Today’s Cat machines are faster, more powerful, and easier to operate thanks to technological advancements in their hydraulic designs.

But maximizing this performance depends on strict contamination control, which is why making Caterpillar’s CHS (or Custom Hydraulic Service) a part of your overall maintenance programme is so important.

“In essence, CHS enables you to maintain peak hydraulic system performance and catch problems before they turn into costly repairs,” explains Paul Verwey, a group products specialist at Barloworld Equipment. “In fact, long before contaminants cause component failure, they slowly reduce system efficiency, which has a tremendous impact on machine productivity.” (Barloworld Equipment is the Caterpillar dealer in southern Africa.)

Consider this: controlled studies have shown that without a monitoring mechanism in place, hydraulic efficiency can fall off by as much as 20% before being detected by even the best operators,” Verwey continues. “Efficiency losses of this magnitude can equate to a day of lost production each week. They also cause machines to burn more fuel and shorten component life.”

Designed for today’s hydraulic-intensive machines, periodic CHS inspections are the best way to keep repair costs down and performance up.

CHS inspections should be performed twice a year or every 1 000 hours. The inspection service is comprehensive and typically entails a range of performance tests. The latter include hydraulic cylinder drift, and hydraulic system cycle times and pressures.

An oil sample is also taken from the hydraulic compartment. Samples are then analyzed for their contamination level, physical properties, and wear particle count using Cat’s S.O.S. (Scheduled Oil Sampling) system.

Visual inspection checks are in turn carried out on the hydraulic system; engine and cooling system; the cab; the machine’s electrical system; undercarriage; and ground engaging tools.

Adds Verwey: “The results of the performance tests, oil analysis, and visual inspection are then interpreted and a feedback report generated. From there your Barloworld Equipment after-sales representative can provide expert advice on any maintenance interventions needed to keep your machines and their hydraulic circuits at optimum performance levels.”