NEWS

We are in the busiest stretch of the year for many service truck owners and downtime isn’t an option. Your hydraulic system is the muscle behind every job. That’s why routine fluid changes and component inspections aren’t just good practices, they’re essential to getting peak performance out of your truck.

Why Regular Fluid Changes Matter

Hydraulic fluid isn’t just a lubricant; it’s the lifeblood of your truck’s hydraulic system. Over time, this fluid degrades. Heat, moisture, and contamination from wear particles slowly break it down, reducing its ability to protect internal components.

Here’s what happens when fluid is ignored:

• Sluggish performance: Viscosity loss leads to poor pressure control.
• Increased wear: Contaminants act like sandpaper on valves and seals.
• Overheating: Degraded fluid can’t dissipate heat, stressing the entire system.

Changing hydraulic fluid at the recommended intervals helps avoid system strain—and unexpected downtime when you need your trucks the most.

Why Component Inspections Matter

Even if your fluid is fresh, worn or damaged components can still bring the system down. Hoses, seals, cylinders. and filters all have limited lifespans. A single cracked hose or leaking seal can escalate into full system failure.

Routine inspections help you catch:

• Micro-leaks that evolve into major hydraulic loss.
• Damaged hoses ready to burst under pressure.
• Contaminated filters choking off flow and reducing system efficiency.

“Hydraulic systems don’t usually fail without warning,” said Tim Henrich, National Sales Director at STI. “The warning signs are usually there, like loss of pressure, slow response, and fluid discoloration. Regular inspections are how you keep your investment working, not waiting for parts.”

Direct Hits to Your Bottom Line

Unscheduled hydraulic repairs can run into the thousands just for one truck. Add in lost labor hours, missed jobs, and damage to other systems, and the cost of one hydraulic failure can:

• Wipe out a full day (or more) of field work.
• Require expensive overnight parts and rushed labor.
• Lead to damage in boom systems, cranes, or other hydraulics.
• Result in frustrated or angry customers who rely on your services.

Don’t Wait

Benjamin Franklin said it best: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Don’t wait for a breakdown to remind you. If you’re unsure how often to inspect or change fluids, check your maintenance manual. Schedule your hydraulic service now or handle it yourself if you’ve got the right tools and experience.