Hi everyone!
Today we’re going to talk about the use of pneumatic controls in hydraulic tipping systems. I know that sounds a bit daunting, but don’t worry – I won’t be getting into any complicated technical details. We’ll focus on the essentials.
Right, let's get started! And to kick things off, a corny joke about controls
Why can't the pneumatic control system for tipping be connected? Because it always lets the air escape!
The pneumatic control has three operating positions. When the joystick is in the middle position, the control does not supply pressure; this is the neutral position. The tipping position, i.e. raising the tipper body. The control applies pressure to the spool in the valve, opening the oil flow to the cylinder. The position for lowering the tipper body. The control applies pressure to the spool of the hydraulic valve, opening the relief valve, allowing the oil to return to the reservoir.
Dear plumbers, operators and drivers
I’d like to raise a point today that may seem trivial, but could have serious consequences. The question is whether it’s worth leaving the control in the position for lowering the box.
Leaving the control in the lowering position for an extended period allows oil to flow freely through the valve between the cylinder and the reservoir. This can cause air to be drawn into the system through the cylinder seals. As a result, the oil foams and air becomes trapped in the cylinder and throughout the system.
And as you know, air in a hydraulic system is a major problem. It can cause the system to operate less efficiently and lead to faster wear and tear of its components. In the worst-case scenario, it can even cause damage and require repairs.
Point two: how not to damage the valve and the control system?
Pneumatic controls are great. They make it quick and easy to lower and raise the tipper body. But as is often the case in life, even the simplest things can cause harm if not used properly.
Well, if we leave the control in the lowering position all the time, we risk damaging the controller and the valve. As the saying goes, “too much of a good thing is bad for you”. In the lowering position, both the controller and the pneumatic part of the valve remain under pressure. This can shorten their service life. In the worst-case scenario, air may escape into the oil reservoir, causing the oil to foam and resulting in an air-locked hydraulic system. It may also lead to unnecessary drops in pneumatic pressure throughout the vehicle’s system.
My friends, it’s not worth taking the risk. Remember that the control should always be in the neutral position when you’re not using the hydraulic system.
Right, here’s the third reason why you shouldn’t leave the control in the tipper body lowering position whilst driving:
How does that work in practice?
However, when driving over uneven ground with the control lever left in the lowering position, the hydraulic cylinder can extend and move much more freely, which may lead to a reduction in its service life, damage to the seals, and consequently damage to the cylinder itself.
So what does this mean? It means that if we don’t want to damage the system or reduce its efficiency, we should only use the controls when necessary.And how do we do that? Simply remember to switch off the control system when the tipping box is in the lowered position. The control system should always be in neutral when the tipping mechanism is at rest.
Of course, if we forget, nothing will happen. Don’t worry. I forget sometimes too. But only when I’m already at home and the rubbish bin is empty.
The system won’t break down straight away. But it’s better not to take any chances.
So if you want your pneumatic tipping control system to last for many years, remember to switch it off when it’s not in use.
Stay with me.
See you next Monday!
Warm hugs to you all.
Asia Pieprzyca
