FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil do I use in ESCO Hydraulic tools
Monday, July 27th, 2009 04:56 PM - By Andy Mathys
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One of the most asked questions I get on a daily basis is "What kind of hydraulic oil do I need for my pumps and or jacks?". ESCO recommends any AW-32 hydraulic oil. This will work safely in all of our hydraulic pumps and jacks without damage or premature wear on the seals. It is important to remember to use recommended fluids in your hydraulic equipment. Non recommended fluids(such as automatic transmission fluid) will cause seals to fail prematurely and in some cases void the warranty.

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ESCO Air Hydraulic pump maintenance
Friday, August 7th, 2009 11:38 AM - By Andy Mathys
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Are your air hydraulic pumps by-passing air?

This could be caused by an excessive amount of air pressure.

What is the recommended operating air pressure?

All air hydraulic pump manufacturers recommend the operating air pressure be in the 90 to 120 psi range.

Why is high air pressure bad for pumps?

The air motor on all air operated hydraulic pumps must be able to dissipate air for it to run efficiently. With high air pressure the motor cannot dissipate the air quickly enough and this will cause back pressure and an eventual stall or air bypass.

What can be done to prevent this?

This can be prevented two ways.

1. Adjust the regulator down on your air line or compressor to the recommended range of 90-120 psi.

2. Make up a regulator and gauge kit with air quick connects and attach it to the air inlet side of the pump. Then adjust the regulator to 90-120 psi. This will also allow for easy connecting and removal for proper storage in your tool box when not in use (please see attached photo).

Note: Draining water from the shop or truck compressor daily and applying a good air tool oil (Marvel Mystery oil) into the air inlet once a day will also help minimize air bypass.

Point Load on Hydraulic Rams
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 03:08 PM - By Andy Mathys
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Point load on ESCO rams and jacks

Point load on cylinders, rams and jacks can cost you hundreds of dollars, or worse, the health and well being of your service tech.

What is a point load?

· A point load happens when the jack, cylinder or ram is extended under load and the load is not centered on the lifting point.

Why is a point load bad?

The most important reasons a point load is bad:

· It is a very unsafe way to lift a load.

· It can cause injury or death to the service technician should the cylinder, jack or ram kick out from under the load.

· A point load will also cause extensive damage to the walls of the cylinder and piston rod and almost always to the protective saddle on the top of the piston rod.

How does a point load happen?

A point load can happen the following ways:

· Improper lifting. The Cylinder, Jack or Ram was not centered to the lifting point.

· Load shift. Caused by uneven ground or an uneven lifting point. (Please refer to the ESCO jack plates and Cribbing set.)

· Continuous load support through entire job caused a load shift.

How can a point load situation be avoided?

You can avoid a point load situation by taking the following steps:

· Lift from and against a flat surface.

· See to it that the Cylinders, Jacks and Rams used for lifting are centered to the lifting point.

· The Cylinders, Jacks and Rams are not designed to sustain a load for any length of time. You must support the load with cribbing or jack stands of proper tonnage capacities.

Please refer to the OSHA regulation for servicing tires, wheels and rims.

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