Extreme weather conditions take toll on mobile equipment.
Hydraulic systems fail due to cold temperatures.

Fluid Power Hydraulics has been experiencing an increase in orders for new pumps and motors. Extreme weather conditions this winter have brought on equipment failures and have pushed up the demand for replacement parts and new pumps and motors. Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) locations across the nation have had equipment on duty for extended periods of time under heavy loads in freezing temperatures.

Oklahoma Turnpike Authorities have seen hours of overtime run on their sanding and salting trucks in an attempt to keep roads clear. Cold temperatures thicken hydraulic oil to the point that it is hard to draw from the reservoir adding extra stress on pumps. Hydraulic systems that run at temperatures below normal operating guidelines become inefficient and can suffer premature failure. Most customers are seeing symptoms such as broken input shafts, bearing damage, and seal failure. Seals lose elasticity and become rigid in extreme environments and tend to leak and cause wear to shafts.

Fluid Power Hydraulics has increased inventory levels on replacement parts to meet demand and keep equipment operating. Warming temperatures may bring relief to our roads and highways, but a little preventive maintenance will go a long way toward taking care of any damage already done to hydraulic systems and lowering repair costs in the future.