Hydraulic machinery is used in a wide range of industries. These systems are made up of a network of components that help generate hydraulic power. You probably know that maintaining the hydraulic cylinder is important, but it can be easy to overlook the many smaller components that contribute to a hydraulic system.

A working knowledge of both large and small hydraulic components will ensure that you are prepared to diagnose and repair problems that may arise within your hydraulic machinery over time.

1. Piston Rings

Piston rings are small components that can have a major impact on the function of your hydraulic system. The piston ring is responsible for holding the hydraulic cylinder components firmly in place. This allows the piston to move within a cylindrical tube with ease.

Should the piston ring in your hydraulic system fail, the alignment of the hydraulic cylinder will be compromised. Misalignment in the hydraulic cylinder can create friction that will damage the piston.

A machine shop will be able to fabricate a new piston ring to replace any that fail within your hydraulic system.

2. Rods

Rods are seemingly small components that have a significant impact on the integrity of your hydraulic system. The rods are responsible for connecting components within a hydraulic cylinder.

Rods need to be smooth and straight in order to create connections that don't puncture delicate hydraulic seals. Overuse and excessive wear can cause hydraulic rods to bend. Bent rods that damage hydraulic seals create a loss of power within your hydraulic system.

Machine shops are able to fabricate replacement rods that match the exact specifications of your hydraulic equipment.

3. Seals

Hydraulic seals are essential to the function of any hydraulic system. Seals create a leak-free system that is capable of retaining high-pressure levels over an extended period of time.

Pistons move through a reservoir of hydraulic fluid to generate pressure. It is this pressure that is converted into usable power. Damaged hydraulic seals allow fluid to escape the hydraulic cylinder. The result is a sharp decline in hydraulic power.

You can work with a machine shop to ensure all replacement parts fabricated for your hydraulic system pose no threat to the integrity of your hydraulic seals.

Machine shops are valuable partners when it comes to caring for your hydraulic machinery. Work closely with your machine shop experts to ensure all components, both big and small, receive the maintenance and repairs needed to keep them functional.