Hydraulic Flow & Pressure Adjustment
Here’s a Quick Way to Extend the Life of your Hydraulic Attachment
Adjusting the hydraulic auxiliary circuit of your machine to the correct requirements of your hammer or compactor is critical for the safe operation and longevity of your attachment. The hydraulic requirements of a hammer or compactor is measured in several key settings that need to be in the range specified by the attachment’s manufacturer for proper operation.
The speed of fluid moving through the piping is a result of the ‘flow rate’ and the size of the lines used to carry the hydraulic oil to and from the attachment.
The resistance of that oil movement is the ‘pressure’ in the circuit. Flow is measured in the U.S. in gallons per minute (GPM) or the Metric equivalent, liters per minute (LPM) while pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) or the Metric equivalent, (BAR).
The internal diameter of the lines in the circuit also plays a roll in how fast the hydraulic fluid moves and the easiest rule of thumb to observe is to ensure all connections and lines have the same internal diameter or greater as the attachment’s connection fittings.
A flow meter with an integral load cell is used as a measuring device to identify the output of the auxiliary circuit. With the flow meter installed adjustments can be made to set the flow and pressure output to the published requirements of the hammer or compactor. Making these adjustments will allow the attachment to operate at peak performance and protect the internal components from damage. Operating an attachment with hydraulic input levels below the recommended specifications can be equally as damaging as excessive input levels.
Always verify the attachment circuit output with a flowmeter before initial installation of a new attachment as well as after any hydraulic repairs are made to the host machine. Annual flow checks will identify adjustments needed to compensate for normal pump wear and guarantee peak performance of the attachment.
Allied Service Technicians are available to assist with initial installation and annual maintenance. You can schedule your next service appointment by calling 419-663-1048 or submitting a request here.