RENTAL EQUIPMENT
Protecting Hydraulics
Boosting Uptime
Effective preventive measures improve service life for rental construction machines
By Seth Skydel
Uncompromising operating environments and rigorous demands on construction jobsites make the durability of construction equipment a muchneeded focus for rental companies and operators. Though designed to be rugged and durable, construction machinery can quickly degrade in the harsh environments, requiring that owners and operators keep equipment in top condition with regular maintenance and timely repairs.
In particular, the hydraulic systems on heavy construction equipment need extra attention. Damage to hydraulics is easily caused and expensive to rectify, including considerable downtime for repairs.
“ Hydraulic cylinders can get damaged from constant contact with rocks and debris,” said Leigh Carlson, CEO of Fluid Control Services.“ When foreign matter such as dirt, grit, and water breaches the seals, it infiltrates and contaminates the hydraulic fluid, which can damage pumps and valves. Hydraulic cylinders are particularly vulnerable to environmental damage, which can impact productivity and profitability.”
The nature of the rental business model, Carlson noted, means the same machine may be operated by different people with varying levels of training. As a result, hydraulic systems on construction equipment can be subjected to improper handling and experience more wear and tear.
“ This can put the equipment out of action and shorten its lifespan unless owners and operators take effective preventive measures,” Carlson said.
“ Downtime can be costly if rental companies need to disassemble and replace hydraulic cylinders.”
One proven preventive measure is the installation of the Seal Saver, a protective boot produced by Fluid Control Services. The lightweight, flexible covering encapsulates the cylinder rods of hydraulic systems.
Seal Saver is typically made of ballistic nylon, which is highly durable and resistant to dirt and abrasion. The boots can also be constructed from Kevlar or silica-coated cloth for more challenging environments where increased resistance to chemicals and extreme heat is needed.
Of particular benefit to construction equipment rental companies is the Seal Saver’ s easy installation process, Carlson pointed out. Requiring minimal downtime, installation can take as little as 15 minutes with just a screwdriver, and without requiring the disassembly of the hydraulic cylinder.
Another feature of the Seal Saver for equipment rental companies is its customizable design, making it an ideal solution for fleets of various machines designated for different construction
environments and projects.
Rented machines account for a significant proportion of the construction equipment in operation, with rental companies accounting for 33 % of purchases in North America, Carlson noted. Furthermore, 84 % of construction companies in the U. S. rent their equipment.
“ The appeal is that construction companies have the flexibility to procure machines based on the needs of specific projects,” Carlson said.“ At the same time, protecting equipment that is constantly exposed to dust, dirt, and debris is essential from a cost and operational standpoint. With a hydraulic cylinder for a mid-size excavator costing between $ 5,000 and $ 15,000 to replace, the $ 500 to $ 1,000 price of a Seal Saver offers considerable value.”
For rental companies, protecting equipment enhances cost efficiency, reduces downtime, and extends service life. Where performance is vital, Carlson related, safeguarding essential hydraulic systems on those machines keeps the gears turning and project timelines on track.
28 l November-December 2026