What should I pay attention to when using Aerial Work Vehicle Hydraulic Cylinders?

Operating an aerial work platform, whether a boom lift, scissor lift, or telehandler, carries inherent risks. Workers rely on these machines while working at height, so Aerial Work Vehicle Hydraulic Cylinders—the core strength that supports every lift, extension, and stabilization—are crucial to safety and productivity. Faulty or improperly maintained hydraulic cylinders can lead to catastrophic failure. Raydafon, a leading manufacturer specializing in high-performance hydraulic cylinders for aerial work platforms, outlines key factors that operators, maintenance personnel, and fleet managers must prioritize.

Rigorous Pre-Operation Inspection:

Visual Leak Inspection: Inspect all Aerial Work Vehicle Hydraulic Cylinders components for signs of oil seepage, dripping, or residue. Even minor leaks indicate damaged seals and pressure loss, requiring immediate attention.

Piston Rod Surface Inspection: Carefully inspect the entire exposed length of the piston rod during full retraction and extension cycles.

Inspect Mounting Hardware: Inspect the clevis pins, bolts, trunnions, and brackets for cracks, deformation, excessive wear, or loose fasteners.

Listen for unusual noises: Operate the cylinder through its full operating range. Grinding, knocking, or excessive hissing noises may indicate internal damage, cavitation, or misalignment.

Maintain optimal hydraulic fluid health:

Correct hydraulic fluid type and grade: The wrong viscosity or additive combination can damage seals and internal components.

Hydraulic fluid cleanliness is critical: Hydraulic fluid must maintain extremely high cleanliness. Contamination (dirt, water, metal particles) is the leading cause of Aerial Work Vehicle Hydraulic Cylinders failure.

Perform regular oil analysis and filter changes: Maintain a strict schedule for filter changes (suction, pressure, return) and oil sampling and analysis to monitor contamination levels, viscosity, and additive consumption.

Prevent piston rod damage and seal contamination:

Protect the piston rod: The piston rod is the Achilles' heel of aerial work vehicle hydraulic cylinders.

Control side loads and misalignment: Cylinders are primarily designed to withstand linear forces. Excessive side loads or moments caused by misalignment of the mounting or clamping mechanism can lead to premature rod bending, seal wear, and barrel scoring. Ensure proper mounting and connecting rod geometry. Raydafon cylinders are rugged, but maintaining alignment is critical.

Operate within design limits:

Note load capacity: Never exceed the AWP's rated working load (RWL). Overloading can place significant stress on Aerial Work Vehicle Hydraulic Cylinders, brackets, and structural components, potentially leading to bending or catastrophic failure. Understand load charts and factors such as wind.

Avoid overpressurization: Although a pressure relief valve is standard, continuous operation near or above the system's relief pressure can cause overheating and fatigue. Ensure system pressure is set and maintained correctly.

Understand the duty cycle: High-intensity, continuous cycling generates significant heat. Allow the system to cool during extended periods of high load operation, especially in hot environments.