Almost every major industry uses hydraulics, but they’re especially widespread in construction and agriculture. Many of our clients rely on hydraulic systems for their businesses. As a Southern California fuel supplier, we are happy to provide the needed lubricants and fluids for hydraulic systems.
Interestingly, one of the reasons hydraulic systems are so widely used is the California Gold Rush. To excavate faster, hydraulic mining systems were designed to create high-pressure jets to access the gold faster. Large machines 16 to 18 feet long were developed during the Gold Rush. And after it was over, the application was adapted for construction and agricultural work. This design expanded the use of hydraulic machinery, and soon the technology was being used for various applications.
As a fuel supplier, many of our clients rely on hydraulics systems found in machinery like forklifts, bobcats, tractors. In fact, two of our most sold products are used in hydraulic systems. Here’s a quick overview of two of our most ordered products.
- Chevron 1000 THF is a multifunctional tractor hydraulic fluid designed for transmissions, wet brakes, hydraulic systems of tractors, and other heavy equipment. It stands apart by offering excellent protection against scuffing and wear, even in difficult operating conditions. Chevron 1000 THF helps protect against rust and corrosion, even in humid conditions, and maintains efficiency and long equipment life. Many of our customers trust this product to keep their machinery in tip-top shape year-round and lower their overall operating costs.
- Rando® HD hydraulic oils from Chevron is another commonly ordered product. This hydraulic oil offers many of the same benefits as the Chevron 1000 THF oil, but it is designed for mobile and stationary stations.
These are some of the ordered products we offer. Choosing the right hydraulic fluids is only one of the steps you should take to protect your hydraulic systems. If you want to keep your equipment in great working condition and avoid costly downtime, you need to follow proper hydraulic maintenance procedures. Here are a few common mistakes you should take care to avoid.
- Changing the oil too frequently. Every piece of equipment your business uses probably comes with a maintenance schedule. That schedule is determined based on the hours the machinery is in service and not the machinery’s actual condition or the work it is being used for. For example, a logger in Northern California who uses a tractor to move supplies, dirt, and trees operates in vastly different circumstances than a farmer in Southern California. Yet, they may have the same maintenance schedule according to their manual. Poorly timed maintenance can be hard on your equipment. Hydraulic oil should only be changed when the additive is depleted, or the base oil has degraded. Neither of these things can be determined by the amount of time the machinery has been in use. The only way to truly know when it’s time to switch out your oil is to perform regular oil analysis on your machinery. We offer this program to our customers, and it’s a great cost-saving measure. Using the results of your tested samples, you can determine a proper maintenance schedule. The right schedule can save money on new supplies, avoid maintenance downtime, and keep your machinery in good operating order.
- Using the wrong oil. Choosing the right fluids for your equipment is crucial. We’ve outlined two products that work great, but they may not be the best for your needs. You have to evaluate your oil needs against your working conditions and how you use your equipment. Hydraulic oil is susceptible to contamination and temperature swings. A slight change can affect the viscosity and performance of your lubricants. If your oil becomes too hot, it may not provide adequate lubrication. Too cold and the oil may gum up, and your equipment may not start. Considering the heat waves we regularly get here in Southern California, it’s important to make sure that you choose a hydraulic oil that can handle high temperatures and provide adequate protection for your machinery.
- Cleaning out the reservoir. Many hydraulic machines have a reservoir that holds oil. Part of regular hydraulic maintenance is periodically draining and cleaning this reservoir. Many operators have put off this task for years and often find surprising things when they finally do attempt the task. It’s not uncommon to find rags, sludge, and debris in a reservoir that has been improperly serviced. This is another area where regular oil analysis can help. If contaminants are present in your oil from a poorly serviced reservoir, your lab results will show this, and you’ll know that it’s time to clean it out.
- Changing engine filters too often or not enough. If you do it too often, you’re wasting money on filters and downtime on the repairs. If you wait too long, you risk contaminants getting into your equipment. Again, oil analysis is the key here for finding the right timing for your filter needs. By regularly testing your supplies, you can determine if your filter’s dirt holding capacity has been met.
- Poor understanding of the hydraulic systems. As common as hydraulic systems have become in the workplace, many operators don’t always know their machinery’s ins and outs. Poor troubleshooting techniques or a lack of basic knowledge can lead to common mistakes that can damage equipment or lead to unnecessary downtime. Make sure that your team is properly trained on hydraulic system principles and maintenance. Keep hydraulic schematics and maintenance manuals handy, and don’t be afraid to consult experts when a problem arises.
Over the years, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients who employ hydraulic systems at the job site and in the workplace. This equipment is essential to these operators. When breakdowns occur, it costs businesses time and money. That’s why proper maintenance is so important. We help our customers maintain their hydraulic systems by offering high-quality hydraulic fluids from Chevron. We also offer an oil analysis program to help our customers stay on top of their lubricant quality and troubleshoot potential improvement areas. If you use hydraulic systems at your business, call us today for all of your hydraulic fluid needs.