Dealing with problems in your hydraulic ram can be quite worrisome, not only due to the potential repair workload but also the associated costs. Fortunately, there’s a way to address these concerns – by conducting hydraulic ram repairs yourself. While the prospect might seem daunting initially, this blog post will guide you through the process step by step. Hydraulic rams hold immense significance as integral components within various industrial and agricultural machinery. Without their proper functioning, the performance of your equipment is compromised. Signs of trouble include diminished mechanical force and the possibility of leaks, underscoring the importance of timely maintenance and repairs for seamless operation.
Can you repair a hydraulic ram?
If you’ve noticed that your hydraulic ram is damaged or broken, then you might first think about how much it’s going to cost you to replace it. That’s not always the case, however, as your hydraulic ram can be repaired depending on the condition. Of course, there are varying degrees of damage that your ram might have sustained, but there are many cases in which your ram can be repaired.
In some cases, you might need simple fixes like having bolts tightened or the seals might have broken – which is fairly easy to fix. On the other hand. You might have a bent hydraulic ram – which can be more difficult to repair and would need a specialist to take care of it.
How to tell if your hydraulic ram is damaged
If you’re having problems with your machinery and you suspect the issue might be your hydraulic ram, there are a few telltale signs that it’s damaged. It won’t always be glaringly obvious, but there will be signs that your machinery is in need of a hydraulic system repair.
First of all, you should be aware that a damaged hydraulic ram might leak fluid. If you’ve noticed that there’s fluid coming from your machinery, then it’s a sign that the seals have either become damaged or too worn to continue use. This can be fairly easy to remedy and should be something you deal with as soon as possible. However, a leak can be a sign that there’s a much bigger issue. If the seals seem fine, then you might have a crack in your system – which can be a lot more difficult.
In some cases, you might notice that your dream does not retract all the way. If you notice a fault like this with your machinery, then it could be a sign of a number of different problems. Broken seals could be one of them, as your hydraulic system is unable to get the pressure it needs, however, you might have issues with the ram itself – such as it becoming bent.
What can damage your hydraulic ram?
As far as damage goes, there are plenty of things that can cause your hydraulic ram to stop functioning correctly. Over time, naturally, things like the seals are going to wear, and you’ll have to replace them routinely – this much should be expected. However, there are parts of the system that can fail due to faults, poor quality parts, or misuse.
If your hydraulic ram is having to work overtime, is obstructed during use, or is being overloaded – it’s going to become damaged much quicker than it should. Before you begin using it, you should make sure you understand how to properly operate your machinery.
If you’re going to prevent any damage in the future, you should have your machinery inspected and maintained on a regular basis, to ensure that you’re not in need of replacement parts any time soon.
As an example of this, a hydraulic ram being used in an excavator cylinder should be taken care of. Even a machine with the main purpose of it is to carry heavy loads will have its limits, and if you push them you might find that the parts of your hydraulic ram become easily damaged.
Can you get replacement parts if needed?
If your hydraulic ram or any other parts of your machinery are broken beyond repair, you can get replacement pieces. For example, hydraulic fabrication companies are able to provide what you need, and it wouldn’t be difficult to find a hydraulic cylinder for sale. With that said, it’s best to make sure you’re maintaining your machinery rather than getting to a point where you need to buy replacements.