Hydraulic Hose Repair or Replace? When to Know Its Time

Posted on November 10, 2022November 21, 2022 by admin

Hydraulic Hose Repair or Replace? When to Know Its Time

When your hydraulic hose fails you, it will bring your hydraulic system to a standstill, can put your employees at risk, potentially damage your system, and can lead to a mess of environmental ramifications. The best way to prevent this from happening is to recognize the signs of impending failure, perform replacements before failure occurs, and take measures for foreseeable failures.

Hydraulic Hose Basics

The Hydraulic hose is used to transmit fluid through your hydraulic system, often at very high pressures and speeds. They are vital to the correct operation of your hydraulic system, whether it be a hydraulic power unit or an airport runway, or the hydraulics that power an excavator.

The Main Job of a Hydraulic Hose

Hydraulic hoses must contain fluids while they are being transferred while also protecting the fluid from outside containments. Hose failure means that 1. The hose is no longer able to contain the fluid and/or 2. It can no longer prevent outside containments from getting into the fluid. When a hose fails, it not only affects the system’s performance but can also lead to serious damage and expensive repairs to other components within the system.

Common Hose Issues

Your hydraulic hose should last you between a year or two years with many lasting up to ten years, so if you notice your hoses are failing in less than two years, then there are some external factors that are reducing its lifetime. Temperatures more than the recommended operating temperature, especially if the hose is making direct contact with a component that has extremely high temperatures, can cause a hose to fail. Contact with components that are involved in vibratory motion will lead to surface wear, abrasions, or cuts that can shorten the useful life of a hydraulic hose.

Chemical compatibility can also be another issue that compromises the integrity of the hose and can include the fluid used in the system or external chemicals that the hose comes in contact with. The material of the tube should always be selected to be compatible with the media that will be flowing through it. If there is incompatibility, the house can weaken and eventually fail.

Also, using a hose that is not rated for the operating pressure of the hydraulic system can lead to damaging surge conditions whether the pressure is too high or too low. This incompatibility may be the result of the type of hose material of the type of reinforcement used in the hose. In addition, hydraulic fluid contamination can lead to wear within the hose as well as premature hose failure.

Lastly, your hose assemblies must be put together correctly, and the type of fitting must be compatible with the port it will be used with. The fittings themselves must be installed correctly as well or there can be a risk of a leak or other issues.

Hose Checks

It’s important to check your hoses for heat exposure, sun exposure and signs of again to prevent it from hardening and cracking. You should also look for kinks or excessive twists in the line, which will limit flow and lead to pressure buildup. Flat areas in your line indicate bad routing and could mean that the hose is pulling a vacuum or been pinched.

Check to make sure your house is not rubbing on anything sharp and that no parts of it are worn or deeply cut. You should also inspect for leaks, especially at connection points, which are the most common points of failure.

Repair or Replace?

Deciding if you should repair or replace a hose relies on one simple rule: when in doubt, replace it. Any type of damage to the length of the hose will compromise the integrity of its walls and can prevent it from holding fluid under a certain pressure, so you’ll want to replace it. Often, the damage occurs at the end of the hose or at a point of connection. Sometimes, to fix it, you’ll need to simply tighten a fitting, but in other cases, you might need to replace the O-ring. In some cases, the fitting breaks but there is enough room left at the end of the hose. If that is the case then you’ll need to remove the fitting and install a new one.

However, in some cases, such as with a brake flex line, the hose should be replaced. Smart preventative services can also be taken, such as installing hose protectors at the first sign of any minor wear. Never open or attempt to repair a hose that is under any type of pressure, and always, always wear appropriate eye and hand protection.

Hoses keep things flowing, and with regular maintenance checks, they can do their job. Now that you know what to look for in a hydraulic hose, you can take smart action at the first sign of any wear or tear.

If you’re looking for any type of hydraulic hose repairs or services, the All Phase Hydraulics team is here to help! We offer hydraulic hose repair for your machinery! Contact us for more information.

Protect Your Hydraulic Cylinders from Extreme Heat and Cold

Posted on September 9, 2022September 9, 2022 by admin

Protect Your Hydraulic Cylinders from Extreme Heat and Cold

Your hydraulic systems are made to handle demanding work conditions and harsh environments. But even the most rugged, high-performing equipment can fail due to certain harsh conditions. In work environments that involve high and low temperatures, the hydraulic cylinders and the components of these robust systems are prone to damage.

Whether you operate mobile or industrial hydraulic equipment, use these tips below to help you understand the effects of high and low temperatures on your hydraulic systems and how to protect them from damage.

Protecting Your Hydraulic Cylinders in Extreme Heat

All hydraulic systems generate heat during operation. Extremely high temperatures, however, either from mechanical or environmental sources, can do hard on your hydraulic system.

High Temperatures and Hydraulic Fluid Viscosity

You know how oil will thin out once you add it to a hot pan? Well, heat has the same effect on hydraulic fluid and lubricants. Heat is actually considered a type of hydraulic cylinder fluid contamination because of how it changes the chemical properties which result in lower fluid viscosity and oxidation. The changes heat causes affect how well fluid lubricates the hydraulic cylinder components. Inadequate lubrication increases friction, which makes your hydraulic cylinders and components more prone to damage and wear.

Changes to Hydraulic Cylinder Seals and Hoses in High Temperatures

Extremely high temperatures can alter material properties, causing the seals and hoses to lose resistance to tearing, abrasion, or friction. Seals that have been compromised can introduce moisture, grime, and air into your hydraulic fluid and cause your system to fail. Construction and other applications that involve prolonged exposure to extreme heat should consider Viton, PTFE, or other materials with high-temperature ratings.

Protecting Hydraulic Cylinders in Extreme Cold

All Phase Hydraulics is based in Michigan, so we know cold! We also know that exposure to low temperatures is hard on your hydraulic cylinders, especially the seals and fluid.

Low Temperatures and Hydraulic Fluid Viscosity

Hydraulic fluid has a freezing point of -10 F (-23 C), but even temperatures above the freezing point can change the fluid viscosity. Cold temperatures cause the fluid to thicken, making it more difficult for the fluid to move through your system. Lubricants are also sensitive to extreme temperatures and can harden or lose lubricity in extreme cold.

Using hydraulic fluid with a lower viscosity grade can help prevent hydraulic cylinder failure in those colder temperatures. Another way to maintain the fluid viscosity in colder temperatures is using an externally mounted heat source. There are many different types of heating elements you can purchase to keep the hydraulic fluid at the right temperature and viscosity.

How Cold Affects Cylinder Seals and Components

Elastomer and thermoplastic hydraulic seals will shrink and harden under cold conditions, which make the sealed components more prone to leaks. Worn deals cause hydraulic cylinder failure, so it’s crucial to protect your seal components from lower temperatures.

Temperature ratings for hydraulic hoses and seals vary widely because of what material they are made out of. If you plan to use your hydraulic cylinders in frigid temperatures, choose components that have a low temp rating and are compatible with your hydraulic fluid type.

Preventative Maintenance and Using the Right Parts Make a Difference

Performing regular preventative maintenance paired with understanding your mobile equipment application and its operating environment will protect your hydraulic cylinders and other equipment and keep your hydraulic system in pristine condition. Check your fluid levels regularly and inspect your seals and hoses for any signs of wear. Replace bad fluid and worn parts right away will also prevent bigger issues down the road.

All Phase Hydraulics has the parts you need. Everything from custom cylinders to high-quality replacement parts. Our hydraulic cylinders are made in the USA and designed with you in mind to meet your specific applications and work environment. Contact us to discuss your application requirements!

What Are 3 Types of Hydraulic Pumps

Posted on July 12, 2022July 12, 2022 by admin

What Are 3 Types of Hydraulic Pumps

There are typically 3 types of hydraulic pumps constructions found in the mobile hydraulic applications. These three pumps include gear, piston, and vane. However, we don’t want you to forget about the clutch pumps, dump pumps, and pumps to refuse vehicles such as the dry valve pumps and Muncie power products Live Pak. For the sake of this blog post we are going to answer the question: What are the Main 3 Types of Hydraulic Pumps.

The hydraulic pump is one of the components of the hydraulic system that takes the mechanical energy and converts it into fluid energy in the form of oil flow. The mechanical energy is taken from the prime mover, which a turning force, such as the power take-off or directly from the engine.

There are two designs for a hydraulic pump. Either a uni-rotational or bi-rotational design. The uni-rotational is designed to operate in one direction of the shaft rotation. In contrast, the bi-rotational pump is designed to operate in either direction.

Type of Hydraulic Pump #1: Gear Pump

The most common design for a truck-mounted hydraulic system is the gear pump. This design tends to have fewer moving parts, is easier to service, more tolerant of contamination than other designs, and relatively inexpensive. Gear pumps are fixed displacement, also called positive displacement pumps. Meaning the same volume of flow is produced in each rotation of the pump’s shaft. The gear pumps are rated in terms of their maximum pressure rating, cubic inch displacement, and their maximum input speed limitation.

Gear pumps are mostly used in open-center hydraulic systems. The gear pump will trap oil in the areas between the teeth of the pump’s two gears and in the body of the pump. Then it will transport it around the circumference of the gear cavity and then force it through the outlet port as the gears mesh. Behind the wear plates, a small amount of pressurized oil will push the plates tightly against the gear ends to improve the pump’s efficiency.

Gear Pump Recap

Most common used design
Fewer parts, easier to service, can tolerate more contaminates, relatively inexpensive
Fixed, positive, displacement pumps
Rated in terms of maximum pressure, cubic inch displacement, max input speed limitation
Used in open center hydraulic systems

Type of Hydraulic Pump #2: Piston Pump

Piston pumps are often used when high operating pressures are required. Piston pumps traditionally will withstand higher pressure gear pumps with comparable displacements. However, there is a lower resistance to contaminants, increased complexity, and a higher initial cost. Piston pumps are often used with truck-mounted cranes but can also be found in other applications like snow and ice control where it’s desirable to vary system flow without compromising engine speed.

The piston pump contains a cylinder block with pistons that move in and out within the pump. The movement of the pistons draws from the oil supply port and then forces it through the outlet. The angle of the swash plate, which the slippery end of the piston rides against, will determine the length of the piston’s stroke. With the swash plat being stationary, the cylinder block (encompassing the pistons) will rotate with the pump’s input shaft. The pump displacement is then determined by the total volume of the pump’s cylinders. You can choose either a fixed or variable displacement design for the piston.

Piston Pump Recap

Can withstand higher pressures
Higher initial cost, increased complexity, and lower resistance to contaminants
More moving parts, stricter filtration requirements, and closer tolerances
Truck-mounted cranes or when desirable to vary system flow without compromising engine speed
Fixed and variable displacement options are available

Type of Hydraulic Pump #3: Vane Pump

Vane pumps were commonly used on utility vehicles such as aerial buckets and ladders. Today, the vane pump is not as commonly found in those mobile hydraulic systems. The gear pumps have become more widely accepted and available.

Within a vane pump, as the input shaft rotates it causes the oil to pick up between the vanes of the pump which then will be transported to the pump’s outlet side. Similar to how gear pumps work, there is one set of vanes, rather than a pair of gears, on a rotating cartridge in the pump housing. When the area between the vanes decreases on the outlet side and increases on the inlet of the side pump, the oil is then drawn in through the supply port and expelled through the outlet as the vane cartridge rotates due to the change in the area.

Vane Pump Recap

Was used in utility vehicles, but is not as common today since gear pumps are more widely accepted and available

All Phase Hydraulics has various hydraulic pumps and motors that can work with any application equipment you might have. We are proud suppliers of hydraulic pumps and motors from Young Powertech Hydraulics & Dynamic Fluid Components.

How Often Should I Refinish the Chrome on my Equipment?

Posted on May 12, 2022May 12, 2022 by admin

How Often Should I Refinish the Chrome on my Equipment?

The longevity of rechroming services on your equipment largely depends on the condition and environment in which you most frequently work in. Most experts recommend rechroming services every couple of decades in non-wear circumstances, even if you work in harsh conditions. Factors that will require rechroming services are commonly determined by:

The thickness of your current chrome plating layer
How often regular equipment maintenance and proper routine care are performed
The quality of chrome plating materials

The chrome plating not only provides a clean and attractive finish but also is intended to protect your equipment from wear, impact, and corrosion. If you notice early signs of damage or rust then you may need rechroming services sooner than later.

Benefits of Rechroming Services for your Equipment

The rechroming process involves using an electrical current to apply a thin layer of metallic chromium on a surface. When a proper thickness layer of coating is applied to your equipment like hydraulic cylinders, pistons, and other mechanical components, it delivers durable and dependable protection against any excessive wear and corrosion buildup.

Ever wonder why steel and other materials and naturally strong and can withstand heavy duty use yet you still need to invest in chrome refinishing services? Well, by having the chrome plated on your equipment routinely refinished, you can have an extra layer for better wear and rust resistance for improved performance as well as the following rechroming benefits:

Added flexibility to apply hard chrome on a range of different materials including brass, copper, and stainless steel.
Ability to finish those irregular surfaces and shapes that are hard to reach inside holes, tight spaces, and bores.
Increasingly long-term protection capacity with a decreased risk of flaking or delamination during the coating’s lifespan.
Low-temperature application, causing little damage or effects on the substrate metal surface.

When you invest in quality chroming services that prevent corrosion, improves wear resistance, and increases the materials hardness- you can expect to minimize additional operating expenses and reduce work downtime.

Before Rechroming Service

After Rechroming Service

Why Choose All Phase Hydraulics for Your Rechroming Services?

All Phase Hydraulics is dedicated to helping you improve your business and continue your operations. We offer custom rechroming services for your cylinders to keep your productivity high and your repair costs low. Our premium, multi-step rechroming services will get your cylinders where they need to be in order to keep you working and your business in motion. It is important to get your cylinders rechromed before it becomes a problem.

Give Us a Call Today to Learn More!

Hydraulic Fluid 101: Everything You Need to Know When Choosing a Hydraulic Fluid for Your System

Posted on March 14, 2022March 14, 2022 by admin

Hydraulic Fluid 101: Everything You Need to Know When Choosing a Fluid for Your System

Your pumps may become inefficient or even fail simply because you have used the wrong type of hydraulic fluid. How do you know if you are using the right kind of fluid for your specific hydraulic pump? The answer to that question is it’s dependent on several factors, including the type of pump you have, its maximum operating temperature, its maximum operating pressure, and the type of material that was used to make the pump’s seals.

Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic fluid can serve multiple purposes in a hydraulic system and its components including pumps. The purposes of hydraulic fluid include:

Lubricating Components within the Hydraulic System

Preventing Corrosion

Dissipating Heat

Transmitting Energy

Mainly, the most important factor of the hydraulic fluid is the ability of the fluid to transmit energy, but that can be compromised if too much heat is trapped within the pump, internal components are allowed to corrode, or there is not enough lubrication to prevent surface damage of the internal components.

Why the Hydraulic Fluid is Important for Pumps

The hydraulic pump is known to be the heart of the hydraulic system, and if the wrong fluid is used it can impact the pump’s performance and life expectancy. This being said, the use of a fluid that is poorly matched to the pump can lead to a failure that can cause cascading issues throughout the system. Issues that can arise if the wrong fluid is used include:

Excessive Heat Generation

Formation of Sludge and Varnish

Erosion and Excessive Surface Wear

Reduced Component Life

Significantly Reduces System Efficiency

If you notice any of these systems, it may be time to research a better-suited hydraulic fluid for your system.

Key Properties of Hydraulic Fluids

It’s important to understand what properties are important for your particular application before selecting a fluid for your system. The most important characteristics of hydraulic fluids include their viscosity, lubrication, thermal properties, flammability, stability, and foaming.

Viscosity

Viscosity is a measure of the fluid’s resistance to flow, with honey being an example of high viscosity, water being an example of medium-level viscosity, and most gases exhibit very low viscosity. It is closely related to temperature, with hydraulic fluids becoming more viscous as temperature, with hydraulic fluids becoming more viscous as the temperature drops.

If a hydraulic fluid has a viscosity that is too high, the system will not run efficiently due to the losses involved in overcoming the resistance of the fluid to move. Additionally, damage can occur because components within the system will not be fully lubricated. However, if the viscosity is too low, there can still be some lubrication issues and the fluid might not be as effective at transmitting energy.

Lubrication

A good hydraulic fluid will serve as a lubricant throughout the system, protecting critical surfaces from damage and preventing metal-to-metal contact. In some instances, a hydraulic system or pump might require a hydraulic fluid with some additives to help maintain its lubricity in the presence of high pressures.

Thermal Properties

It’s important to keep in mind the system’s range of operating temperatures so the hydraulic fluid will remain stable and be able to maintain the desired viscosity. This can be a huge issue for equipment that is exposed to outdoor temperatures, especially when the temperatures drop below freezing. In addition, the fluids need to be able to dissipate the heat that is generated by pressure drops and friction.

Flammability

Hydraulic fluid should have a high flashpoint when being used in an explosive or highly flammable environment. The flashpoint is the temperature that the hydraulic fluid gives off enough vapor to ignite in the air. However, keep in mind that hydraulic fluids can easily ignite if they are discharged under high enough pressure to produce a fine oil mist. Hydraulic fluids should have a non-petroleum makeup or contain a large amount of water If flammability is an issue.

Stability

If possible, the hydraulic fluid should be non-volatile. It should remain both physically and chemically stable in the presence of extreme pressure fluctuations, a wide operating temperature range, and even long-term storage.

Foaming

Another potential issue to look out for with hydraulic fluids is foaming, which occurs when the hydraulic fluid releases trapped gases. Foaming is a result of increased system temperatures as well as a loss of hydraulic fluid as the gases are released.

Types of Hydraulic Fluid

There are three types of basic hydraulic fluid: water-based, petroleum-based, and synthetic. Each type has its own characteristics that make it ideal for certain systems. In addition, there are some fluids that are ideal for applications that can affect the environment.

Water-Based Hydraulic Fluid

This is the oldest type of hydraulic fluid but in modern times is not used as much as the other types. Keep in mind that while water may not be as effective at lubrication, it’s ideal for situations where the possibility of fire is a concern. Water-based fluids tend to be cheaper than synthetic fluids but still more expensive than petroleum-based fluids.

Petroleum-Based Hydraulic Fluid

This type of hydraulic fluid is far more commonly used than water-based fluids and is a cheaper alternative to synthetic fluids. There are various types of petroleum-based fluids that are different from each other based on how the petroleum products were processed:

Group I: Produced from Solvent Neutral Mineral Oils

Group II: Comprised of Hydroprocessed Base Oil

Group III: Comprised of Hydrocracked Base Oils

Additives comprise about 1% or less of petroleum-based fluids but have a tremendous impact on hydraulic fluid performance. Key additive package components include antioxidants, anti-wear components, foam inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, and rust inhibitors.

Synthetic

This type of hydraulic fluid is man-made and designed specifically for providing high-performance properties that work well in flammable environments. Synthetic hydraulic fluids are the most expensive but work better than other types of fluids when exposed to extreme temperature variations and high pressures. However. Unlike petroleum-based and water-based fluids, they may be incompatible with certain seal materials and can be toxic.

Let's Wrap It Up on Hydraulic Fluids

Unless your system is bring used in a very flammable environment, either petroleum-based or synthetic fluids should work well. The viscosity of fluid- which is one of the most important factors involved when selecting a hydraulic fluid- is heavily dependent on both temperature and pressure, with low-temperature working conditions requiring a lower-viscosity fluid. Additionally, the fluid needs to be chemically compatible with the seals used in the pump; this is typically a problem related to the use of synthetic fluids.

All Phase Hydraulics offers maintenance plans to help meet your preventative maintenance needs and goals- and this includes making sure that the most appropriate hydraulic fluid is being used in your system.

Contact Us Today to Find Out How We Can Help Your Hydraulic Systems Achieve Peak Performance.

Hydraulic Hose Specifications

Posted on January 13, 2022April 19, 2022 by admin

Hydraulic Hose Specifications

For each use of hydraulics, there is a specific hydraulic hose that is suitable for the job. Selecting the right hydraulic hose specifications for your hydraulic hose is critical for optimal performance and preventing damaging or injurious failures. While all hoses have finite and expected lifespans, there are many factors that contribute to the longevity of your hose. By understanding factors that contribute to hose lifespans and failures, you can make informed decisions regarding the type of hose required for your given situation.

Hose Construction

Hydraulic hoses can be constructed out of a variety of different materials. Including composites, elastomers, metals, polymers, silicone, and thermoplastics, just to name a few. The materials that are used for a specific hose will determine the situations in which the hose is meant to be used and even the type of hydraulic fluid that flows through it. Each hose is made of three layers: the inner tubing, wire reinforcement, and exterior shell.

Inner Tubing

The inner tubing of hydraulic hoses is often constructed of plastic or rubber. This is the part of the hose that comes into contact with the fluid and so it must be made out of the right material for the fluid type. For example, some fluids may break down the rubber material, and so the host must be made out of plastic. Having the right material for your inner tubing helps prevent hose failure and damage throughout the rest of the hydraulic system.

Wire Reinforcement

Wire reinforcement layers can be made of metal, plastic, or textile depending on the flexibility and strength required. There may be multiple reinforcing layers between the inner and outer layers of a hydraulic hose depending on its durability rating. There are two styles of wire reinforcement that additionally improve the flexibility or strength. Wire braid will offer more flexibility at the cost of some strength, while wire spiral offers increased strength at the cost of some flexibility.

The wire reinforcement is used to counteract bother the internal and external pressure. The internal pressure is the main force the reinforcement acts against, as the highly pressurized hydraulic fluid presses against the walls of the inner tube. The external pressure is less of an issue but can come into play in some other specific situations.

Exterior Shell

The exterior shell acts as a protector for the inner tube and wire reinforcement from the environment. Environmental dangers could come in the form of abrasion, wear, temperature, and even sunlight. The exterior shell is typically made from rubber, plastic, metal, or textile. The exact material chosen will depend on where and how your hose will be used. If the hose is going to be somewhere with more extreme environmental dangers, then it should be made of a more robust material.

Diameter and Length

How the fluid within the hose behaves depends on the hose diameter and length. The inner diameter is the diameter within the most inner tubing where the liquid flows. Pressure drops and increased internal temperatures caused by friction with the tube walls is due to the diameter being too small. If it is too large, it can lead to suboptimal system performance due to the flow. Common inner diameter sizes range from 3/16in. to 25.in.

The outer diameter of the hose is composed of the three-layer structure of the hose as well as the inner diameter. By measuring the difference between the inner and outer diameters, you will get the thickness of the hose wall. This diameter is important to remember for the connection points.

For the hydraulic system the hose length is much more important than you may have realized. The longer the hose is, the more potential there is for pressure drops. Just as with the inner diameters that are too small, this is because there is more contact between the fluid and interior walls which will create friction. And for this reason, it is critical that the hose is the correct length for the location where it is being used.

Operating Conditions

Hydraulic hoses must be able to withstand various conditions within which they are expected to operate. Your hydraulic hoses may be used in environments that require increased water resistance and abrasion, flexibility, temperature resistance and/or pressure resistance.

Abrasion and Wear Resistance

Abrasion and wear are the number one cause of hydraulic hose failure. This damage is caused when hoses rub against each other or other objects within the system. Even if you don’t think the hoses will rub against other objects, the small amount of vibration from the fluid flowing can cause wear over time. For this reason, it’s important to think how abrasion will come into play when routing houses and try to avoid high-abrasion contact.

Pressure Resistance

While external pressure on hoses typically is not an issue outside of specific environments, all hydraulic hoses must be able to withstand their internal pressures. Every hose will have a maximum pressure rating printed on it. This rating should never be exceeded, even with pressure spikes. Exceeding the pressure rating could lead to your hose bursting which may cause injury, damage, and downtime.

Temperature Resistance

Hydraulic hoses have both pressure ratings and temperature rang ratings. If a hose is used in conditions that are too hot for it, it could lead to materials breaking down or even melting. If the temperatures are too cold for the hose, then it could become rigid which will lead to it cracking. You should be considering both the temperature inside and outside of the hose as they both play a major role of the overall temperature.

The temperature of the fluid within the hose can be hundreds of degrees Celsius depending on the hydraulic system and fluids being used. If the internal structure of the hose cannot withstand this, it will fail. These temperatures are generated by friction between the fluid and their interior walls of the hose. The higher the pressure and flow rate, the higher the fluid temperature will be.

Safety Qualities

Lastly, some specialist hoses come with specific safety qualities that make them idea for potentially dangerous situations. Static-resistant hoses are made of conductive or semi-conductive materials that are able to dissipate build-up static electricity. This helps prevent electrical fires from starting. Flame-resistant hoses are a bit different in that they do not actually prevent fires, but rather prevent fires from getting worse. These hoses are able to remain intact even with flames occurring, which prevents them from bursting and fueling the fire with hot hydraulic fluid

All Phase Hydraulics

Here at All Phase Hydraulics, we understand the importance of preventative maintenance, especially when it comes to your hydraulic hoses. Since hoses are the most vulnerable part of any hydraulic system, they will need to be checked regularly for signs of damage and wear. Contact us today if your hydraulic system needs inspection, maintenance, or repairs. Our expert technicians will keep your hydraulics in peak condition.

Does Your Hydraulic Hose Need Inspection, Maintenance, or Repair? Learn More About How We Can Help, Here!

Types of Hydraulic Jacks & Their Uses

Posted on November 2, 2021November 2, 2021 by admin

Types of Hydraulic Jacks & Their Uses

A hydraulic jack is a mechanical device that is used to lift a heavy weight by applying force through a hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic jacks are most commonly used in the Automobile industry to lift vehicles from the ground. There are two types of hydraulic jacks- trolley hydraulic jacks and bottle hydraulic jacks. Both of these jacks perform the same function but have differences in their functioning and making.

Pascal’s law is applied to calculate the force of a hydraulic jack. Two pistons inside a cylinder that mainly work for lifting heavy weight are what hydraulic jacks consist of. The bigger cylinder and small cylinder are connected. The small piston will force the fluid to lift the big piston. The two ball valves work like a check valve that allows flow and stop while pumping.

Pressure = Force X Area

When a bar is inserted to the handle socket and pumping motion is enforced, the hydraulic fluid is forced by the piston and will go through a one-way valve, and then the fluid force acting to the bottom of the bigger cylinder and the ram will go upwards. The other valve is blocked so pressurized fluid can’t back until it is unscrewed. This is how the hydraulic jack works.

Components of Hydraulic Jacks

A Reservoir
Pumps
Cylinder
Piston
Check Valves or Ball Valves
Release Valve

Power Source of Hydraulic Jacks

Hand Power
Air (Compressed)
Electric
Gas

Common Applications of Hydraulic Jacks

Lifting Industrial Heavy Loads
Lifting the Car and Vehicles for Clamping
Lifting or Clamping of Machinery Equipment’s

Types of Hydraulic Jacks

Hydraulic Jack (Bottle Jack and Floor Jack) *Most Commonly Used
Scissor Jack
Hi-Lift Jack
Motorcycle Jack
Trolley Jack

Floor Jack

Scissor Jack

Bottle Jack

The name bottle jack comes from the appearance of it looking like a milk bottle. It rises weight with a vertical shaft that is pumped by a hand lever. Bottle jacks are commonly used in the automobile industry for lifting cars. It is secured by a frame and simply used as a free-standing piece of equipment to allow for repositioning. One of the main advantages of a bottle jack is that it can fit in small and compact places.

Floor Jack

The floor jack shaft is operated horizontally. When the handle is pushed down, the jack lifts the object upward. There are two types of floors jacks, one of them is a mechanical floor jack and the other is a hydraulic floor jack. The main advantage of a floor jack is that it can seat low to the ground and operate speedy.

Mechanical Floor Jack: this type of floor jack is developed with a screwing mechanism. The screw mechanism is used to lift the weight.

Hydraulic Floor Jack: this type is developed with check valves, cylinders, and pistons which help lift the weight.

Scissor Jack

Scissor jacks are smaller in size and easy to store. Turning the lead screw helps lift the weight. You are able to tighten the lead screw by a small crank to draw the linkages together. It is most commonly used to aid in changing tires for cars and vehicles. Scissor jaks tend to operate relatively slow and are somewhat lightweight making them less desirable to use on heavy duty vehicles.

Hi-Lift Jack

Hi-Lift Jacks are commonly used for farming vehicles rather than cars or trucks. Hi-Life Jacks were designed by Bloomfield Manufacturing Company 100+ years back. There are two climbing pins that work alternatively into the Hi-Jack lift, one pin will hold the load and the other is freed and moved to the next whole while lifting. This type of jack is dangerous if you don’t know how to correctly use- please advice a professional before using.

Motorcycle Jack

Just as the name mentions, this type of jack is used to lift motorcycles for cleaning and modifications. It was developed for lifting motorcycles safely and also tends to be used for lifting ATV 4 wheel style vehicles as well.

Trolley Jack

The Trolley Jack was developed to lift a vehicle to be able to work under it to repair or regular maintenance. It is usually designed to lift vehicles and hold into a safe position for a short period of time. The wheels of a trolley jack make slight movements to make up for the shift in the car during weight distribution.

Hydraulic jacks really have many different uses and can be used in to many different ways- whether it’s changing a tire, lifting up your vehicles to look underneath for repairs or maintenance, or even lifting a piece of heavy equipment for repairs. A hydraulic jack allows for the user to exert a large amount of force and power through a small, and simple movement making your next mechanical project just a whole lot easier.

All Phase Hydraulics is proud to carry American Forge & Foundry hydraulic jacks for our customers. AFF is proven to be durable, reliable, and affordable, all while getting the job done efficiently. Check out our line of American Forge Jacks that we offer.

If you’re looking for assistance on which Hydraulic Jack is right for your specific application- feel free to Contact Us today!

Repair, Replace, or Rebuild Your Hydraulic Equipment?

Posted on September 17, 2021September 21, 2021 by admin

Repair, Replace, or Rebuild Your Hydraulic Equipment?

When your hydraulic equipment fails, there is no time to waste when trying to get it back up and running. You have the option to either repair, replace, or rebuild your equipment- but which do you choose? It is becoming more and more popular to rebuild hydraulic equipment rather than purchasing new equipment or having existing equipment repaired. Let’s dive into the reasons behind what a rebuild is and why rebuilds are the more popular choice so when you’re faced with hydraulic equipment failure you can make an informed decision.

What is an Equipment Rebuild?

The definition of a rebuild can vary from shop to shop but typically an equipment rebuild is a piece of equipment that has been previously used and reconditioned for further use. Not only can expert rebuilders restore a piece of equipment to OEM specifications, but they can also exceed the quality of a brand-new machine. A rebuild is different than a repair because a repair’s primary focus is on fixing the individual parts involved in failure. It is also different from purchasing used equipment which usually has not been refurbished or reconditioned.

To properly rebuild equipment, it will be completely dissembled so that each piece can be thoroughly inspected. The parts should be evaluated for damage, wear, and effect on the overall longevity of the component. The replacement and reconditioning of parts are performed as needed, the component is then reassembled, and undergoes thorough quality and performance testing.

Rebuilding Hydraulic Equipment is Less Expensive

The overall popularity of rebuilding hydraulic equipment is due to the lower cost that comes with it. A rebuild typically costs about half the price of a new piece of equipment, and this typically includes hydraulic motors and pumps. While you think repairs might be initially cheaper, it will only be a matter of time before the equipment fails and more repairs will be needed.

In the long run, rebuilds typically end up being cheaper than repairs and are definitely less expensive than purchasing new replacement parts.

Hydraulic Rebuilds are High Quality

Even though rebuilt equipment has been used previously, it represents exceptional value. When your equipment is rebuilt by an expert, it goes through a rigorous process that includes the replacement of seals and bearings, evaluation of individual parts for their remaining life expectancy, replacing those parts that are irreparably damaged, and restoring parts that can be refurbished.

The result that comes from this process is a hydraulic pump or hydraulic motor that is like new- and considerably better than new. It has the potential lifespan of 75% of a brand-new motor or pump, but at about half the price- and who doesn’t love that?!

Considerably Shorter Lead Times for Hydraulic Rebuilds

When choosing to rebuild your hydraulic equipment rather than purchasing new equipment is usually because time is of the essence. A certified rebuild typically involves a much shorter lead time because there is significant time that is spent waiting for replacement parts to possibly be manufactured THEN delivered. The longer you wait for those replacement parts, the longer your machine is down, which creates production cost issues and downtime for employees.

When all these hiccups are taken into consideration, rebuilds are often considered the most economical option. A rebuilt piece of equipment, such as a cylinder or motor, can be refurbished quickly, minimizing your downtime of equipment and staff involved.

Here at All Phase Hydraulics, we will offer you a solid hydraulic rebuild that provides your equipment with the quality and increased lifespan that you need at a price that you can afford. We pride ourselves in performing your rebuilds quickly so that your company can get back to business.

If You Are Looking for Hydraulic Equipment Rebuilds or Repairs Contact Us Today For A Free Quote!

What are Pneumatic Systems & Applications

Posted on July 8, 2021September 17, 2021 by admin

What are Pneumatic Systems & Applications

Pneumatics is when air or gas pressure is being used as the driving force to move or power something. Essentially, pneumatics places compressed air to practical use by moving applications such as tools and machinery used in various industries like engineering, manufacturing, and construction, and others.

How Do Pneumatics Work?

By using clean and dry air, pneumatics is a simple and reliable way to make things move. Pneumatic systems use this compressed air to create mechanical motion and power applications to do work.

Pneumatics makes use of an air compressor to reduce the volume of the air in order to increase its pressure. This then will move through a filter into a pneumatic tubing, where it is controlled by valves before reaching an actuator which does the work at the end of the process. That could be a cylinder, or a device that performs a function, for example, lifting, moving, or gipping.

How Do I Choose a Pneumatic System?

Pneumatic Systems can be used as an alternative to electric actuators and motors by driving linear and rotary motion applications. Pneumatic Systems differ from Hydraulic Systems as they use smaller loads and produce less force. Also, since air is easy to compress, pneumatics can absorb excessive shock.

As the manufacturing industry continues to make advances, and with developments in seals like corrosion resistance, the conditions in which pneumatics systems can be used has continued to increase. Pneumatics are such a versatile way to power tools and machinery, which keep them an important technology in a number of industries.

When selecting a pneumatic system, consider what you require in terms of your operating sequence. They work in a linear and rotary motion and is a simple way to activate an output motion or apply a force. You also should consider the pressure and flow requirements for the best possible performance.

Flow and pressure are different and should be controlled separately. The regulation of pressure in compressed air systems does not accurately control the flow, which could lead to an increase in energy costs. Whereas pressure is a force applied across a given area, the flow is the actual volume of compressed air being moved in a given time. Greater pressure over a small area can be the same as lower pressure over a larger area. Flow control works by restricting the orifice through which air can flow- as it closes, less air can flow, at a given pressure, in a given time.

Maintaining pneumatics and pneumatic systems is generally a low cost, but care should be taken to monitor leaks and corrosion. Also, by applying a filtration system and monitoring the air supply will also ensure your equipment to perform how it should.

Pneumatic Applications

Pneumatics are prevalent in commercial vehicles, the energy sector, including oil and gas and power generation industries, and food and beverage, from blow molding bottles through to process automation and packaging. They are also used across the manufacturing industry to power factory automation systems and is typically seen in sectors like materials handling and packaging. Some other examples are:

Transportations: Air brakes for trains or busses, air engines, and compressed air-powered vehicles

Healthcare: Dental drills, vacuum pumps, and pressure regulators

Construction: Pneumatic jackhammers and nail guns

Home Systems: Heating and air conditioning control

Music: pipe organs, player pianos.

Understanding Pneumatics and Pneumatic Systems is an important part of pertaining businesses and sectors. If you are looking for pneumatics or hydraulics, All Phase is here to help you out! Our dedicated and well-trained staff will learn about your needs and application desires to help pick out the right equipment for you!

Contact Us Today To See If We Can Help You Out!

Why Choose A Custom Hydraulic Cylinder?

Posted on May 5, 2021May 12, 2021 by admin

Why Choose A Custom Hydraulic Cylinder

Custom Hydraulic Cylinders for Any Project!

Choosing the right hydraulic cylinder for your equipment is a common occurrence for many. It is extremely important to match your equipment with the most suitable cylinder. Even though some machinery can utilize standard or off-the-shelf equipment, others cannot. For equipment that cannot run efficiently with off-the-shelf options you will need to look into custom hydraulic cylinders

Custom Hydraulic Cylinders

The basic hydraulic cylinder consists of these parts:
• Barrel
• Bottom & bottom connection
• Head
• Piston and Piston Rod connection

With custom hydraulic cylinder manufacturing, the engineer and customer will work together to produce a version together with precise specification. The customization process allows you to change length, diameter and even materials. You can also alter the construction and/or design of the pistons, valves, and valve manifolds. Lastly, you can customize the port positions, mountings, and even integrate functions.

Why Custom Hydraulic Cylinder?

Built With Your Requirements

With the customization process, you will receive a hydraulic cylinder that addresses your unique needs and concerns. The selected engineers will collaborate closely with your company to ensure the result will meet the explicit needs of your equipment and job. When you choose to customize your equipment rather than use standard products, you can install a product that is specific to your machinery. There will be no over or under-engineering resulting from a need to compromise. Your company can avoid many problems that can arise from trying to force a standard hydraulic cylinder to work in a custom-made machine.

Options to Consider

Most of the off-shelf cylinders available are the tie-rod cylinders. They tend to be bulkier, have limitations for the installation process and tend to require additional service and maintenance than custom hydraulic cylinders.

There are other options for additional lift or push capacity, even with larger rods. The customized designs of your choosing will be simple, efficient, and offer you the option to choose the type of return, which is also an essential choice in getting the ideal cylinder for the job.

Difference between standard and custom hydraulic cylinders

Cost

As you might expect, the costs that are associated with designing, fabricating, and producing a properly functioned custom hydraulic cylinder can be higher than your standard option. If the stock options are truly not what you are looking for, any upfront costs for a custom hydraulic cylinder would be a minimal cost compared to repairing any damage caused by faulty equipment.

Availability

While there are many pros to custom designing your own hydraulic cylinder, one of the cons is time. If your equipment is in stand-still, a custom hydraulic cylinder needs time to be designed, prototyped, and manufactured before it can help your equipment get back up and running. If there is a stock hydraulic cylinder that happens to fit your equipment perfectly, you can be up and running in no time.

We hope this information was useful for you to help decide which route you should go for your hydraulic cylinder needs. The custom hydraulic cylinder has many pros including being built exactly to your specifications and having options for customization. While going the standard route is more cost effective, you might find that some of your needs are being met with the equipment, such as size, while some other needs are unmet like the pressure, rod material, etc.

The industry professional staff at All Phase will help you step-by-step in deciding which choice is the best for you. Interested in seeing what we offer? Request a Free Quote here!