Written by: Emily Joswiak • September 8, 2021• Auto

4 Top Causes of Dump Truck Hydraulic System Failure

Hydraulic systems are at the core of any dump truck machine. Designed to lift heavy loads with ease and stability, it’s these devices that keep a truck running smoothly and dumping materials efficiently. Because of this, it’s vital that you do what you can to maintain these components and prevent them from breaking down under the stress of the job. These are four of the top causes of dump truck hydraulic system failure and what you can do to avoid them.

Temperature Fluctuations

Hydraulic systems function by firing several weighted cylinders that move a platform up or down. When these cylinders freeze or overheat, they stop moving correctly and sustain lasting damage. The more damage these parts obtain, the less stable the lifting mechanism is. This increases your likelihood that the hydraulics will fail when you need them most. So, make sure that you’re routinely checking your truck’s hydraulic fluid and testing this system before making a delivery.

Exceeding Weight Limits

Overweight loads are also a top cause of dump truck hydraulic system failure to look out for on the job. Each dump truck has a designated weight capacity for carrying materials, and understanding your machine’s exact needs is the key to success. Overloading your truck forces the hydraulics to lift more than they can handle. As such, your chances are greater that your truck will malfunction and put nearby individuals at risk.

Over Pressurizing

One of the biggest threats to your hydraulics, though, is over-pressurizing its cylinders. Maintaining a consistent amount of pressure in your hydraulic vavle is essential to keeping the pistons moving in the correct way. Too much pressure causes the cylinder sleeves to bulge and dislodges the parts that hold everything together. As such, you’ll want to make sure you’re monitoring the pressure within this system at all times to prevent a complete shutdown. If needed, consider using a reliable pressure shaft like the eaton valves to avoid overpressures.

Air and Fluid Contamination

Another potential problem with dump truck hydraulic systems is air or fluid contamination. When the component lacks a proper seal, exhaust fumes and debris can infiltrate your hydraulics. This can lower the fluid levels, cause temperature control issues, and decrease the overall performance of your truck. Because of this, you always want to inspect your hydraulics for leaks and get them fixed before you take them out.

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