Seals play a crucial part in ensuring the excavator can be run efficiently and durable. The primary purpose of using the seals is that they can prevent leakage of fluid between components.

Seals fall into two main categories, which are dynamic and static. Dynamic seals are used between components that are in relative motion; meanwhile, static seals are applied between fixed components. These two types of seals function differently, and users should carefully pick the one that suits the purpose and maximize its usage for the excavator.

Although using this product correctly and purchasing high-quality seals from companies such as YBAS can already prevent most of the failures caused by excavator seals. It is the best for us to understand the reasons that lead to failure so that excavator drivers or related companies can take precaution to prevent accidents.

What can cause seals failures?

Hardening

When seals are being heated continuously and expose to high temperature, they can become hard. The heat could potentially come from the operation of the excavator, or the high-speed heat generation from stroking operation. Seals lose elasticity and can be easily cracked when it is hardened. Therefore, failures happen, which causes the machine works improperly.

Wear

This situation can be separated into two parts. There is usually a dynamic face on the seal. When the seals are worn, it can be one side of the face showing excessive wear or the entire face is worn and shows a glossy mirror-like shine. The former situation is caused by excessive lateral load, while the latter is due to insufficient lubrication.

Scarring

Scarring is usually caused by improper installation, and the seals contact sharp components by accident. It could lead to the seal’s lip being cut or dented, which shortens the life of the product and lead to potential failure.

Another situation that is related to scarring is from the damage to the rod or cylinder bore, as well as from other potential outside materials present in the fluid. The difference between these two scarring situations is that multiple scratches occur with rod damage, while one deep cut is more likely to present with improper installation.

Fracture

This is probably the most complicated part of seal damage. A fracture means the condition where there is burns, breaking, long cracks, and a complete breaking off of the dynamic face. Such situations can be caused by the low temperature at starting the excavator; frequent shock from excessive pressure spike; material fluid break down; excessive backpressure; and dieseling.

Missing material is also the reason that causes the fracture. However, it is difficult to determine why materials are missing. It can be low-quality production or careless transportation and installation. Acquiring such items from trusted manufacturers such as YBAS can reduce the possibility of fracturing.

Contamination

When external flotsam or shaving enter into the rod or the cylinder accidentally, they can cause contamination in the excavator. The dust, mud, and power can make seals dirtier over time, which these particles can also reduce the efficiency of the running piston. The seals lose its ability to prevent contaminant area from piston area, as well as ensuring the machine operates smoothly.

Erosion

The excavator can contact various factors, including chemical elements, and some of those elements can cause the breakdown of the seal. If an incorrect seal material is chosen for a job, corrosive fluid can potentially lead to loss of seal lip interface, softening of the seal durometer, swelling, and shrinkage of the seal.

There is one indicator that can help you identify whether the seal is being corroded. When discoloration occurs to the product, it is likely that it encounters some chemicals, and detailed inspection to both the seal and the excavator is recommended.

How to pick a high-quality seal?

As we mentioned before, selecting a seal with superior quality can already save you time and money in resolving possible failures. Here are a few criteria for you to refer to when you are purchase seals for an excavator.

• Fluid type: seal efficiency and effectiveness are highly dependent on the fluid type; therefore, make sure you consult the manufacturer for the best seal regarding your excavator fluid type.
• Fluid pressure range: this refers to the operating range of the fluid system pressure, as well as the frequency of the system pressure peaks.
• Temperature range: resting and operating temperature range should both be considered. Exceeding the upper limit can cause hardening, while too high of a resting range is not suitable for a low-temperature start-up.
• Stroke speed: The velocity of the stroke can influence the seal’s lifetime; hence, a more robust material is needed here.
• Cylinder application: this refers to environmental factors, installation, and exposure to different conditions. Minor factors may not cause failure instantly, but over a long time, safety in using the excavator is reduced because of the damage.

To conclude, we need to keep in mind about what factors will typically cause seal failures and take actions to prevent them from potential impacts. Seals are incredibly vital in a machine like excavators. Once again, acquire such an item from suppliers that are trustworthy and experienced like YBAS can save you a ton, and keep your operation on the best efficiency and effectiveness.