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Much more is understood about hydraulic fluid than it was 30 years ago. Once a side note, it's now included as integral part of the system, capable of increasing vehicle efficiency when properly selected and maintained ... or bringing a job to a grinding halt when neglected.
In this issue, we look at a couple of ways construction equipment OEMs are working to ensure their hydraulic systems don't stumble because of bad oil.
Water removal for concrete pumpers
Edited by OEM Off-Highway
At World of Concrete in February, Putzmeister America, Inc., Sturtevant, WI, announced several standard and optional features for its truck-mounted concrete boom pumps, including a hydraulic oil dehydrator and filter.
As explained in Putzmeister's educational resources, water in hydraulic oil can be present as a result of ambient humidity, splashed water, or moisture that slips past seals on cylinders. Water in hydraulic oil promotes degradation and accelerates aging. Water in a hydraulic system will increase cavitation and foaming as well as reduce lubrication, resulting in costly component wear, maintenance and failure.
"Putzmeister's On-board Hydraulic Oil Dehydrator/Filter is specifically designed to efficiently remove water and keep the oil in optimum condition," says Bill Dwyer, vice president – sales and marketing, Putzmeister America. "It is integrated directly into the boom pump and operates continuously while the chassis is running if activated by a dedicated switch in the cab. Pumping operation maintains enough heat in the oil for proper dehydration."
Putzmeister's dehydrator/filter uses dry truck chassis air, as opposed to removable cartridges, to eliminate the negative effects of water in hydraulic oil. It is an optional feature for all Putzmeister truck-mounted concrete boom pumps.
