What to look for in a hydraulic repair service

Hydraulic equipment is designed to be incredibly robust in order to withstand extreme operating conditions. However, anyone working with hydraulic machinery will understand that equipment breakdowns are often part and parcel.

Despite that, hydraulic failures are highly detrimental to business operations. So, if you find that your equipment is underperforming or has started to make strange noises, you’ll need to get it investigated and repaired as soon as possible.

Naturally, you want to put your trust in a reputable hydraulic repair expert to get your operations back up and running, but with so many specialists to choose from – how do you figure out who’s best for the job?

In this article, we’ll talk you through some of the key things to look for in a hydraulic repair service to ensure you get the best possible outcome.

1. Years of experience

Experience is a must in any industry, and particularly when it comes to hydraulics. Hydraulic equipment is highly complex and it takes specialist knowledge to know your way around the components and correctly troubleshoot any issues.

Whether you’re in need of a hydraulic cylinder repair or hydraulic pump repair, it’s crucial that you do your research and find a company that has plenty of experience in hydraulic engineering.

Sure, even the longest-established companies will employ engineers relatively new to the industry, but if the business has a long history behind them then it’s likely that they will have many years of experience in identifying and solving a large number of problems. As hydraulic issues are vast and varied, this will stand you the best chance to get your individual problem diagnosed and repaired to a high standard.

Derek Lane & Co have been in the industry for over 40 years, servicing the hydraulic needs of companies across the UK. Hydraulic repairs are one of our core services, and we have the tools and expertise to make your equipment as good as new.

2. Highly trained engineers

Similarly, it’s important to seek out a company that employs highly skilled engineers who are qualified and well-trained in working with industrial systems specifically.

The more skills and experience an engineer has, the more likely they are to be able to identify the problem with a quick inspection and devise the best solution.

When it comes to experience, look no further than Derek Lane & Co. We employ a tight-knit team of professionally qualified service engineers, some of whom have been with us since day one. Well-versed in all areas of repairs, installations and manufacturing across a range of industries, no challenge is too big for our team.

3. An extensive product range

When your hydraulic equipment is in need of repair or replacement, quick turnaround is a top priority to minimise downtime and get your systems back in action. Of course, in order to do this, your chosen repair expert will need quick and easy access to the parts required.

You’ll want to seek out a company that has a wide range of pumps, cylinders, hoses, fittings, and so on, so that they can find a perfect fit and get started on the repair straight away. Lead times on replacement parts can often cause long delays in the repair process, so this is something to prioritise where possible.

It’s not just the product quantity that counts, but the product quality too. Using a hydraulic repair service that only works with reputable, genuine manufacturers is critical to ensure that you avoid being a victim of counterfeit hydraulic parts.

4. High technological capabilities

Hydraulics may be an age-old technology, but modern-day advancements in hydraulic equipment mean that specialist tools can diagnose and resolve issues faster and more accurately than ever before.

For a hydraulic repair service to stay competitive, having access to this type of equipment is in their best interests. Make sure your chosen repair shop is equipped with high-quality, specialised equipment to ensure that your repairs can be actioned fast and efficiently to the highest degree of accuracy.

This is why we made substantial investments into our workshop machinery. Our facility in Devon is now fully equipped with the highest spec XYZ Machine tools, meaning our skilled team can take on the most complex challenges with ease.

5. Convenient and flexible services

Companies will often offer on-site hydraulic repair services, off-site services, or both. Typically, you’ll want to find a company that offers both so that you have the flexibility there when you need it.

For emergency inspections and repairs with minimal disruption, a company that offers on-site services is fast and efficient. When it comes to custom builds and repairs, ideally you’ll also want the company to have their own facility where they can work on your equipment away from your place of business, and return it when it’s ready.

Find out how flexible they are, too. It’s important to get a good idea of timescales where emergency call-out services are concerned, and how far they’re willing to travel.

Here at Derek Lane & Co, we offer the complete package of both in-house and emergency on-site engineering services. Our extensive fluid power service and repair capabilities extend from troubleshooting, testing and repair, to modifications and complete installations.

6. Bespoke solution capabilities

When your hydraulic system is in need of a repair or a replacement part, a custom built solution can often be the answer to your prayers. However, not all repair specialists offer this option.

Having access to a team who can build a bespoke hydraulic solution is ideal for when you can’t find a like-for-like replacement for your component, or you need a custom design that fits your exact specifications.

Derek Lane & Co is here for all of your bespoke needs, from specialist hose assemblies to hydraulic power packs and everything in between.

If you’re looking for a reputable hydraulic repair partner in the UK, look no further than us. We’re based in Newton Abbot, Devon and cater to the needs of businesses in the surrounding areas and those further afield. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help, get in touch with us.