Hydraulics are the muscles of heavy duty machinery. They’re what get big loads moved and strong stuff torn down. But just like real muscles, hydraulics need to be taken care of – because when hydraulics fail… bad things happen.

Have a look and a laugh at someof the worst-case scenarios that you DON’T want happening to you:

Move Outta the Way!

It’s not the best idea to remove hydraulic components in such a relaxed fashion. That piston might not have gone too far, but remember – a chunk of metal the size of your forearm that’s moving fast enough to shoot out twelve feet can do a LOT of damage if it hits a person.

Not a Drum Set 

Please… PLEASE don’t take hydraulic components apart by hitting them with hammers. These two guys were lucky to get away with their lives, let alone all of their limbs.

How High is TOO High?

Hydraulics can only do their job if they are used reasonably. This hydraulic cylinder was extended to the max, then forced to contend with some extreme stress when the driver had the great idea of shaking some of the load out by shimmying the truck. Don’t do that. Unless you want to recreate this video, that is.

Maybe Lower it First…

A hydraulic cylinder’s job is to stay cool under pressure. A LOT of pressure. When you need to repair or replace them, you’d think the most obvious course of action would be to lower your excavator’s arm before fiddling with the hydraulics holding that giant chunk of metal in the air. Guess these guys aren’t that great at spotting the obvious.

Fire’s Not a Great Sign

Hydraulic cylinders aren’t doing all that lifting on their own. Special fluid in hydraulics delivers the force needed for all that work, thanks to extreme pressures. Unfortunately, that fluid is flammable. ALSO, unfortunately, it’s going to spray everywhere if a poorly-serviced hydraulic cylinder busts. These guys were lucky to not get cooked.

Better SSMD than Sorry

So remember: take care of your hydraulic cylinders, and they’ll take care of you. If you don’t, hydraulic failure can lead to costly repairs, completely ruined equipment, injuries, and even death.

All the more reason to schedule your cylinders some much needed mechanical R&R at SSMD.

Call the #cylinderdocs at SSMD to safely service your hydraulic cylinders. 205-319-6022