistake. When the viscosity of the oil is too low there will be metal-to-metal contact, which leads to generated contamination that is harmful to your system and its components. In addition, high temperatures can cause the seals and hoses to fail prematurely while simultaneously increasing the natural degradation of the hydraulic oil itself.

What is too hot? A system runs too hot when the hydraulic fluid can no longer provide adequate lubrication, which in turn damages pumps and motors. It is also important to keep in mind that when parts of a hydraulic system are running at high temperatures, it may be a sign of other problems that need to be addressed, such as worn out bearings, dirty heat exchangers, or incorrect flow rates.

Just as we discussed with hydraulic oil, hydraulic filters can also be changed at the wrong time. If the filters are replaced too soon, they haven’t been used for their full life and therefore money is wasted, the system experiences unnecessary downtime, and it is exposed to contaminants when it does not need to be.

On the other hand, if the filters are not replaced soon enough, they can clog and reduce hydraulic flow. If they clog severely, the result is a complete bypass of hydraulic fluid. When a filter bypass occurs, the fluid is no longer passing through the filter and contaminants are free to wreak havoc on any downstream components they reach. The result of changing filters too late ranges from costly repairs to prematurely worn out components and overall hydraulic system inefficiency.

The secret to changing hydraulic filters at the most opportune time lies in monitoring the pressure drop across the filter. A pressure drop that is much higher than normal indicates the filter has almost reached its capacity, whereas an almost negligible pressure drop would indicate that a bypass has occurred. By monitoring the pressure drop, a technician can keep track of the right time to change the filters.

Inlet filters are not needed because the reservoir should not be contaminated. The presence of a filter at the inlet is a poor design choice because it results in a restricted intake that will significantly shorten the life of not just piston pumps and motors (which are impacted the most), but also the gear pumps.

Filters located on the drain line exiting a piston motor or pump result in an entirely different set of problems, but the result is typically the same: a reduced service life followed by a catastrophic (and expensive) failure of a pump or motor and the aftermath that follows. While hydraulic filters serve a vital purpose in a hydraulic system, there are some areas in the system where they don’t belong.

It is important to remember that hydraulic components are not self-priming or self-lubricating. Just like a car engine cannot start without oil in the crankcase, a hydraulic pump or a hydraulic motor will not run without hydraulic oil in it.

Knowing up front the most common hydraulic equipment mistakes and how to avoid them will help save your company money, time, and frustration, as well as wear on components that end up needing to be replaced too soon.

Contact us today to learn more about our services. We’ll help you develop the ideal preventative maintenance plan for your hydraulic equipment and systems!

Gehl Replacement Hydraulic Gear Pumps, Charge Pumps, Drive Pumps, Pump Seal Kits, Shafts, whatever your Hydraulic Pump need, we’re here to help you fill it. Our listing of Gehl Hydraulic parts even includes internal parts such as Rotating Groups and Valve Plates. Plus, if you don’t see it listed or have questions be sure to give one of our friendly, knowledgeable Customer Service Representatives a call. We’re here to help you solve your parts issues as quickly, easily and efficiently as possible. Not to mention we actually enjoy what we do! Don’t waste any more of your valuable time, contact us!

The John Deere 240 Skid Steer is a loader with an outcome of around 51 HP. It is compatible with a patented vertical-lift system. It comes with a 3-cylinder engine.

The John Deere 240 Skid Steer has electrical problems, parking brake, hydraulic lock and skid injector problems. It also has fuel filter choking often with the engine stalling and stopping sometimes. Ignition switch and drive issues are also common.

In this article, I will discuss all these problems with their respective solutions. You will also get an overview of the JD 240 Skid Steer from it’s real owners. So stay tuned!

The John Deere 240 skid steer is a heck of a machine. But you may still experience some common problems with it. Here are some of the John Deere 240 skid steer problems and how to solve them.

The most common problems include the skid steer locking up. The parking brake and the booms may get locked. Often it would start back up after shutting it down in this case.

The parking brake is a nuance in addition to creating a plethora of electrical problems. It is prone to locking up due to broken springs and often degrades the wiring harness.

It can also tear the skid loader and brake rotor with its gear apart. In addition to the parking brake not disengaging, you may also find the seat belt lights staying ‘on’.

Early John Deere skid steer vehicles suffered from a deplorable hydraulic issue. It blew up everything being under tremendous pressure. In addition, the controls for tilting the bucket would be unreliable regularly. No matter how the pedal moves, the hydraulic system fills up.

Another issue seems to be the loader not going up. The booms might also cease to move and get locked. The light for ‘Hydraulic Restriction’ flashing is also common.

Seat or seat bar sensors may also be to blame. Additionally, if the Deere’s hydraulic pressure sensors go bad, the hydraulics will malfunction. It is a quite common problem.

Replace the sensors. Take out the fuel filter and clean it. Additionally, you can change the hydraulic fuel, make sure its filled with good quality fuel.

Clogging of the fuel system and possibly the injectors frequently happens with John Deere 240 skid steer. It won’t be fully tacked up, and a severe vibration will accompany most RPMs.

The poor fuel pump is mostly to blame for the issue. If you replace it, the speed might return. The engine banging or vibration could, however, continue.

With fuel filter choking, the skid steer would run and stall. You may or may not find any fuel lines and filter problems. However, if installed, the fuel pickup tube inside the tank may become clogged with algae or other debris, reducing fuel flow.

Common troubleshooting techniques may fail. For example, carburetor overhaul, fuel line cleaning, fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plug replacement, and ignition coil replacement, etc.

Once the Skid Steer has warmed up from years of operation, the tank changes form such that the tube that takes fuel up from the bottom of the tank does not reach the bottom.

There were numerous warranty problems with the first 200-series Deere loaders. The Series II machines were allegedly more dependable and produced in Dubuque, Iowa rather than Tennessee.

The skid steer is popular among users. Despite their perception that the controls are a little stiff. But the latest generation has addressed this problem.

However, the issue of the parking brake and ignition switch may endure you expensive fixes. If the better features of the skid steer seem worthy to you, I would recommend that definitely go for it!

See our extensive hydraulic repair and reconditioning experience serving the markets listed below. Contact us. Learn more about Precision’s hydraulic pump, hydraulic motor, hydraulic valve, and hydraulic cylinder repair and service.

See our extensive hydraulic repair and reconditioning experience serving the markets listed below. Contact us. Learn more about Precision’s hydraulic pump, hydraulic motor, hydraulic valve, and hydraulic cylinder repair and service.

Road Construction: Asphalt Pavers, Vibe Rollers, Material Transfer Vehicles, Cold Planers, Sweepers, Concrete Concrete Mixers, Concrete Pumping Trucks, Concrete Placers/Spreaders, Batch Plants, Concrete Pavers, Loaders, Excavators, Skid Steer Loaders, Horizontal Directional Drills, Trenchers, Cranes, Soil Stabilizers

Flint Hydraulics is dedicated to the worldwide distribution of original and replacement hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motors, and hydraulic replacement parts for heavy mobile and industrial equipment. Off-the-shelf availability coupled with the distribution center advantages Memphis, Tennessee has to offer give use the unique ability to provide hydraulic components across the globe, with same or next-day shipment in most cases.

We are a distributor of genuine Bosch Rexroth products as replacement for pumps and motors used on heavy machinery and equipment manufactured by Caterpillar. Caterpillar is, of course, one of the leading names in mobile equipment and you see their equipment used all over the world for mining, forestry, drilling and transportation. If you need a replacement pump or motor for your Caterpillar-brand equipment, get in touch with our Customer Service team. We sell Bosch Rexroth pumps and motors for the Caterpillar machinery listed below. Search for your part number below, or Get a Quote today »

Our goal is to build relationships with our customers, so that they keep coming back to us. These relationships are built on trust and our reputation for only using name brand parts for repair work and meeting the OEM standards is well-known. We always use name brand Bosch Rexroth parts to repair your Caterpillar hydraulic units. Get a Quote today »

Our team has extensive experience with Bosch Rexroth hydraulic units. We also offer comprehensive engineering and design services for industrial and mobile applications. Our team of repair professionals provides diagnostic and hydrostatic services for all types of hydraulic equipment, including industrial equipment made by Caterpillar. In many cases, our team can do an on-site visit to diagnose your problem, fix it and get you back up and running. If your components cannot be repaired on site, then we can fix them at our facility. We can even help develop a maintenance plan for your Caterpillar equipment. Get a Quote today »

No matter where you are or what time zone you are in around the world, we can provide you with comprehensive Caterpillar hydraulic repair services. We can be your one-stop shop for all of your Caterpillar hydraulic needs. Give us a call today at 800-800-6971 to talk to our team. If you can’t call right now, then send us a message and we’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.

Typical Price Range – This is a broad range that will give you an idea of what a typical telescopic hydraulic cylinder repair will cost without knowing the actual problem with the telescopic hydraulic cylinder.

Low Range – This range is for a telescopic hydraulic cylinder that is working fine, and has no visible wear or damage, maybe just leaking. (Careful inspection of telescopic hydraulic cylinder stages must show no visible imperfections, scratches, dings, pits, etc.)

Median Range – This range is for a telescopic hydraulic cylinder that may have a performance problem and/or has visible wear or damage to one telescopic hydraulic cylinder stage or hydraulic cylinder housing/barrel. (Careful inspection of telescopic hydraulic cylinder stages shows visible imperfections, scratches, dings, pits, etc.)

High Range – This range is for a telescopic hydraulic cylinder that may have a performance problem and/or has visible wear or damage to two telescopic hydraulic cylinder stages and/or hydraulic cylinder housing/barrel and/or hydraulic cylinder piston and/or hydraulic cylinder gland. (careful inspection of telescopic hydraulic cylinder stages shows visible imperfections, scratches, dings, pits, etc.