Meta Description: A mini excavator is the most famous machine used in many projects. It is obvious that this machine may have some issues after a month or year. Read to know how to solve hydraulic issues.
Hydraulic systems help the operator to run the machine easily. This system also helps the machine to clang and grind. Plus, the system uses cables and gears for better performance. Also, the operators may easily push and pull iron levers. The major issue is the failure of a hydraulic system in coming mini excavators. We will discuss it in our blog and also explore the solutions to solve this problem.
Till now, you got an idea about the importance of the hydraulic system. So it is necessary to keep this system in good condition. For this, make sure to read our guide. We will help you to find ways to address this issue.
Symptoms of Common Hydraulic Problems and Their Root Causes
Prevention is better than cure. It also goes for the machine’s routine checking. You should regularly check the HIXEN Mini Excavator and its various parts. This way, you will know the root cause of the hydraulic system failure. This system shows many symptoms as an early warning about the root cause. Let’s know the complete detail of these symptoms:
Abnormal Noise:
The major cause of abnormal noise in the hydraulic system is aeration. This issue occurs at the time of contamination of the hydraulic fluid. As a result, this contaminated fluid makes a banging and knocking noise. This noise especially comes out at the time of compression and decompression. The reason is the continuous circulation of air around the system.
Some other symptoms of bad noise are irregular movement and fluid foaming. Air degrades the fluid and damages different components of the system. It is just because of overheating and burning of seals.
The main path of entry of air is the pump’s inlet. So it is necessary to keep the inlet lines in better condition. Plus, it is also necessary to tighten all the fittings. The flexible lines may easily damage after some time. So each machine owner must change these lines after some time. Plus, the low fluid level allows the entry of air into the pump.
The Fluid Intake:
Make sure to check the fluid in the pump and fill it if low. While in some cases, this air may also enter through the shaft seal. So check this seal and replace it if required.
Cavitation is another major issue that causes abnormal noise. It happens when the required fluid is more than the supplied fluid. When this occurs on any system’s part. Then the absolute pressure arises in the part. As a result, the vapor cavities are formed in the system. So during compression, this cavity makes a bad noise.
Always address this issue as early as possible. Otherwise, the results will be intense. This issue is serious that it erodes the metal. As a result, it completely damages the hydraulic system and parts. While if this issue becomes more serious. It may cause mechanical issues.
Cavitation occurs in any part of the hydraulic system. But commonly, this issue arises in the pump. A restricted line may cause the fluid to vaporize in the intake line. So if the pump has a filter, make sure to keep it clear.
High Fluid Temperature:
When the temperature of the hydraulic fluid rises above 180°F, it may damage the seal and degrade the fluid. It means any operation above this temperature is dangerous. So you should avoid operating the machine at this temperature. The rise in temperature occurs when the viscosity falls under the optimum value. So it is well to keep the viscosity at the optimum level.
There are many causes of the high temperature in the fluid. As a result, it affects the capacity of the system to reduce heat. It means the heat load increase in the system. The major component to reduce this heat level is the reservoir. So it is necessary to check the fluid in the reservoir. If low, fill it and maintain it at the correct level. Plus you should also check if there is any obstacle, such as dirt, around the reservoir.
Produced heat affects the component of the system. As a result, abnormal leakage starts from the system. This leakage may be from any part, such as the cylinder or the valve. So make sure to check this leakage and address it soon.
Slow Operation:
A slow operation is the main cause of the hydraulic system failure. Keep in mind that the fluid flow of the system determines the speed and response. This means that less speed indicates the loss of fluid flow. So it is necessary to keep the speed maintained required by the machine. Otherwise, the hydraulic system will not work best.
The two sources of flow leakage from the system are internal and external valves. However, external leakage is common, so you may easily find it. In comparison, the internal leakage occurs in the pump and valves. So it is not possible to check this leakage. For this, you have to use X-ray vision to determine.
As you know, the internal leakage cause the drop in pressure. As a result, it is generated. Here the infrared thermometer is the better tool to check the internal leakage issue. However, it is optional that this tool always helps you. In that case, you should use the flow tester. It is another best tool to check the parts with internal leakage.
All these are the major symptoms of hydraulic system failure. So it is necessary to determine the issue is noise and fluid temperature early. You should also go for the unscheduled inspection of the machine and all parts.
Tips for Troubleshooting Hydraulic Issues in Mini Excavators:
Tracking Down Hydraulic Problems:
The hydraulic system is the main component of the mini excavator. This component keeps your machine functional when it is also functional. But after some time, this component may have a problem. So the soon you will fix the issue, the soon your machine will work best. The following are some tips to keep this system functional at all times:
Tip #1 – Identity What the Problem Is:
You may find this tip stupid, but actually, it is necessary. You need to find the information about the damaged machine. Though most of the time, you get unclear information. In that case, you should thoroughly check the issue.
When you clearly know the problem with the machine. It will help you to fix the issue soon and remove the root cause. For example, your mini excavator needs to be fixed. Maybe it can’t go uphill, or maybe it goes to the left. All these are the symptoms of machine failure.
Besides knowing the problem, try to find the root cause. It is also necessary to tackle the issue professionally. Suppose you focus on only some of these details. It will only cause more issues in the machine. As a result, you will need to replace your machine.
Some other issues with the machine are that the lift arm needs to be fixed. Maybe it can’t lift loads. Maybe it starts traveling at the time of unloading. No matter what the issue, you should handle it carefully.
Tip #2: Gather as Much Information as Possible:
More information about the problem means the soon you may solve it. The only possible source to know all the details is to ask the operator. He is the only one who actually knows what the problem is. He is the only one who operate the machine for many hours. So he has a clear idea of what’s going on. He also knows which type of vibration is present in the machine. In simple words, the operator may give you complete detail of the machine.
May be operator feels a new vibration. Maybe the cause of this vibration is the machine’s movement under load. It means the brake of the machine has some issue. So the operator explains to you what is happening with the machine.
Tip #3: Ask What Has Changed
When it comes to determining the cause of failure, it is always a good idea to ask the operator what has changed. Maybe the operator did not notice the change. As a result, it will cause unexpected issues in the future.
So you should determine the issue. If the issue arises in any part, try to fix it. Otherwise, you should replace it as soon as possible. The following are some main questions you may ask the operator:
- Have you changed the machine setting?
- Have you neglected the issue with the hydraulic fluid?
- Did you adjust the machine?
- Check if you have fixed the hydraulic issues.
- Did you use another type of oil?
- Check if you see any change in the hydraulic system after the part’s replacement.
- Did you repair the machine temporarily?
- When have you maintained the machine last time?
Conclusion
We have clearly discussed some tips and ways to handle hydraulic issues. However, this system has many intact parts. So it becomes challenging to know which part requires maintenance. In that case, you may take help from these tips. You should also use common sense to speed up the process.
