Which maintenance practice is essential for prolonging the life of hydraulic components?

Regularly changing the hydraulic fluid is crucial for prolonging the life of hydraulic components because hydraulic fluid serves several vital functions in the system. It acts as a medium for power transmission, dissipates heat, lubricates moving parts, and helps prevent corrosion within the system. Over time, hydraulic fluid can degrade due to contamination, thermal breakdown, and moisture absorption, which can lead to reduced lubrication effectiveness, formation of sludge, and the presence of harmful particles that can damage components like pumps and actuators.

By maintaining clean, high-quality hydraulic fluid through regular changes, the system operates more efficiently and components experience less wear and tear, resulting in fewer breakdowns and extended service life. Monitoring the fluid condition, including its viscosity, cleanliness, and additives, ensures that the hydraulic system remains in optimal working condition.

In contrast, increasing system pressure periodically could lead to excessive stress on components, potentially causing premature failure. Using lower-grade lubricants compromises the lubrication quality, leading to increased friction and wear. Neglecting system cleanliness introduces contaminants that can harm hydraulic components, resulting in decreased efficiency and reliability.