What is hydraulic cylinder drift?

If you operate any type of hydraulic system, it's important to be aware of the risk of hydraulic cylinder drift. But what exactly is hydraulic cylinder drift?

The hydraulic cylinder drift means that the fluid flows from one side of the piston to the other side, causing an imbalance, causing the hydraulic cylinder to drift towards the extended or retracted position, unable to maintain the load in the middle stroke position, and the piston moves slowly back and forth in the cylinder. When fluid movement becomes rough, erratic, and suddenly starts or stops, this can lead to serious safety risks, especially in heavy-duty machinery, construction equipment, or industrial applications where serious personal injury could occur if the piston moves while operating the machine

There may be many reasons for hydraulic cylinder drift, but the most important reasons are two, the first is improper design.

If the hydraulic cylinder is not designed properly, the hydraulic system can put too much pressure on the seals around the piston, which can be damaged over time, causing fluid to leak from the seal, and the result is that the piston can move unexpectedly and eventually drift.

The second reason is improper maintenance.

The hydraulic cylinder will wear after a long time of use, if not properly maintained, the wear of the hydraulic cylinder will lead to seal damage, hydraulic oil leakage, accumulation of dirt and other problems, which will lead to the hydraulic cylinder drift. Neglecting maintenance can result in pressure relief valve failure, which may cause progressive seal damage, fluid leakage, and eventually lead to cylinder drift issues.

Therefore, selecting high-quality hydraulic cylinders and performing regular maintenance are crucial. As a professional hydraulic cylinder manufacturer, TOLENG provides you with high-quality hydraulic cylinders and professional technical guidance, If you need help with the hydraulic system, please contact us at sales01@phtl.cn。