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How to Winterize Hydraulic Hoses of Construction Equipment

Nov 27, 2023

It's essential to prepare the hydraulic hoses of your construction equipment for the cold season, especially if any part of your equipment will be exposed to severe winter weather and temperatures. Otherwise, you risk mechanical issues and equipment failure that result in costly repairs and downtime. Here are some steps you can take to protect your hydraulic hoses from winter weather.

Inspect and Clean Hydraulic Hoses

Begin by thoroughly inspecting all hydraulic hoses to ensure they are in working order. Look for any signs of:

Normal wear and tear
Damage to the hoses, fittings, and fasteners
Signs of incompatible fittings
Leaks
Kinks or too much torsion in the line
Signs of abrasion from friction
Inconsistent pressure or signs of blockages
The hose specifications ensure that they can withstand the closest temperatures that they could possibly be exposed to.

Replace or repair damaged hoses and faulty parts. Clean both new and existing hoses and connections to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants.

Check Hydraulic Fluid and Lubricate Parts

Cold weather can affect hydraulic fluid's viscosity, so make sure the fluid in your construction equipment is suitable for the temperature and weather conditions they will be exposed to. Consult your equipment's manual or supplier for specific recommendations.

Proper lubrication is vital in cold weather to keep your construction equipment working smoothly. Lubricate all moving parts, such as joints, pistons, and cylinders, according to manufacturer instructions for winter weather. Replace any parts that may not be suitable for freezing temperatures, ice, and other environmental factors. These steps will prevent parts from freezing and seizing up in the cold.

Protect Exposed Hoses

Exposed hydraulic hoses are susceptible to freezing and damage in winter. Their porous surfaces can become brittle and crack as they are exposed to extreme or fluctuating temperatures. To prevent cracks and leaks:

Use insulated wraps and sleeves to create a barrier between exposed pipes and winter weather.
When feasible, use temporary shelters or outdoor heaters during unusual weather patterns to protect vulnerable areas.
Make sure they are sheltered from heavy snow and ice deposits that could put extra strain on their fasteners and lower their fluid temperatures.
Inspect any exposed and sleeved pipes after extreme weather storms.
If possible, actively monitor fluid temperatures for signs the hydraulic hoses are compromised.

These protective measures will maintain the hoses' flexibility and prevent cracking.

Run and Shelter Equipment and Spare Parts

Letting equipment and hoses sit unused in freezing conditions risks frozen parts, ice buildup, blockages, and other issues. Store your spare parts and unused construction equipment in a dry, climate-controlled indoor space.

Extra care of resting equipment is necessary to prevent hydraulic fluid from becoming too thick and sluggish in cold temperatures. Start and run your equipment regularly, even if you do not plan to use it immediately. Before using equipment that sat unused in the cold, run it for about an hour to warm the parts and fluid before using.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Despite your best efforts, emergencies can still happen in winter. Always have a cold-weather emergency kit on hand, including spare hydraulic hoses, hydraulic fluid, and necessary tools for quick repairs. Also, make sure you have a supplier who can provide expert advice and parts fast.

Let Action Supply Help You Winterize Your Hydraulic Construction Equipment

Action Supply’s representatives are committed to taking the stress off your shoulders. Our inventory management ensures you always have the part you need, and we will even assemble the hoses on-site for you. Contact us today to make sure your hydraulic lines are fully winterized.

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How to Extend the Life-Expectancy of Your Hydraulic Hoses in The Texas Gulf Coast Area

07 May, 2024

Learn how to maximize hydraulic hose lifespan in the Texas Gulf Coast area. Factors like extreme temperatures, contamination, and fitting compatibility affect longevity. Follow manufacturer guidelines and spot signs of wear for timely replacements. Action Supply offers expert advice and quality parts for optimal performance.

Protecting Your Industrial Hose Assemblies From Flooding

22 Feb, 2024

Spring is rapidly approaching in Houston, Texas. While it brings warmer temperatures, it is also a time for heavy rains and severe weather in this area. Here are practical steps to safeguard your hose assemblies from flooding before the spring storms come into play. Determine Which Areas on Your Sites Are Vulnerable to Flooding If you are working at a new site, you can utilize tools like community records and FEMA’s Flood Map to assess the area’s flood risk. Also, note any low-lying areas on the site where water tends to collect during rain. Also, note which areas are slowest to drain or will require additional equipment to drain in the event of a flood. Elevate Equipment and Parts Inventory Store hose assemblies and related equipment in elevated locations to minimize water exposure. Before the spring storms start, make sure your equipment is positioned out of flash floods and the average flood levels for the area. Utilize elevated platforms, racks, or shelves to keep hoses and fittings above potential flood levels. Designate storage areas away from flood-prone zones Check to ensure all equipment is above areas that collect water, especially any new equipment or assemblies. Keep hoses and pipelines that can not be waterproofed above ground level. Install hangers, clamps, or supports to secure hoses along walls, ceilings, or elevated structures. Make sure they are secured against heavy wind gusts over 35 mph to avoid kinking, scraping, and other wear on suspended parts during heavy weather fronts and other storms. Waterproof Storage Containers Water and humidity can shorten the life of your spare parts and contaminate the hoses with mold, silt, and other materials. Utilize waterproof storage containers or cabinets to protect your inventory. Ensure containers are securely sealed to withstand heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Invest in Flood Barriers When necessary, install flood barriers, berms, or containment walls to divert water away from critical areas of your sites. You can also store sandbags, concrete blocks, or water-inflated flood barriers to quickly create barriers against rising water levels. Regularly inspect and maintain flood barriers and related equipment to ensure they are ready for severe weather events. Make Sure Drainage Systems are Clear Clear debris, sediment, and vegetation from drains, gutters, and culverts to prevent blockages and facilitate unobstructed water flow. If any drainage areas seem sluggish, prioritize inspections and repairs in those areas. Update Your Emergency Response Planning Develop or update your comprehensive emergency response plan so the entire staff and team know what to do and who to turn to during extreme weather events. Define roles and responsibilities for personnel during a flooding event, including electrical safety, shutdown, and evacuation procedures. Establish communication channels and make sure all contact information is up-to-date. Delays due to outdated numbers can be costly. Conduct regular training exercises and drills to ensure employees are prepared to respond effectively during flooding incidents. Make sure safety and first aid equipment is inspected and ready for use. Action Supply Has Helped Industrial Sites Stay Equipped since 1981 Don’t let a flood get in the way of your site’s processes. Our experts have decades of local experience on the best ways to protect your inventory from flooding incidents, and our inventory management service ensures you have the parts you need when you need them. Contact us today!

Detecting and Fixing Hydraulic Hose Leaks

31 Jan, 2024

Hydraulic hose leaks can lead to downtime, costly repairs, and safety hazards. Here is how your team can effectively detect and fix hydraulic hose leaks before they become a large issue. Detecting Hydraulic Hose Leaks Detecting a leak early is critical to reducing the overall costs of cleanup, repairs, downtime, and safety hazards. Here are a few ways to actively monitor your systems for the first signs of a leak and ways to pinpoint its location. Auditory Inspection Sometimes, you can detect leaks by listening for unusual sounds. These include: Hissing or whistling sounds near the hoses that indicate something escaping from a small opening. Ticking, rumbles, or high-pitched whining from the machines as air enters or fluid levels fall. If needed, you can use equipment that amplifies sound to help make detection easier. Visual Inspection Look for oil spots, puddles, or damp areas near the hoses, indicating potential leaks. Check for cracked or bulging hoses, as these are common signs of deterioration. Check fittings and joints for signs of corrosion Gently place a piece of paper or cardboard near the hoses while the system is running. If hydraulic fluid drips onto the paper, it will leave a visible stain Use a specialized fluid dye for hydraulic systems. When it passes through the hose, it will escape and make the leak points more visible. Check with our experts to make sure you use a dye compatible with your system. Pressure and Performance Testing If you notice decreased or erratic performance in the system, the most common and repairable source of this issue could be a leak. Live detection and monitoring equipment can help you catch these issues in real-time. If a leak is suspected but not visible, consider pressure testing the hydraulic system to identify the problem area. Fixing Hydraulic Hose Leaks Once you've detected a hydraulic hose leak, prompt action is essential. Here's how to fix the issue. Isolate the System Shut down the equipment or machinery and turn off the power source to prevent accidentally turning it on during repairs. Isolate the affected area and reduce the excess fluid pressure to prevent spills, puddles, and other hazards. Replace or Repair If you choose to patch a small leak with specialized epoxies or stop leak fluids, make sure to treat it as a short-term solution, as the integrity of the hose is already compromised. This should only be done to find a better downtime or to allow time for a replacement part to come in. Larger leaks need to be fully repaired to be fully safe. Replacements and repairs will depend on the location of the leak and the hydraulic system. Typically, this will involve removing the line, installing a matching line, and making sure all seals and fittings are secure. Use high-quality replacement hoses and fittings to ensure longevity. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for hose replacement and repair. Use the correct tools and techniques to ensure a secure and leak-free connection. Contact the manufacturer or your inventory supply experts for questions, troubleshooting, and best practices. Test the Repairs After fixing the hydraulic hose, conduct a thorough test to ensure the leak is resolved. Perform regular short-term checks to ensure the repairs are successful, then regular maintenance to continue catching future issues early. Action Supply Experts Offer Inventory Management and On-Site Hose Assembly Reduce downtime and costly errors while fixing hydraulic hose leaks with our expert services. We are driven to meet and exceed industry standards with superior equipment that you can trust to perform the way you need it to every time.