How To Fill A Hydraulic RAM With Oil

If you’re a business owner or equipment operator dealing with hydraulic systems, it is imperative that you are aware of how crucial it is to keep your hydraulic rams properly maintained.

One essential aspect of this maintenance is ensuring that your hydraulic rams have the right amount of hydraulic oil. This is one of the most important aspects of hydraulic maintenance services meaning that it should always be completed to a high standard.

Throughout this blog post, we are going to be discussing some of the main steps that you should take when changing the oil in your hydraulic RAM in order to do so safely and efficiently.

Why is Hydraulic Oil Important?

Hydraulic oil is the medium through which power is transferred in hydraulic systems. When pressure is applied to the oil in a confined space, it becomes pressurised and can transmit force to move machinery, equipment, or components.

This makes hydraulic systems incredibly efficient at transmitting power over long distances and through complex mechanisms. The use of hydraulic oil is imperative to any kind of hydraulic maintenance service your system will undergo.

Without proper oil levels, your hydraulic ram can malfunction, leading to decreased efficiency, increased wear and tear, and even system failure.

Hydraulic oil serves as a lubricant within the hydraulic system. It reduces friction between moving parts, which helps extend the lifespan of components like pumps, valves, cylinders, and pistons.

Proper lubrication also reduces heat generation and wear and tear, leading to smoother and more reliable operation.

The Steps You Should Take

When you are looking to top up your hydraulic system with oil, there are a number of steps that you should consider before doing so. Hydraulic oil can be a very dangerous substance if not handled correctly making it imperative to follow closely.

Keeping your hydraulic RAM topped up with oil is crucial if you need your hydraulic systems for everyday functions in your business, therefore completing frequent oil changes is a necessity.

Safety Precautions

One of the most important things that you should consider when choosing to fill your hydraulic RAM with oil is the safety precautions that you take as hydraulic oil can be very dangerous to a person if you are not careful around the substance.

When handling hydraulic oil, you should always wear safety goggles and gloves to make sure that you do not burn your skin or cause damage to your eyes.

Clean the Area

Before you commence any of your services, you should always make sure that you have cleaned around the area where you are going to be working to ensure that there is no contamination with other chemicals.

Making sure that your hydraulic system remains free of any debris that may enter is vital, therefore keeping the mechanism clean when making an oil change/refill is a must.

Prepare the Hydraulic Oil

Ensure you have the correct hydraulic oil for your system. Refer to your equipment’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific recommendations.

Using the wrong oil can damage your system so it is. Pour the hydraulic oil into a clean container to make it easier to pour into the ram.

Locate the Fill Point

Find the fill point on your hydraulic ram. This is usually a small plug or cap located on the ram’s housing. Consult your equipment’s manual if you’re unsure about the location. Insert a funnel into the fill point. This will help you pour the oil into the ram without spilling it.

Fill the Hydraulic Ram

Slowly pour the hydraulic oil into the funnel. Be cautious not to overfill. Refer to your equipment’s manual for the recommended oil level. It’s crucial not to exceed this level to avoid potential damage.

Check for Leaks

Once this has been completed you will need to have a thorough check around the system to make sure that it is completely leak-free. If you do come across any parts of the system that are leaking then this will mean that you are in need of a more serious repair.

It is important that you are aware of any leaks in your system when filling your hydraulic RAM with new oil as this could result in a serious loss of resources.

Dispose of Used Oil

In order to make sure that you are not accidentally reusing the same oil when filling up your hydraulic RAM, you will need to dispose of the oil you have drained when finished.

If you’ve drained old oil from the ram, make sure to dispose of it properly. Do not pour it down the drain. Instead, collect it in a suitable container and take it to a recycling centre or disposal facility that handles used oil.

Clean Up

Finally, you should remember to clean up after this is finished to ensure that there are no spillages that could potentially cause harm to the other members of your team. If there is an oil spill, you will need an expert to come and clean it up.

This also extends to making sure that there are no pieces of equipment left out that may have been used during the oil change such as the funnel and other material that must be disposed of.

You should also keep a record of the date of the oil change and the type of hydraulic oil used. This information will be valuable for future maintenance and troubleshooting.

How Can Pirtek Help You?

Properly maintaining your hydraulic rams by filling them with the correct hydraulic oil is essential for the longevity and efficiency of your equipment. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your hydraulic systems run smoothly and avoid costly repairs or downtime.

If you’re ever unsure about the process or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Pirtek Wirral. We are here 24/7 to complete any kind of emergency repair to your hydraulic systems to make sure you experience minimal downtime.

Remember, regular maintenance is the key to a reliable and efficient hydraulic system, so make sure to schedule routine checks and oil changes to keep everything running smoothly. Your equipment will thank you with years of dependable service.