Why is the quality of hydraulic components so important?

All operators and fleet managers know how costly downtime can be, especially when operating heavy machinery. You need reliable hydraulic components to maintain system efficiency and prevent equipment failure. Downtime due to maintenance and service can set your project back days or even weeks – so investing in quality hydraulic parts and service is essential.

Kyotechs has over 15 years of expertise in excavator equipment. We provide the most reliable hydraulic system components, along with expert service, to keep your equipment running.

Why is the quality of hydraulic components so important?

Hydraulic systems power a wide range of machinery, from cars to heavy equipment – ​​even aircraft and spacecraft use hydraulic power. Based on the principle of fluid pressure, hydraulic machinery relies on the pressure of fluid in a closed-loop system to lift, extend, tilt, and perform other basic functions. Hydraulic systems are often used in heavy equipment because they typically have greater load capacity and can exert greater forces than pneumatic, mechanical or electric systems.

Hydraulic systems are made up of many different components:
• Pumps
• Motors
• Cylinders
• Valves
• Tanks
• Lines
• Controllers
• Actuators
• Fluids
• Filters
Each component has a unique function in the system, and even minor issues can cause problems. For example, old hydraulic fluid or a clogged filter can reduce pressure and affect the performance of the machine.

The Impact of High-Quality Hydraulic Components

Quality manufacturing, reliable parts, and professional service are key to the continued performance and longevity of hydraulic machinery. As machines age, they require regular maintenance and care, which often includes replacing hydraulic components.

So why invest in high-quality hydraulic components?

1. Strength and Load Capacity

All heavy equipment has a load capacity, which determines the maximum weight the system is able to move or lift. As hydraulic systems have a greater load capacity and a wider range of weights, components need to be kept in top condition. On the jobsite, continued reliable performance is essential to completing tasks on time and maintaining efficiency.

Any loss of pressure within the hydraulic system reduces the strength and load capacity of the machine. Quality parts ensure your equipment can handle tough working conditions and operate efficiently.

2. Durability

Getting quality parts and repair services also ensures your machines can run longer without frequent downtime for repetitive repairs. For example, choosing pressure-tested cylinders means they can withstand your toughest work applications.

To keep your hydraulic system running for a long time, you also need to:
• Remove debris and dust: Earthmoving and construction projects often generate a lot of dust and debris, which can get between machine parts or accumulate in hydraulic hoses and hydraulic fluid.
• Test and replace hydraulic fluid: It is no exaggeration to say that hydraulic fluid is the lifeblood of your hydraulic system. Regular testing, inspection, and replacement of hydraulic fluid and filters should be part of every operator's regular equipment maintenance.
• Ensure temperature regulation: Monitoring your hydraulic system for overheating can also help extend the life of your equipment. High-quality valves and electric motors, in particular, can reduce the likelihood of hot spots.
• Perform visual inspections: Pre- and post-operation inspections can help you spot problems before they lead to failure. Replacing parts as soon as signs of wear or damage are noticed is essential to the continued operation of the entire system.

3. Noise

Another benefit of high-quality hydraulic components is reduced noise levels. Hydraulic systems make a variety of noises during operation, but some of these noises indicate that components are not operating optimally. Bangs or knocks can indicate the presence of bubbles in the fluid, while hissing noises can mean a safety valve is malfunctioning.
Quality parts are less likely to fail during operation and make these types of noises.

4. Cost

Purchasing hydraulic machinery is an investment that definitely pays off – these machines are able to lift and move heavier loads with greater precision, increasing productivity and expanding your business. Regular maintenance is an effective way to reduce the need for repairs, but all equipment will eventually require some kind of repair.

While high-quality hydraulic components are more expensive, they last longer, reducing your overall cost of ownership. Reducing downtime due to the need for repairs also means that you can continue to operate without interruption.

5. Safety

It goes without saying that the quality of hydraulic components is critical to your operations, but safety is just as important. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed a specific standard, ISO 4413:2010, for hydraulic power systems and the hazards associated with them. Quality hydraulic components are less likely to malfunction or fail, which prevents hazardous working environments.

In extreme cases, a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure can cause heavy hydraulic equipment to fail, resulting in personal injury. Another serious concern is hydraulic jet injuries, which most often occur when checking for pinhole leaks in the system. It is critical to wear appropriate safety equipment and ensure that only qualified technicians service hydraulic components.

More commonly, component failures can lead to slips and falls, as leaking fluids can cause burns and skin irritation when they come into contact with the skin. Loose components and hoses can also become projectiles and cause personal injury if not secured.

Problems with inferior parts

The challenges that inferior hydraulic components can present include:

• Corrosion: Inferior hydraulic components can face corrosion issues due to the use of weaker materials or lack of corrosion-resistant coatings.

• Failures in extreme conditions: Outdoor operations expose machines to extreme conditions. Freezing and hot temperatures often mean that machines must withstand greater loads. Poor quality parts can fail under these extreme conditions, causing the job to fall behind schedule.
• Pressure loss: Damaged hoses or pump failures can cause a loss of hydraulic system pressure, which reduces the machine's displacement and can cause the machine to stop operating.
• Noisy operation: Grinding, hissing and knocking noises from poor quality or faulty components can cause a noisy hydraulic system to operate.
• Downtime and frequent maintenance: Poor quality parts can lead to more downtime due to the need for frequent maintenance. If hoses wear or pumps fail more quickly, your machine will face more downtime.

Buy Quality Hydraulic Parts and Service from Kyotechs Machine

In our 15+ years, we've seen a lot of changes - however, the importance of quality hydraulic parts and service has remained constant. With a team of highly trained and experienced technicians, we are committed to developing cost-effective solutions to ensure your equipment always performs at its best.

Kyotechs offers a range of hydraulic repair services, including:
• Complete cylinder resealing and manufacturing.
• Connecting rod and barrel rebuilds.
• Hose repairs.
• Pump and motor refurbishment.
• Hydraulic System Reconditioning and Rebuilding.
Our technicians can service all makes and models of heavy equipment. We also carry a large inventory of new and used machinery.

Contact our team to learn more about our hydraulic repair services and all the other ways we can help you keep your operations running efficiently.