You wouldn't judge the condition of an entire baler by looking at one component.
The same thinking should apply to its hydraulic system.
Hydraulic oil isn't simply something that gets changed periodically. Its condition can provide useful information when evaluating the overall health of a hydraulic system.
That's why BRT can incorporate hydraulic oil sampling and laboratory analysis into preventative maintenance.
Look Beyond the Oil Level
Checking the reservoir level is important.
But there's much more to inspect.
When evaluating a hydraulic system, our technicians may look at:
- Hydraulic oil condition
- Oil temperature
- Filters and strainers
- Cylinders and seals
- Pumps
- Valves and manifolds
- Hoses and fittings
- Visible leaks
- Operating pressures
- Cycle performance
The oil sample adds another piece of information to the overall evaluation.
Why Establishing a Baseline Matters
One oil sample gives you information.
A maintenance history gives you context.
When equipment is inspected consistently, you can begin establishing a baseline for how that particular machine normally operates.
Then changes become easier to recognize.
The same principle applies beyond hydraulics.
Cycle time, temperature, wear, leaks, vibration, structural condition, and operator observations can all help tell the story of what's happening with a machine.
Don't Wait for the Hydraulic System to Tell You the Hard Way
A hydraulic problem can quickly become an operational problem.
And depending on the failure, it can become an expensive one.
The purpose of preventative maintenance isn't to predict every possible failure.
It's to identify developing conditions, document them, and give the customer an opportunity to act before they become larger problems.
Let BRT Take a Look
Black River Trading provides preventative maintenance and service for balers and other recycling equipment throughout our region.
We also offer FREE safety inspections for balers, shredders, and conveyors within our service area.
If you aren't sure where your equipment stands, that's a good place to start.
We'll take a look, document what we see, and help you determine the next step.
Inspect what we expect.
Black River Trading
(855) BRT-1979
brtequipment.com
