Lifetime extension of hydraulic power unit and system with overhaul

Regular maintenance and inspection of the hydraulic system is essential to ensure reliable operation and to prevent unplanned downtime. This includes monitoring oil quality, component wear and overall system performance.

In order for the system to live longer and perform better, it is important to overhaul the unit and subsequent system. 

How we at Servi carry out overhaul and life extension of a hydraulic unit/system can be divided into 6 steps:
 
1. Examination of the system
2. Dismantling and inspection
3. Cleaning of the system
4. Replacement of worn parts
5. Testing and calibration
6. Assembly and final inspection
close up image of hydraulic power unit in red coating

Recommended interval for overhaul

The recommended overhaul interval for a hydraulic power unit may vary depending on temperature, flow and dirt in the oil, but to give an indication, after full pressure and flow in a hydraulic system using mineral hydraulic oil with an operating temperature of between 50 and 70 degrees, it could have a service life of 3 years (equivalent to 4-5,000 hours). 

With proper maintenance and dehumidification, biodegradable fluid in the hydraulic system can increase the service life by 10 times to approximately 40-50,000 hours. 


If the service life of the hydraulic power unit is to be increased, the oil is one of several parameters that come into play. 

1. Examination of the system

Before dismantling, a leakage oil measurement is carried out if needed to assess the wear on the pumps and obtain information about the operating temperature. This gives an indication of the condition of the pumps.

In the event of a leak, it is not only oil that leaks out, but also contaminants that can enter the system. This can affect the system's performance and service life. Leakage can occur when the hose and pipes have been physically damaged or the system has reached a high temperature.

2. Disassembly and inspection

Disassembly of critical components of the unit to assess the condition of all components, and recommendations for lifetime extension.

An oil analysis can provide valuable information about the content of metal particles, hose and gasket particles, as well as water content in the oil. This helps determine the necessary measures to ensure optimal uptime of the hydraulic system.

We sell long-life pumps and access to spare parts - from quality brands such as Hawe, Kawasaki and Marzocchi. 

3. Cleaning

Removal of dirt, rust and old coatings to prepare the unit for further treatment

Just as important as cleaning the inside of the tank is having good routines for filter replacement and logging this. All the filters in the system must be inspected and maintained, including breathing filters, return filters, water-absorbing filters, leakage oil filters and pressure filters.

Servi can make a suggestion and systemize maintenance. If brass or shavings in one of the filters, we know that the contamination has moved on to the tank. 

Flushing of pipes and pipe systems in hydraulic systems

The vast majority of problems and breakdowns in hydraulic systems are caused by contamination in the pipes that carry the oil.

4. Replacement of worn parts

Replacing gaskets, valves and other worn or damaged components. 

Overhauling a generator is sustainable in itself, but there are a number of other environmentally friendly measures you can also take:

  • Biodegradable hydraulic fluids: An environmentally friendly measure would be to switch to biodegradable hydraulic oil, such as Shell Panolin. This oil will be beneficial for extending the life of the unit. 
  • Green HPU in combination with the oil above can lead to both lower power consumption and less noise. It is possible to upgrade an hydraulic unit to a Green HPU.
  • Monitoring of the system also described as predictive maintenance, can allow you to take action before elements stop working, saving downtime. 

5. Testing and calibration

To ensure that equipment/components/units function optimally after overhaul, both pressure testing and functional testing are carried out. Both pressure and oil flow are adjusted to optimize functionality.
 

 

6. Assembly and final inspection

Assembly of the unit and a final quality check before delivery, with information about NAS class (degree of cleanliness)

Did you know this about hydraulic hoses?

 

Hydraulic hoses have a recommended lifespan of five years, but can last up to 10-15 years under optimal conditions, such as proper operating temperature and room temperature. It is important to regularly inspect and replace hoses that show signs of aging or damage.

 
 

 

Contact our professionals for questions about overhaul

Stig Vebjørn Nilsen
Service manager Rissa
+47 988 05 378
Bjørn Arild Gården
Service manager Trondheim
+47 412 22 197
Niclas Hovden
Service manager Bergen
+47 476 53 240
Erlend Brynildsen
Service manager Ski
+47 916 00 091
Alexander Riise
Service manager Ulsteinvik
+47 975 08 306
Sverre Morten Larsen
Service manager Kristiansand
+47 905 01 034
Espen Hansen
Service and calibration (Test equipment)
+47 900 33 606