Daily Maintenance Points and Common Leakage Prevention Measures for Hydraulic System of Electric Reach Trucks
A hydraulic system is a vital component of electric reach trucks to perform their operation smoothly and efficiently. When electric reach trucks are used for heavy loads, a hydraulic system’s fluid provides the force to perform the heavy lifting. It is critical to take care of hydraulic system of these trucks for safety, compliance, efficiency, and cost savings. For this purpose, regular maintenance and routine inspections are performed on the hydraulic system to maintain its health and safety. This article comprehensively describes daily maintenance points and common leakage prevention measures for the hydraulic system of electric reach trucks.
Daily Maintenance Points and Common Leakage Prevention Measures for Hydraulic System of Electric Reach Trucks
Before working on maintenance and leakage prevention measures, it is better to have the reach truck’s literature with you to check manufacturer guidelines for oil specifications, filter change schedule, and average temperatures. Maintenance points and leakage measures for the system are described below:
1. Oil Maintenance
It is critical to check hydraulic oil in reach trucks on a regular schedule. It must be clean and free of any contaminants. You should replace the hydraulic oil according to instructions provided by the electric reach truck supplier. Entry points of oil such as dipsticks, breathers, piston rods, and reservoir caps must be free of any dust or debris to reduce the risk of oil contamination. Using the same type of oil to replenish its levels and use the same brand each time if it is possible.
2. Regular Filter Replacement
Filters have the ability to remove extremely small particles, which can choke the hydraulic system of trucks. It is recommended to change filters regularly, as these filters reduce the efficiency of the system when they accumulate particles. It is also very important to clean the filter bowl if required before replacement.
3. Checking Rod Conditions
Inspect the rods of the hydraulic system of reach trucks for corrosion, wear and tear. These problems increase moisture in the fluid of the hydraulic system, which leads to insufficient lubrication and increased wear and tear.
4. Seal Replacement
Dangers to the seals of the hydraulic system are high fluid pressure and contaminants in the fluid. When rod corrosion occurs, it can damage the seal due to excess friction. A damaged seal can leak fluid, which is dangerous for environmental health and operators’ safety. Seals must be checked regularly and replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions if there are any signs of damage.
5. Regular Inspection of Hydraulic Lines
Fluctuations in pressure of hydraulic lines and their thickness can cause damage to the hydraulic system of reach trucks. When there is excessive pressure in the lines, fluid passes through these lines at very high pressure, which damages seals. Therefore, it is recommended to perform regular inspection of hydraulic lines to take any necessary action.
6. Check Fluid Levels
You must monitor fluid levels of the hydraulic system regularly and replenish the levels if required. When replacing fluid, it is important to consider the instructions provided by the electric reach truck supplier.
7. Inspect Filter Indicators
Most filters of the hydraulic system have pop-out buttons which trigger when they are choked. Inspect these indicators carefully and change filters if required.
8. Visual Inspection of Pipe Connections, Pipes and System Hoses
Inspect pipes, pipe connections, and system hoses after regular intervals. If hoses are pinched, sharply bent, stretched, squeezed or damaged, this hinders fluid flow in the system or causes pressure leakage. Most of these problems are visible from outside, but some of these are inside the system. So it is recommended to inspect the system from outside as well as inside to avoid clogging. Besides this, pipes, fittings, and couplers must be free from dents and corrosion. Pipe fittings should be tight but not overly tight. Couplers must be clean to avoid leakage or contamination in the system. Leakage in the system lowers fluid levels, causing excessive oil consumption, overheating, and environmental and safety concerns. Therefore, inspection must be conducted earlier to avoid severe problems caused by leaks.
9. Check System Temperature
It is recommended to keep the temperature of the hydraulic system of trucks within limits set by the manufacturer. If the system temperature exceeds the limit, it may indicate an issue with the cooling system or relief valve. A decrease in fluid levels also causes overheating of the system. Use a built-in thermometer or an infrared thermometer to monitor the system temperature. Do not directly touch the components which are at high temperatures, as it can cause severe skin burns.
10. Inspect Hydraulic Reservoir
Aeration occurs when air enters the oil of the hydraulic system due to lower fluid levels, air leaks, damaged seals or low temperature of fluid. This causes overheating and damage to the seals and other components of the system. Foaming, bubbling, large gurgling noises at the suction strainer of the system are an indication of aeration.
11. Listen to the Pumps
Carefully listen to the pump to get an idea of cavitation in the hydraulic system as it releases a high-pitched sound. Cavitation is the result of gas bubbles in the fluid at very high pressure, and it is similar to aeration. These gas bubbles explode and send shocking waves. These shocking waves create stress on the system and damage components.
12. Evaluate a Sample of Hydraulic Fluid
Take a small sample of hydraulic fluid and check it. Firstly, perform a visual inspection to detect any visible particles, contamination or change in smell and colour of the fluid. Performing proper evaluation tests can provide details of the fluid’s quality, such as particles, viscosity, acidity, and indications of overheating.
Conclusion
This article comprehensively describes a checklist for daily maintenance points and common leakage prevention measures for the hydraulic system of electric reach trucks. Meenyon, being a professional electric reach truck supplier, provides you with technical assistance and guidance in maintenance and leakage prevention measures for the hydraulic system of electric reach trucks. Upon receipt of your OEM/ODM requirements, we will immediately set up a project team to serve you.
FAQs
Why are preventive maintenance and leakage prevention measures important for hydraulic system of reach trucks?
Preventive maintenance of the hydraulic system of trucks is important for safety, compliance, efficiency, and cost savings.
What key tasks are involved in daily maintenance and leakage prevention measures of the hydraulic system?
These tasks include oil maintenance, regular filter replacement, checking rod conditions, seal replacement, checking fluid levels, hydraulic lines and system temperature, and visual inspection of pipes, connections and hoses.
What should be the normal temperature of hydraulic valves of reach trucks?
The normal temperature of hydraulic valves of reach trucks should not be higher than 150 ℉ when checked using an infrared thermometer.
