Hydraulic motors are critical components in skid steers, excavators and a huge range of other site equipment. They power everything from track drive motors and attachment motors to augers and mulchers. When hydraulic motors fail, it can bring work to a stop.
To help you diagnose faults and get up and running again faster, we’ve put together this handy hydraulic motor troubleshooting guide. We’ll cover what causes hydraulic motors to stop turning, a troubleshooting checklist, some common motor problems and how to prevent hydraulic motor failure.
Keep reading to learn more or, to discuss expert hydraulic motor repair, just call our team on 01527 870 793.
Common Signs Your Hydraulic Motor is Failing
Before a hydraulic motor stops working, there are usually signs that it’s beginning to fail, including:
- Hydraulic motor not turning
- Slow or weak movement
- Jerky or inconsistent operation
- Excessive heat buildup
- Hydraulic fluid leaks
- Grinding, whining or knocking noises
- Loss of power under load
- Burnt-smelling hydraulic oil
- Reduced attachment performance
If your motor is showing any of these signs, contact our team now to discuss expert hydraulic motor repair with free diagnosis.
Why Hydraulic Motors Stop Turning
Low Hydraulic Fluid Levels
Low hydraulic fluid levels are a common indicator that there are issues with your hydraulic motor, and can cause your motor to stop turning if they drop low enough. Keep an eye out for:
- Visible leaks
- Damaged hydraulic hoses
- Loose fittings
Contaminated Hydraulic Oil
Contamination in your hydraulic fluid, such as debris, coolant or other substances, can corrode or damage internal components in your motor, causing it to seize. Look out for:
- Milky hydraulic oil
- Dark or burnt fluid
- Excessive heat
- Reduced efficiency
Air in the Hydraulic System
Hydraulic systems rely on compressing and moving hydraulic fluid to operate properly. Air within the system can cause efficiency to drop or even lead to hydraulic motor failure. Be aware of:
- Knocking sounds
- Foaming hydraulic fluid
- Inconsistent motor movement
- Reduced power
Failed Hydraulic Pump
The hydraulic motor in your skid steer or excavator relies on the pressure generated by the hydraulic pump. If the pump fails, so will the motor. Pay attention to:
- Overheating
- Excessive noise
- Slow hydraulic functions
- Multiple hydraulic functions failing simultaneously
Internal Motor Damage
Worn components within the motor are also a leading cause of skid steer and excavator hydraulic motor problems. Pay attention to:
- Worn bearings
- Broken gears
- Damaged pistons
- Cracked housings
- Failed seals
Blocked Hydraulic Filters
If the filters inside your hydraulic motor become blocked, they can prevent or slow the flow of hydraulic fluid, causing the motor to fail entirely. Keep an eye out for:
- Pressure drops
- Cavitation
- Overheating
- Premature component wear
Hydraulic Motor Troubleshooting Checklist
If your hydraulic motor fails, there are a few easy troubleshooting checks you can make to rule out some of the common issues listed above. To begin with:
- Inspect hydraulic fluid levels
- Check for external leaks
- Examine hoses and fittings for damage
- Replace clogged hydraulic filters
- Listen for unusual noises
- Check hydraulic oil condition
- Test hydraulic pressure levels
- Inspect electrical controls and solenoids where applicable
Excavator Hydraulic Motor Problems
Excavators use their hydraulic motors to power a range of actions from track drives to auxiliary attachments. If these motors fail, the excavator can become immobile or unable to perform tasks, requiring excavator hydraulic repair to allow systems to work again.
Common concerns with excavator hydraulic motors include hydraulic fluid leaks, slow or weak hydraulic functions and overheating hydraulic oil.
Skid Steer Hydraulic Motor Issues
Skid steers use hydraulic motors primarily for propulsion and steering, but they also power attachments. As with excavators, skid steer hydraulic motor issues can render the whole machine immobile.
Issues with hydraulic motors in skid steers often include drive motor failure, auxiliary hydraulic problems and contaminated hydraulic oil.
Can Hydraulic Motors Be Repaired?
While hydraulic motor failure can be problematic, it doesn’t necessarily write off the whole machine. Excavator and skid steer hydraulic repair is almost always possible, but does usually require expert engineers and equipment.
At CJ Plant, we’ve been conducting hydraulic motor troubleshooting and repairs for more than 20 years. We have a team of expert in-house engineers and work with equipment from a long list of leading manufacturers.
Preventing Hydraulic Motor Failure
The best way to prevent hydraulic motor failure, aside from not over-stressing your machinery, is to routinely inspect and maintain your motor. Regular maintenance should include:
- Regular hydraulic oil changes
- Scheduled filter replacements
- Monitoring operating temperatures
- Inspecting hoses and fittings
- Keeping hydraulic systems clean
- Addressing leaks immediately
- Carrying out routine pressure testing
Professional Hydraulic Motor Repairs
If your excavator or skid steer hydraulic motor has seized or failed, send it to CJ Plant for expert diagnosis and repair. We offer free motor stripping and diagnosis and all repairs are covered by a 12-month warranty. Every motor is thoroughly tested using our in-house test rig before being returned.
Book your repair today by calling 01527 870 793, emailing tracey.jones@cjplant.com or filling out our contact form.