The Potential Danger of Using an Unconnected Coupling Portable hydraulic systems used for lifting, pushing, or pulling loads of several tons operate at pressures up to 10,000-psi (680 bar). Typically, they use portable hydraulic power units consisting of a hydraulic pump operated by manual, electric, or pneumatic power to actuate one or more rams —a […]
Cylinder Autopsy Reveals Failure Cause
Inside a Hydraulic Cylinder Failure A hydraulic repair facility in Australia recently shared an experience about a double-acting hydraulic cylinder that their customer said would extend, but not retract. When the cylinder came into the shop, the piston rod was almost completely retracted into the cylinder tube. Further inspection revealed the rod was stuck in […]
A Major Expense in Waste Collection
Why Hydraulic Costs are among the Top Expenses in Waste Collection When I worked as an editor for Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazine, I attended LOTS of trade shows. Sure, many of the exhibitors displayed hydraulic components, but my main reason for attending was to sniff out useful info from original equipment manufacturers. Because construction, mining, […]
How a Piston Rod Becomes a Missile
How a Piston Rod Becomes a Missile? A series of mistakes nearly ends in near catastrophe. Most hydraulic cylinder repair and rebuild work is pretty routine. But when a special or unusual cylinder comes in for repair, technicians should consult experts if they come across an unfamiliar feature. A double-acting cylinder used in mining equipment […]
Trial and Error Techniques are Risky Business in Hydraulics
Are You Prepared for the Consequences? Suppliers of flow meters and other hydraulic components generally stipulate their products be used only by qualified personnel. This protects them from liability if an incident occurs due to lack of proper training or negligence, especially from not reading instructions on proper and safe use. In my 30+ years […]
Outrigger Cylinders Aren’t Fool-Proof
Hydraulic Outrigger Failure Crushes Worker Safety expert Rory McLaren seems to be an endless source of interesting stories with valuable lessons that are especially relevant to those who work around hydraulic systems. More often than not, a lack of proper training is a major cause of these accidents. Although Rory may not have witnessed these […]
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