This can happen on a new system after only a few hours operation as well as on a system which has been in service for a long time. Probably the field trouble encountered more often is cavitation of the hydraulic pump inlet caused by dirt build-up on the inlet strainer. And in a highly sophisticated system there are other minor components which could be at fault, but these possibilities are too numerous to be covered in this brief discussion of troubleshooting.īy following an organized step-by-step testing procedure in the order given here, the problem can usually be traced to a general area, then if necessary, each component in that area can be tested or can temporarily be replaced by another similar component known to be good. Of course, any major component pump, relief valve, cylinder, 4-way valve, filter, etc., could be at fault. Often the loss of power is accompanied by an increase in pump noise, especially as the pump tries to build up pressure against a load. The cylinder(s) may not move at all, or if they do they may move too slowly or may stall under light loads. Many of the failures in a hydraulic system show similar symptoms: a gradual or sudden loss of high pressure, resulting in loss of power or loss of speed in the cylinders. Most system failures can be pinpointed to one of these components.īasic Diagram for a Typical Hydraulic System The diagram shows the major components used in nearly all hydraulic systems. For checking out a system it is usually necessary to have at least one pressure gauge, installed in the pump line as shown in the diagram. Other supplementary information on specific components such as pumps, cylinders, and valves will be found in other data sheet issues, and is referenced in the text.
It is not intended as a diagnostic check of new systems which may have been incorrectly designed. This data sheet describes a step-by-step check-out procedure for hydraulic systems which have previously been working satisfactorily but which have developed trouble, usually over a 24-hour working period, which renders them inoperative.