One of the most common issues we see with heavy loading machinery is hydraulic systems failure. While this may not be the most exciting topic, it’s a crucial one because the hydraulic system is the heart of the skip loader and other heavy equipment. It powers lifting, tipping and stabilising.
Hydraulic failures tend to give off warning signs first, if you know where to look, that is. In this article, we’ll cover how to spot early signs of hydraulic system issues, why early detection matters, and how to keep your skip loader performing at its best.
Why Hydraulic Systems Fail
So, why do hydraulic systems fail in the first place? Most issues can be traced to three key causes:
- Contamination: Dirt, water, or degraded fluid in the system can cause internal damage.
- Excessive heat: Overheating accelerates the breakdown of seals and fluid.
- Component wear: Worn-out parts like hoses, valves, or pumps reduce efficiency and increase the risk of sudden failure.
Ignoring these early signs can lead to costly breakdowns and worse, become a serious safety hazard, especially if you’re using the equipment daily.
Top 7 Early Warning Signs of Hydraulic System Issues
The good thing about hydraulic problems is that they rarely appear out of nowhere. This means that the system (mostly) will show early symptoms long before a failure occurs. Here are the seven most common signs you should watch for:
1. Unusual Noises
Whining, banging, or knocking sounds usually indicate air in the lines or cavitation. This happens when vapour bubbles collapse under pressure and could be causing internal damage to pumps or valves.
2. Sluggish or Erratic Operation
If your skip loader is reacting slowly, responding inconsistently, or operating in sudden bursts, something’s not right. It’s often a sign of internal wear, contamination, or restricted flow within the hydraulic circuit.
3. Leaks or Drops in Fluid Levels
Even small drips around fittings or hoses can lead to fluid loss, reduced pressure, and overheating. Any visible hydraulic leak should be taken seriously, so always investigate low reservoir levels, as it could point to a hidden internal leak or deteriorating seals.
4. Excessive Heat or Odour
Hydraulic systems naturally generate heat, but if your equipment is giving off a burnt smell, that’s a red flag. Excessive heat degrades fluid, damages seals, and shortens component lifespan. In fact, any odours indicate that the fluid is likely breaking down or contaminated.
5. Vibration or Jerky Movements
Hydraulic operations should be smooth. Jerking, shaking, or vibrating could signal a clogged filter, or wear in the actuator or control valves.
6. Pressure Drops
If your equipment seems underpowered or slow to lift loads, check the pressure readings and investigate for leaks, blockages, or faulty components. Drops may be caused by leaks, blockages or worn components like pumps.
7. Discoloured or Foamy Hydraulic Fluid
Healthy hydraulic fluid should be clear. Anything else, consider it a red flag. If it appears milky, dark, or foamy, it’s likely contaminated with air, water, or debris. This reduces lubrication, causes corrosion, and leads to accelerated wear. Get into the habit of regular fluid checks as it’s are one of the simplest ways to catch problems early.
Preventative Measures and Maintenance Tips
Now, how can you prevent these warning signs from happening in the first place? Like any machinery, the key is consistent maintenance. Keeping your system in top condition not only reduces the risk of issues but also extends the life of your equipment and boosts performance.
Monitor systems effectively
Effective monitoring starts with knowing where to look. There’s two places to regularly check. Firstly, on the hydraulic system itself, it will have pressure gauges or temperature sensors mounted directly on key components like pumps, valve blocks, or reservoirs.
The second is inside the cab, especially in some modern skip loader trucks, where these readings may be visible on the console or digital display.
Operators should regularly check these indicators, whether on the machinery itself or in the cab. Look for any abnormal changes in pressure, temperature, or fluid levels.
Test and inspect fluids
On the subject of fluids, hydraulic oil should be tested periodically for contamination, degradation, or water ingress. If the fluids are cloudy or discoloured fluid, then something’s wrong.
Schedule regular inspections
The best thing you can do to future proof your hydraulics and heavy machinery is by scheduling routine inspections. A professional inspects the hoses, seals, fittings, and filters for wear or damage before it leads to leaks or system failure, which are significantly more expensive repair jobs. Stick to manufacturer-recommended service intervals, and don’t delay repairs because it will only lead to more downtime if left unresolved.
Our smartest customers are those who stay ahead of problems because they know by doing so they’ll minimise disruption and lower operating costs. Most importantly, they get the most life out of their equipment.
When to Call a Professional
While some early signs can be managed with routine checks and a little DIY maintenance, there are situations where you’ll want to call in the pros.
These include if your skip loader is experiencing:
- Persistent leaks
- Pressure drops
- Overheating
- Erratic movement
These are symptoms of deeper issues that can’t be fixed with a quick top-up or filter change. At West-Trans, we’ve been the go-to suppliers and service partners for Australia’s skip loader operators for decades. Our expert, trusted team inspects, diagnoses, and services your hydraulic system to keep it performing at its best.
Book a service with West-Trans today and get support from a trusted team so you get the reliability and longevity your equipment was built for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a bad hydraulic system?
Common symptoms of bad hydraulic equipment include slow or erratic operation, fluid leaks, unusual noises of hydraulic components, fluid contamination and overheating.
How to diagnose hydraulic faults?
Start with a visual inspection, check fluid condition and levels or for contaminated fluid, then use pressure and flow tests for deeper diagnostics.
What is the easiest way to find a hydraulic leak?
Look for visible fluid leaks around hoses, fittings, or cylinders and feel for wet or oily surfaces while the system is running. Consistently check hydraulic fluid levels.
What is the most reliable indicator of a faulty hydraulic pump?
The most reliable indicator of a faulty hydraulic system failure due to the pump is a noticeable drop in system pressure combined with whining noises or slow actuator response.