Is your equipment ready?
A pre-season Hydraulic check for agricultural machinery
Before you hit the fields this season, a quick inspection of your hydraulic components can save you downtime and potentially expensive repairs. Small issues with seals often show early warning signs if you know what to look for.
Here are a few things PSP experts recommend you check before the work begins:
1. Do your controls feel "mushy"?
If your hydraulic levers feel slow or unresponsive, this could be due to wear on your piston seal. Piston seals keep hydraulic fluid contained on one side of the cylinder so pressure can properly build. When they begin to leak, the system loses its pressure balance. This can lead to the soft and sluggish feeling of your controls.
What to Watch For:
- Reduced responsiveness when operating controls
- Slower movement in hydraulic functions
- Difficulty maintaining pressure
2. Are there oil puddles under your equipment?
If you notice oil spotting beneath your machinery, a rod seal may be failing. Rod seals prevent hydraulic fluid from escaping the cylinder. When they wear down, fluid can leak out, leaving visible oil around your equipment.
What to Watch For:
- Oil puddles beneath machinery
- Fluid buildup around hydraulic rods
- Gradual loss of hydraulic fluid
3. Inspect Your Wiper Seals
Wiper seals are your hydraulic system’s first line of defense against dirt, debris, and other contaminants. Because they are consistently exposed to the elements, they are also simple to inspect and determine if they require replacement. To visually inspect a wiper seal, look for cracking, brittleness, or heavy buildup around the outer edge. If a seal looks heavily worn or packed with debris, replacement can help prevent contamination inside your system.
What to Look For:
- Cracked or brittle rubber
- Dirt buildup or crusting around the seal
- Debris entering the cylinder
4. Are you regreasing bearings often?
If you are finding yourself frequently regreasing your bearings, the issue may not be the grease; it could be your shaft seal. Shaft seals help maintain the proper level of grease in the bearing while allowing the shaft to rotate smoothly. When the seal wears down, grease escapes and requires constant regreasing.
Signs to Check:
- Bearings need frequent regreasing
- Grease leaks around rotating shafts
- Reduced smoothness during rotation
Before You Hit the Fields Checklist
✓ Check Hydraulic Levers for Responsiveness
✓ Look for Oil Leaks Beneath Equipment
✓ Inspect Hydraulic Lines & Fittings for Wear or Seepage
✓ Visually Inspect Wiper Seals for Debris and Damage
✓ Monitor How Often Bearings Require Regreasing
Inspect Now. Save Yourself the Headache Later.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it may be time to replace a worn seal before it leads to bigger hydraulic issues in the field.
PSP Seals offers:
✓ Quick Delivery of Sealing Solutions
✓ Local Pickup Options
✓ Expert Consultations to Help Identify the Right Seal for Your Equipment
Contact our team today to get the parts you need before the season begins.
