In modern industrial environments, ensuring hydraulic systems operate efficiently and safely is essential for maintaining productivity and minimising downtime. The Motion Engineering and Services Team, a recognised leader in hydraulic system maintenance and optimisation, offers a range of comprehensive solutions designed to keep machinery running at peak performance.
The Motion Engineering and Services Team conducts detailed pressure and flow testing to ensure hydraulic systems are performing at their designed capacity. A reduction in pressure or flow can cause significant operational delays, affecting overall productivity. Motion uses advanced diagnostic tools such as pressure transducers to test these parameters, identifying issues before they escalate into larger problems.
Maintaining the correct hydraulic fluid levels is essential for the smooth operation of hydraulic systems. Motion’s team checks fluid levels to prevent issues such as pump cavitation, which can lead to significant damage. When fluid levels are found to be low, Motion ensures the correct type of fluid is used for topping up, as mixing incompatible oils can compromise system performance. If the current fluid type is unknown or uncertain, Motion’s engineers recommend a complete fluid replacement to prevent complications related to viscosity or additive breakdown. Clean hydraulic fluid is vital for maintaining system pressure and preventing damage. Contaminated fluids can increase wear and tear on pumps, valves, and other components, leading to reduced performance and premature failures. Motion’s team conducts filtration checks as part of their preventative maintenance services, ensuring that hydraulic fluid remains free from contaminants. If filters are found to be clogged or ineffective, they are promptly replaced to maintain proper fluid cleanliness and system integrity. Filtration checks are a key part of hydraulic fluid management. By ensuring that filters are working properly, Motion helps prevent damage from particle buildup, keeping systems running efficiently under high pressure.
Motion’s approach to hydraulic system maintenance is both detailed and preventative. Their team specialises in checking vital components such as accumulators and high-pressure hoses to ensure they meet safety and performance standards. Accumulators, which are crucial for maintaining pressure in hydraulic systems, undergo regular checks for pre-charge pressure, external wear, and potential leakage. Since accumulators are pressure vessels, they must adhere to strict Australian standards, with internal inspections required after 12 years of service to assess their continued usability. Motion’s expert technicians are well-equipped to handle all aspects of accumulator servicing. This includes replacing damaged bladders, replenishing the nitrogen pre-charge, and ensuring all safety standards are met before the accumulator is returned to service.
High-pressure hoses play an integral role in hydraulic systems, with pressures that can reach up to 10,000 PSI. These hoses require routine inspection for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks, as even a minor defect could result in catastrophic failure, potentially leading to oil injection injuries. Motion’s team follows the manufacturer’s recommendation to replace high-pressure hoses every six years, regardless of visible condition. This proactive approach helps avoid unexpected failures and keeps hydraulic systems operating reliably.
Hydraulic audits are a cornerstone of Motion’s maintenance strategy, carried out for two key reasons. First, audits are an ideal initial step in bringing underperforming hydraulic systems back up to standard. Second, they provide the best way to ensure systems run trouble-free for years. A full hydraulic audit begins with a comprehensive design review of the system, followed by detailed on-site assessments and measurements. The audit results in a range of critical insights and recommendations: • Proposals for circuit or component changes to address reliability or performance issues. • Identification of potential safety concerns, such as under-rated pipework, incorrect component use, or hazards that could arise in failure scenarios. • Energy efficiency assessments, along with recommendations for improvement. • A full list of system faults and components in poor condition, helping plan replacements before they fail. • Resetting of adjustable settings like pressure and accumulator pre-charge to their optimal levels. • Immediate repairs to minor faults identified during the audit. • Condition trending for key components like pumps and proportional valves over time. Hydraulic audits are typically performed every 6 to 12 months and may require brief system outages to complete. This regular maintenance strategy has become essential for many customers, ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of critical hydraulic systems. The Motion Engineering and Services Team has earned a reputation as a reliable partner for businesses seeking to maintain and optimise their hydraulic systems. With extensive industry knowledge and a skilled team of engineers, Motion provides proactive maintenance, system optimisation, and repairs that prevent issues before they occur. For more information on how Motion Engineering and Services can assist, reach out today.