Servicing Enerpac Hydraulic Tools

Where is the best place to go for servicing your Enerpac hydraulic tools?

Attempting to service or repair your hydraulic tools is not recommended! The risks of injury while disassembling hydraulic tools, and from using them after inadequate maintenance are too high to take chances. At Hi-Press Hydraulics Ltd. we have nearly 50 Years of experience working with hydraulic equipment, we offer unparalleled knowledge to assist our customers. We sell, service, maintain & repair an extensive range of high-pressure hydraulic products, equipment & accessories. So if you are looking for the best place to have your Enerpac products serviced Hi-Press Hydraulics Ltd has been the experts in the UK since 1974.

At our two locations, Hi-Press Hydraulics Ltd. provides a national service for the maintenance testing, and repair of Enerpac, Tangye, and other high & low-pressure hydraulic products, including pumps, cylinders, hoses, valves, and ancillary equipment.

Hydraulic tools are used widely throughout many different industries. When used correctly, they increase productivity and efficiency; however, if not properly maintained, they can be expensive to repair or replace. Using a preventive approach is far better than waiting until a problem arises. By being proactive, you will help to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your hydraulic tools while reducing safety hazards.

Prevention is Better than Cure

By default, hydraulic tools are built to withstand huge forces and pressures up to 10,000 psi (700 bar). But even the best quality tools and equipment need maintaining – especially when they’re used in harsh working environments.

Ignore maintenance and you risk compromising your productivity, and safety, and will probably incur greater expenses over the long term. Common causes of tool problems you can avoid are:

• Contaminated hydraulic oil – blocking and damaging valves and increasing wear
• Water in hydraulic oil – reducing the load-bearing ability of the fluid and causing corrosion
• Side load damage to hydraulic cylinders
• Cylinder saddle damage
• Seal failure – caused by damage from heat, chemicals, and contamination
• Connection failure – damaged or incorrectly attached couplers
• Extreme Temperatures
• Over-pressurizing
• Hydraulic Seal Failure

What can I do myself to protect my tools?

Read the Product Manual

This may seem obvious, but reading and understanding the manual provided with the product is vitally important. Even the most experienced technician should do this – not just immediately after purchase, but also by keeping the manual handy for repeated reference.

The product manual will contain vital information, such as how to operate the product properly, how to set it up, and how to maintain it. It will also provide important safety information and may also include a troubleshooting guide.

Prevent Contamination

Contaminated hydraulic fluid will shorten the longevity of your product and reduce performance. Make sure you keep couplers and moving parts free from grit and corrosive substances.

Avoid Excessive Sideload

Sideload is when the force on the hydraulic cylinder is not aligned with the direction of travel of the plunger (not vertical). This can cause damage by putting unwanted stress on the plunger, cylinder tube, saddle and internal components. This can lead to bending, wear, leaks, and reduced performance. Always align the cylinder correctly and consider using a tilt saddle to help alleviate sideload.

Follow the 80% Rule

A good practice when using cylinders is to use only 80% of the capacity and stroke ratings given by the manufacturer. For cylinder stroke, this works because when you leave a distance between the stop ring and the bearing the plunger is much more stable and therefore better at resisting side load forces.

Use a Saddle

A saddle is essential for any job lift that uses a cylinder. First, it protects the plunger threads from damage, especially when using attachments. Second, it prevents the end of the plunger from becoming deformed or ‘mushroomed.’

Use The Right Tool For The Job

Even the best quality tool will not perform well if used for the wrong purpose. As mentioned previously, always read the manual, and check what the limitations of the product are. Note things like the maximum load capacity, the hydraulic supply needed, whether mechanical load holding is needed, and pump compatibility.

Watch Out For Leaks

Keep an eye out for any leaks and do not use the tool if you spot any evidence of leaking hydraulic oil.

Use the Right Enerpac Hydraulic Oil

Hydraulic oil is available in various grades to meet the specifications of different jobs. Using the wrong type can cause decreased efficiency, increased wear, corrosion, sludge, and increased heat generation. If you’re using a powered hydraulic pump, use blue HF high-viscosity oil for maximum lubrication across a wide temperature range. Never use amber-colored Enerpac LX hand pump oil within a powered pump system!

Don’t Disassemble Tools Yourself

Never try and repair hydraulic tools yourself. Hydraulic tools are built to withstand considerable pressures and to work in challenging conditions, so the consequences of a botched repair are incredibly risky.

The team at Hi-Press Hydraulics Ltd are fully trained we have the right equipment, we are highly skilled, and have the necessary knowledge to complete the repair or maintenance of your tools safely and efficiently.

In May 2010, Hi-Press Hydraulics Ltd was recognized as the first UK Authorized Enerpac Service Centre to attain the Level 1 Certification. All work is carried out to the current ISO 9001:2015 Certification which Hi-Press Hydraulics Ltd obtained in 2001. Experienced, Enerpac and Tangye trained Service Engineers are always available to discuss products, applications and problem-solving.Enerpac Authorised Service Centres have the right equipment, they’re highly skilled, and have the necessary knowledge to complete the repair or maintenance of your tools safely and efficiently.

Contact Hi-Press Hydraulics Ltd now to discuss your Enerpac Product servicing needs.