How to Maintain Your Cat® Hydraulic Pump

Estimated read time: 3 minutes

Cat® hydraulic pumps are built specifically for your machine, with components designed to enhance performance and durability. But contamination is a common enemy. It can degrade your system’s efficiency by up to 20% before you even notice the extra fuel burn and lower productivity. If left unchecked, contamination can spread and cause severe damage to the entire hydraulic system.

Check out this video and then read on to learn more about preventing contamination and maintaining your Cat equipment’s hydraulic pump:  

   

 

 

Cat hydraulic pumps are built with custom components that can extend the pump's life and enhance performance. However, regular and proactive maintenance is key to preventing unexpected downtime or even pump failure. One of the most common causes of pump failure is contamination, which can significantly reduce the efficiency of your hydraulic system.  

This loss in efficiency leads to higher fuel costs and reduced productivity. And if contamination spreads throughout the hydraulic system, it can cause catastrophic failure, resulting in extensive damage and extra downtime.

Inspection

To help keep your hydraulic system in optimal condition, it's important to perform daily inspections. Before you touch any hydraulic hoses, make sure to release the hydraulic system pressure. Check the fluid level sight gauges and inspect the system for any leaks. Be on the lookout for loose hardware, damaged hoses or worn hose clamps.

It's also a good idea to have your Cat dealer run a technical analysis on your hydraulic system annually. This can include cylinder cycle time and system pressure checks, which can help identify hidden issues before they become major problems.

Managing Contamination

Contamination control is critical to the longevity of your hydraulic pump. One effective method is the Cat system approach, which involves using quality Cat filters, Cat fluids and S•O•SSM Services. S•O•S fluid analysis can detect issues early, sometimes even before you notice anything is wrong.

During operation, pay attention to any excessive noise or vibration, as these can be signs of a problem. Addressing these issues immediately can help prevent further damage and potential failure. A damaged or worn internal component can also introduce contamination into the system, which is why Cat dealers follow a comprehensive contamination control program. They manage contamination by using clean fluids, specialized tools and Cat certified clean repair processes. 

Time for Repairs?

If your hydraulic pump needs to be serviced, your Cat dealer is ready to help. Genuine Cat pumps are always a solid choice, but other options include Cat dealer rebuilds and Cat Reman products. Be sure to ask your Cat dealer about the best option for your needs.

Looking for more hydraulics maintenance tips? We have info about how to inspect your hydraulic system and how to deal with hydraulic system contamination

For more information and support, contact your Cat dealer. And always check your Operation and Maintenance Manual for specific instruction and safety procedures.

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