Written by: TFVstaff • August 5, 2025• In the Community Uncategorized

How to Extend the Life of Your Hydraulic Actuator with Proper Maintenance

Hydraulic technology provides the backbone for many industries, from construction to manufacturing to transportation, among many others. In turn, these hydraulic systems are dependent on their moving elements, called actuators, which provide the machinery with motion and power. The constant activity of these actuators, however, creates continuous wear and tear that can ultimately reduce their efficiency and cause maintenance issues. Avoiding the resulting downtime and loss of productivity is a matter of diligent hydraulic actuator maintenance.

Below, we’ll discuss how to extend the life and improve the performance of your hydraulic systems with proper maintenance. We’ll offer practical tips for minimizing the impact of ordinary wear and tear, as well as help you detect the signs of a more serious problem. Follow the steps in this guide to maximize the performance and longevity of the hydraulic system your industry depends on.

The Parts of a Hydraulic System

The actuator is part of a larger hydraulic system designed to generate motion and power to move heavy loads. That motion is generated by a pressurized fluid, which is contained within a tank built into the machinery. The fluid in this tank must be incompressible—usually a type of oil—and a pump is used to build and maintain the pressure. According to Pascal’s Law, pressure applied to hydraulic fluid is distributed evenly, allowing the actuator to deliver powerful, controlled motion.

The actuator itself, the element that provides the motion, can be connected to various types of machinery to provide them with their capacity to perform work. A hydraulic actuator’s ability to generate great physical force makes hydraulic systems ideal for large-scale construction and demolition projects, as well as other tasks that require the movement of vast amounts of weight. For that reason, hydraulic systems are commonly connected to elements such as crane booms, aircraft wheels, and digger blades, among others.

Routine Inspections

Since hydraulic systems generate power using pressurized liquid, any loss in that pressure can cause the system to become less effective. Pressure loss may be due to the introduction of foreign particles into the hydraulic fluid or the result of a fluid leak caused by a failed seal or other issue. Excessive friction or worn-out parts can also cause the system to become less efficient.

Most issues do not occur suddenly. Rather, they are the result of cumulative wear and tear caused by continuous normal use of the machinery. The loss of functionality that accompanies these problems can largely be avoided if the root cause of the issue is addressed early on. A crucial part of hydraulic actuator maintenance is to invest in regular inspections of the machinery. Have a technician trained in the use of the system work down a checklist and repair or replace any parts of the machinery exhibiting signs of deterioration.

Monitor Seals

It’s important to regularly check seals to prevent leaks or catch them early. Many hydraulic systems have weak points in rubber gaskets and other areas where small openings can begin to develop. There may be obvious signs of a leak, but they can also be more subtle. For instance, damaged seals can cause the machinery to make unusual noises due to an increase in friction. They can also weaken the system’s ability to generate the power necessary to perform its work, which can manifest in ineffectiveness or even system failures.

Monitor the seals in your hydraulic system by periodically introducing dye to your hydraulic fluid. This will make it easier to see if any liquid is seeping out through a damaged seal. If you notice this occurring, arrange to have the seal replaced.

Ensure Your System Has Clean Hydraulic Fluid

As mentioned above, a major cause of the loss of efficiency in hydraulic systems is the introduction of foreign particles into the hydraulic fluid. Contaminants can hamper a hydraulic system’s ability to generate power, weakening the machinery and forcing it to use much more energy to achieve the desired results.

There are several things that can be introduced into the fluid during regular use. A damaged gasket or poor seal can allow air bubbles to enter, causing the fluid to become foamy and fail to achieve the necessary pressures. Water can also enter the hydraulic fluid, turning it milky and similarly interfering with its ability to generate pressure.

Excessive friction is another cause of contamination in the machinery. As the moving parts of the system pass over one another, microscopic bits of material may flake off and enter the fluid. These particles will cause the fluid to appear dark and dirty, and they may contribute to the machinery overheating, which in turn can lead to a catastrophic breakdown.

If you detect contamination in your hydraulic fluid, you may need to invest in a fluid purifier, which is designed to recondition the liquid in your system. A high-quality filtration system should also be installed to prevent more contaminants from being introduced into the machinery.

Replace Parts in a Timely Manner

Your hydraulic actuator is part of a holistic system, where each element depends on the next in order for the system to operate at maximum efficiency. If any part of the machinery begins to wear out, it can compromise your entire operation as it weakens your system’s ability to do its work. To prevent this, you must replace any worn-out parts in a timely manner. Any replacement parts should be correctly fitted to your specific machine to prevent further wear and tear.

To ensure the smooth and effective operation of the machinery your industry depends on, consider investing in a fully customized system, such as one constructed by Aberdeen Dynamics. Each element of the system can be repaired or replaced by the same manufacturer, ensuring their improved efficiency, effectiveness, and longevity.

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