How to Avoid Problems with your Hydraulic Shop Press

 

Today’s hydraulic presses offer exceptional value and performance, especially when you consider the ability to have machines custom built to your exact specifications. Hydraulic shop presses are made to perform heavy duty compression-based tasks like broaching or stamping. Because of the extreme pressures that these hydraulic machines exert there are also a few problems associated with press machines that undergo heavy usage.

 

Routine maintenance will allow you to forgo many breakdowns and problems with your shop press. In order to determine the required maintenance that is appropriate for your usage of your shop press, take a few minutes and look at how you use your press. Does it undergo heavy usage? Is it running for extra-long hours, or even 24hrs? Do you have qualified people operating it? Do you have a competent person who can regularly maintain it? These types of questions will help you decide on a maintenance schedule that fits your machine’s usage. Once you’ve determined the necessary maintenance, put a schedule in place and assign the right people to perform it.

 

If your machine takes longer to reach peak pressures; there may be an issue. When running at peak performance, your hydraulic press should reach optimum pressures within about one second. If it takes longer than that can point to a potential problem with your pump. Double check your relief valve and that your motor is running properly.

 

Overheating can damage your shop presses’ engine. For the best performance, your shop press should not run at temperatures over 150°F. If your press is running beyond this temperature your seal compounds and oil can begin to degrade. Always check your fluid levels in the cooling circuit at cool temperatures to ensure proper performance.

Oil leaks can happen on your machines hydraulic fittings, lines and around the ram. A shop press that is working properly and efficiently should not have oil leaks. Oil leaks will reduce the pressure your shop press operates at and can also impact safety. Routinely check your hydraulic components and the area around your shop press to verify that there are no oil leaks or visibly damaged parts. If you regularly inspect your machines, you will be able to quickly catch any leaks before they become a major problem.

 

Regular maintenance will avoid most problems from ever occurring with your shop press. Like any other type of machinery, shop presses are easier and cheaper to maintain than to replace. However, if you have been running your shop press for many years, and you’ve either outgrown it or need a new one, Pressmaster has a full line of hydraulic presses that are sure to suit your needs. You’ll also be happy to hear that we are a North American based manufacturer that uses easy-to find parts and heavy duty technology and construction. Take a look at our shop presses!