How Long Do Hydraulic Lines Last? ... 😅

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Got it. Both factors affect the life of a hose. Either way, the 15 year old hoses should be replaced.

 

[J. Keeton]

This Is how mine was rigged up:







I was surprised to see that my cylinder was rated to around 14.7 tons. Some reason I thought I had a 25 ton cylinder. I was also surprised to see it’s 1500psi max. From what I can tell that 2 stage pump is good to around 2500 psi on the second stage… that’s at around 3600 rpm I think.

Edit: Motor is a 3HP


I’m hoping to re-use some of this equipment… Yall see any issues with the system?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If the cylinder is rated at 1500PSI max, going a lot over that will likely make the seals fail.
One thing in our favor for the presses we use is the cylinder does not stay in a stalled position, or support weight. It presses for a few seconds at most, and then reverses. Momentarily, it may jump to 2400PSI or even 3000PSI, depending on the pump and motor, but most of the time it is in the low pressure mode..

 

[fitzo]

Just for fun's sake, since I'll unlikely post this anywhere else.
5HP. 5"cyl/2" ram. IIRC, it developed 2300 PSI the highest I'd take it. About 23 ton I think. This one didn't flex. That's Bill Buxton in the green and a friend of Ron Duncan's with Nanc and me. Ron built the press for me as a favor; all I paid was parts. About 800 pounds worth no fluid, IIRC.

 

[fitzo]

And, in tribute to an old friend, Ron "Bowie" Claiborne as another Thunder Mountain Forge Press is ready to go, pinstripes and all. RIP, Bowie.

 

[J. Keeton]

And, in tribute to an old friend, Ron "Bowie" Claiborne as another Thunder Mountain Forge Press is ready to go, pinstripes and all. RIP, Bowie.

I actually have that picture stored on my machine... His press was what I modeled mine off of! Beautiful work


Side question: Do yall see an advantage to keeping the hydraulic system detached from the press on a cart?

Some more:

 

[fitzo]

Thanks for all the fotos, Jimmy. Old Bowie knew what he was doing.

 

[Ken H>]

Side question: Do yall see an advantage to keeping the hydraulic system detached from the press on a cart?

The only reason I can think of would be like the 12 ton press I have to mount whole thing on a cart for easier moving around. If it's to be in one place, I don't see any reason to mount separately from press. All depends on the setup you have for the press where the press has to be moved around, or can be left in a single place.

Those are some NICE photos of BIG presses.

Is the max pressure rating of 1500 psi labeled on the cylinder? OR, is that just the working pressure you it set at?

 

[J. Keeton]

The only reason I can think of would be like the 12 ton press I have to mount whole thing on a cart for easier moving around. If it's to be in one place, I don't see any reason to mount separately from press. All depends on the setup you have for the press where the press has to be moved around, or can be left in a single place.

Those are some NICE photos of BIG presses.

Is the max pressure rating of 1500 psi labeled on the cylinder? OR, is that just the working pressure you it set at?

That’s the pressure on the cylinder and in the spec sheet I have. Being a 17 year old at the time… I’m sure I tested the max allowable pressure of that set up. Glad it didn’t explode… I’d assume they fail first in the seals before that though. Right?!?! hahaha


——-

When it comes to the hoses: If I’m thinking about this right; I should only need to replace 3 from a safety standpoint. The two hoses that run to the cylinder and the hose at the discharge of the pump. I’m thinking suction and return should be at low PSI. Depending on the prices, I may get them all.

——-

I’m hoping the pump and cylinder are still usable… but If not it looks like most tie-rod cylinders on the market now days are rated to 3000psi.

 

[J. Keeton]

Adding on to my last comment. I made a cart of tonnage with varying bore sizes and PSIs.





I also looked around… just in case I need to replace my cylinder. Looks like the 4’’ bore cylinders @ 2500 psi would be a good fit for my system. They’d provide an extra ton and would better utilize my 2,600 psi pump.

 

[Ken H>]

Good numbers, and they agree with my calculations.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Remember, you can run a 3000PSI cylinder on 2400{SI, just not the other way around. Also, get the biggest rod size for a press. The 4"X2"X3000PSI cylinder would be my choice for your build ... and it is cheaper. If you upgrade your pump, the cylinder can handle it.

 

[afishhunter]

At Novac's American Metal Reduction, we replaced the hydralic hoses on the car crusher, big end loader, and other equipment about every 3 or 4 years.

 

[FredyCro]

I have no clue on the presses, but I am looking forward to the YT vid. There is going to be one, I hope?

 

[J. Keeton]

What are the chances the pump, cylinder, motor, and control valve all still work? Guess I'll find out... This is exciting...

I'm disappointed how this press' life went... I barely used the thing once I got it together and then it was just neglected!! If I could talk to it I'd say "don't worry buddy.... we're going to get you all dialed up!"

 

[Ken H>]

Would it be such a big deal to rebuild the cylinder if it is bad? Wait, I think you said max pressure on the cylinder was 1500 psi? That is a tad on the low pressure side. Bet the motor and valve work at least, and I suspect a very good chance the cylinder and pump work - and of course the frame would still be good. Sounds like you've got a press coming together.

 

[12345678910]

What are the chances the pump, cylinder, motor, and control valve all still work? Guess I'll find out... This is exciting...

I'm disappointed how this press' life went... I barely used the thing once I got it together and then it was just neglected!! If I could talk to it I'd say "don't worry buddy.... we're going to get you all dialed up!"

I'd be concerned with water in the oil.
check it, it will sit on the bottom.

It may be worth a change and flush

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Yes, change out the hydraulic oil! Unless you drained it and stored it in tightly sealed cans, it is almost surely contaminated with moisture.

 

[A.McPherson]

If I could talk to it I'd say "don't worry buddy.... we're going to get you all dialed up!"

You can talk to it you know... I do it all the time! "Stupid, crappy old sick welder why don't you work right!!".
Of course is be really concerned if it started talking back...

 

[J. Keeton]

Remember, you can run a 3000PSI cylinder on 2400{SI, just not the other way around. Also, get the biggest rod size for a press. The 4"X2"X3000PSI cylinder would be my choice for your build ... and it is cheaper. If you upgrade your pump, the cylinder can handle it.

So the larger rod (1.5’’ to 2.0”) adds a notable amount rigidity?

Can the max pressure be regulated on the control valve? So could I have a 3000 psi pump with a 2500 psi cylinder and regulate the pressure on the control valve so that I don’t exceed the max of the cylinder? I’m trying to remember… but I thought that was possible.