Selecting an Industrial Hydraulic Cylinder Repair Shop
Heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders are constantly exposed to the elements and can sometimes break, crack, or fracture from repeated use. When that occurs, it becomes a question of repairing or replacing the cylinder. So, how do you decide between the two, and what should you consider when choosing an industrial hydraulic cylinder repair shop?
When to Repair Versus Replace
Fortunately, most industrial hydraulic cylinders can be repaired. However, the key is early detection. Companies that adopt a preventative maintenance and inspection schedule can quickly identify issues before they become too problematic.
Choosing between repairs and replacements ultimately comes down to a cost-benefit analysis; repairing hydraulic cylinders in the early stages of their lifecycle is less expensive than replacement. On the other hand, replacing a cylinder that has been repaired multiple times and is reaching the end of its predicted lifecycle could be less expensive. You also need to consider downtime costs. How long will repairs take versus a total replacement? Can your company afford to wait for the cylinder to be repaired or replaced?
Signs & Symptoms to Look Out For
In most cases, it’s hard to determine the actual cause of cylinder failure until that cylinder is disassembled. However, it’s best practice to seek out an industrial hydraulic cylinder repair shop when you’ve noticed the following signs:
- Pressure Drops: Even something as minor as a pinched gasket or O-ring can cause a substantial drop in pressure within the hydraulic system, slowing down the cylinder or stopping it entirely.
- Worn Seals: There are also multiple seals, snap rings, and O-rings within hydraulic cylinders that can become damaged from excessive friction. Worn seals can eventually lead to cylinder leaks.
- Unusual Noises: If the piston rod is damaged, it could cause your cylinder to make unusual banging or knocking noises. Fatigue cracks from excessive wear and tear can cause piston rod failure. Most of the time, technicians can quickly identify fatigue cracks, but there could be some micro-fissures that can only be identified by performing a non-destructive test like a liquid penetrant inspection (LPI) or dye penetrant inspection (DPI).
- Corrosion: This is the most easily identifiable sign. A reddish-brown or yellow-stained color typically indicates that corrosion or pitting is occurring. Hydraulic cylinders are often exposed to the elements where corrosion is more likely to occur. Once it does, it can affect the structural integrity of the piston rod to the point of cracking or breaking.
Again, early detection is critical. The good news is that most of these issues can be resolved with minor repairs and part replacements rather than a total cylinder replacement. To ensure you find the root cause of cylinder failure, it’s critical that you hire a professional repair technician.
Let’s look at how to find and choose the best industrial hydraulic cylinder repair shop.
Again, early detection is critical. The good news is that most of these issues can be resolved with minor repairs and part replacements rather than a total cylinder replacement. To ensure you find the root cause of cylinder failure, it’s critical that you hire a professional repair technician.
Let’s look at how to find and choose the best industrial hydraulic cylinder repair shop.
Find High-Quality Hydraulic Cylinder Repairs From Yates
If you’re looking for a qualified, ISO 9001-certified industrial hydraulic repair shop, look no further than Yates Cylinders. For over 50 years, we’ve offered a wide range of services, including hydraulic cylinder design and manufacturing, reverse engineering, 24/7 cylinder repairs, and machining.
We’re also proud to have the most extensive repair facility in the Midwest; our 300,000+ square foot location features in-house honing, machining, TIG and MIG welding, and sealing departments. We also have a large inventory of replacement parts, including seals and honed tubing.
Please contact us today to learn more about our capabilities or to request an evaluation and service quote.