Protect Your Hydraulic System from Hidden Killers

Hydraulic oil is the lifeblood of your hydraulic system — and just like blood, it needs to be clean and compatible to keep everything running smoothly. In mobile equipment such as earthmoving machinery and agricultural tools, keeping that oil contamination-free is mission-critical. The wrong oil or even a microscopic contaminant can lead to costly breakdowns and irreversible damage.

Why Clean Hydraulic Oil Matters

The cleanliness of hydraulic oil isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s non-negotiable. Contaminants are the number one cause of hydraulic system failure. Dirt, dust, water, and other particles may seem insignificant, but they can devastate components like servo valves and seals. Understanding how contamination affects your system is the first step to prevention.

Types of Hydraulic System Failures

1. Degradation Failure

This sneaky failure creeps in slowly. Symptoms include sluggish operation, overheating, and pressure loss. Often ignored until it’s too late, degradation is usually caused by poor filtration. Regular checks and well-maintained filters are your best defence.

2. Transient Failure

Short-lived yet serious, transient failures happen when particles temporarily block component function. They may not raise alarms immediately, but repeated disruptions lead to unpredictable and unreliable system behaviour.

3. Catastrophic Failure

This is the nightmare scenario—complete system shutdown with no warning. Often caused by large particles that clog narrow passageways, catastrophic failures are usually irreversible and expensive to repair. Once they happen, it’s game over for your hydraulic system.

Where Contamination Comes From

Built-In Contamination

Even before your system goes to work, contaminants may already be lurking—left behind from manufacturing and assembly. These include metal shavings, weld slag, and paint. The solution? Always flush the system before commissioning new equipment.

Ingressed Contamination

In the field, dust and dirt constantly try to invade your system—especially in agriculture, construction, and mining environments. The key to control? Fit-for-purpose filtration that’s robust enough for your operating conditions.

Generated Contamination

Contaminants can also be born within the system itself. This includes wear particles from rust, abrasion, or metal-to-metal contact. These amplify wear in a destructive cycle known as three-body abrasion. Filtration won’t stop this entirely—but it will reduce the damage significantly.

How to Stay in Control

Protecting your hydraulic system means being proactive:

• Use the right hydraulic fluid for your specific equipment and operating environment.

• Implement a filtration system designed for your application.

• Perform regular maintenance and filter replacements.

• Introduce oil analysis to detect issues early and extend equipment life.

Don’t wait for failure to strike. Clean oil, proper maintenance, and vigilant monitoring are your best allies in the fight against hydraulic system breakdowns.

Need help choosing the right hydraulic oil for your application? Contact our team for expert advice.