Modern construction equipment relies heavily on hydraulic systems when operating the moving parts during building projects. Therefore, it is important to ensure that this part of your machinery is performing exceptionally. One of the most important hydraulic system parts that you should consider during maintenance is the cylinder. This is responsible for holding the fluid that transfers working power throughout the machinery. Unfortunately, the cylinder can experience damage from gradual degradation or accidental impact, even with regular maintenance. Here are the common signs of operational problems in hydraulic cylinders that you should watch for in your construction equipment.

Reduced Operation Capacity

You should always monitor the working capacity of your hydraulic equipment in your worksite. The most common symptom of cylinder deterioration is declining performance. In simple terms, if there is a hydraulic cylinder problem, you will notice that the equipment has longer cycle times or even general slow operation. You should remember that in hydraulic systems, the operational capacity depends on fluid flow. Therefore, this sign indicates that the flow has reduced due to leakages. External fluid losses are easy to find by examining the hoses, piping and general hydraulic components. However, internal leakages will necessitate inspection by a professional to determine the exact site of damage.

Unusual Operational Noise

There are normal noises expected from construction equipment during operation. However, if you notice a change in the pattern, frequency and volume of the sounds, you might have hydraulic cylinder problems. Typically, unusual noises in this system are caused by two distinct processes: aeration and cavitation. As implied, the aeration problem occurs when air accidentally flows into the hydraulic cylinder, mixes with the oil and becomes trapped.

This air will cause strange banging sounds when compressed during equipment operation. If this continues, the problem could result in fluid degradation and accelerated system wear. Cavitation is a problem that arises when the fluid required in the cylinder is lower than the supply. The formed vacuum interferes with the general pressure of the hydraulic system, and a knocking noise is produced. Cavitation normally results in erosion of components and subsequent fluid contamination.

Increased Fluid Temperature

If the fluid in your construction equipment is running hotter than expected according to your temperature gauges or general assessments, you should stop operating the equipment until repairs are performed. High fluid temperature results in the deterioration of the system oil and will cause deformation of the hydraulic cylinder seals. Over time, internal and external leakages will form; delayed repairs will result in an inconvenient breakdown.