What are the several reasons for a hydraulic cylinder not moving?
2 Answers
Hydraulic cylinder seals are not tight, meaning there is hydraulic oil leakage, resulting in insufficient pressure inside the hydraulic cylinder to overcome the external pressure on the cylinder's piston, causing it not to move. The reasons for a hydraulic cylinder not moving are as follows: Seal leakage: Hydraulic cylinder seals are not tight, meaning there is hydraulic oil leakage, resulting in insufficient pressure inside the hydraulic cylinder to overcome the external pressure on the cylinder's piston, causing it not to move. Insufficient pressure: Internal leakage in the hydraulic oil pump supplying oil to the hydraulic cylinder causes insufficient pressure inside the cylinder. Lack of hydraulic oil: There is no hydraulic oil inside the hydraulic cylinder. Residual air: Residual air inside the hydraulic cylinder that has not been completely purged causes unstable movement of the hydraulic cylinder.
There are many reasons why a hydraulic cylinder may fail to move, with the most common being insufficient hydraulic oil or leaks—low oil levels naturally result in inadequate pressure to drive it. Another issue could be a faulty pump, such as wear or jamming, which fails to provide sufficient force. Valve blockage is also quite common; if debris or dirt accumulates there, oil flow gets interrupted. Pipe leaks or ruptured seals can cause pressure drops, leading to operational failure. Mechanical jamming is another possibility, where foreign objects get stuck inside, or control circuit failures prevent signals from being transmitted.
When encountering such problems, I recommend first checking the oil level: top it up if it's low; if there's a leak, try sealing it temporarily. If the pump is damaged or the valve is blocked, professional tools like pressure testers may be needed for troubleshooting. Remember to regularly change the oil and maintain the hydraulic system to prevent contamination buildup. If the cylinder stops moving, shut down the equipment immediately for inspection to avoid further damage—safety always comes first.
