Earthmoving equipment is built tough — but when hydraulic issues creep in, even the strongest machine can come to a grinding halt. Leaking cylinders, blown hoses, or sluggish performance don’t just affect productivity — they hit your bottom line hard.

Whether you operate excavators, skid steers, graders or loaders, routine hydraulic maintenance is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Common Hydraulic Issues in Earthmoving Equipment

Hydraulic systems power the movement, lifting, and digging functions in most earthmoving machinery. When they’re running smoothly, your equipment is unstoppable. But when they’re neglected, here’s what can go wrong:

1. Leaking Hoses and Fittings

Cracked, worn or loose hoses are one of the most common culprits behind hydraulic fluid loss. Left unchecked, a small leak can rapidly reduce system pressure and damage other components.

2. Worn Seals and Cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders work under immense pressure. Over time, seals can harden, split or wear down — leading to leaks, drift, or jerky movements.

3. Contaminated Hydraulic Oil

Dust, water or metal shavings in your fluid can eat away at seals and score internal components. Contaminated oil is one of the fastest ways to destroy a hydraulic system from the inside out.

4. Incorrect Hose Routing

Hoses that are kinked, twisted or rubbing against sharp edges can fail prematurely — especially in high-vibration environments.

How These Problems Cost You More Than You Think

Ignoring hydraulic maintenance doesn’t just risk a breakdown — it costs your business in hidden ways:

• Lost time on site waiting for repairs or part replacements

• Increased fuel consumption due to inefficient system pressure

• Higher repair bills when minor issues become major failures

• Equipment depreciation from excessive wear or poor performance

• Safety risks for operators if hoses or cylinders fail unexpectedly

What a Proper Hydraulic Service Should Include

A professional hydraulic inspection and service goes beyond just topping up your fluid. Here’s what we recommend:

• Visual inspection of all hydraulic lines, fittings and cylinders

• Pressure and flow testing

• Resealing of leaking or worn cylinders

• Replacement of cracked, frayed or brittle hoses

• Fluid analysis and oil replacement if contaminated

• Filter checks and replacements

• Ensuring correct hose routing and clamping

How Often Should Earthmoving Equipment Be Serviced?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your working conditions and how hard your machine is working. But as a general guide:

• Visible leaks or fluid pooling

• Loss of power or slow movement

• Jerky or uneven operation

• Hissing, whining or grinding sounds

• Oil that looks milky or smells burnt

If you notice any of the above — book a service before it leads to a more expensive repair.

Why Choose Heathwood for Earthmoving Hydraulic Repairs?

We specialise in hydraulic repairs, servicing and reseals for all types of earthmoving equipment — from mini excavators to heavy plant. Our team offers:

• ✅ Fast turnaround and emergency breakdown support

• ✅ Onsite repairs or in-workshop servicing

• ✅ Cylinder reseals, hose replacements and pressure testing

• ✅ Trusted experience with major brands like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi and Bobcat

• ✅ Honest advice, quality parts, and expert workmanship

Final Thoughts

A small hydraulic issue today could become tomorrow’s costly failure. Don’t wait for a breakdown to act. With regular hydraulic servicing and the right repairs, your earthmoving equipment will last longer, perform better, and cost less to run.

Need reliable hydraulic servicing for your machinery?

From hose replacements to full cylinder reseals — Heathwood Hydraulics has your back. We service all makes and models of earthmoving equipment. Get in touch today for fast, local support and preventative maintenance that keeps you moving.