Learn about the basic functionality of hydraulics for your Hydroswing® single panel overhead door system, how hydraulics in the door system work and how to maintain the hydraulics.

What are Hydraulics and how do they work my Hydroswing® Door

A hydraulic systems use compressed fluid to transfer force applied at one point to another point. The basic components that make up a hydraulic system are;

Reservoir, Pump, Valves, Fluid, Motor, Hose, Filter and Cylinder.

The hydraulic reservoir stores non-pressurized hydraulic fluid, typically hydraulic oil. This fluid is the lifeblood of the hydraulic system.

Hydraulic pump transfers the fluid from the reservoir to the hydraulic system. This transfer raises the energy level of the fluid by increasing its pressure. The motor provides the power source for the pump.

The high-pressure fluid acts upon the rod and piston within a hydraulic cylinder. Each stroke of the cylinder converts the fluid power (pressure) into work (mechanical force). The reservoir oil level falls while the rod and piston are extending.

When the rod and piston retract, the fluid returns to the reservoir. The metal walls of the reservoir cool the fluid by allowing heat to escape. The reduced pressure in the reservoir also allows trapped or dissolved air to escape from the fluid. If cylinders must compress air bubbles, the efficiency of the system is reduced.

There are two types of valves, directional control valves and pressure relief valves.

Directional control valves manage the flow path of the fluid in the system. Pressure relief valves protect the system plumbing and components against pressure overloads. They also limit the output force exerted by rotary motors and cylinders.

These valves open whenever the pressure goes beyond the set value, allowing oil to flow back into the reservoir.

The fluid travels from one component to the next within a hydraulic system through a hydraulic hose.

Hydroswing® definition of terms

• Bore: The interior diameter of a cylinder.
• Cylinder: The chamber within which a rod and piston move back and forth under the influence of fluid pressure, gravity, or mechanical force.
• Fitting: A device for creating a seal within a hydraulic system.
• GPM: Acronym that stands for "Gallons Per Minute".
• Piston: A fitting within a cylinder that moves back and forth with the rod.
• Positive Displacement Pump: A pump that displaces an exact amount of fluid per revolution, such as a gear, vane, or piston pump.
• PSI: Acronym that stands for "Pounds Per Square Inch".
• Ram: A term commonly used to refer to the rod and piston within a cylinder.
• Rod: A bar which drives the piston back and forth through the chamber of the cylinder.
• Seal: A tight closure that prevents the passage of hydraulic fluid.
• Spool: The internal passageways within a hydraulic valve. The standard spool has two ports that are blocked when the system is in neutral.
• Stroke: The movement, in either direction, of the piston and rod within a cylinder.
• Thread: Ribbing within a pipe or fitting that allows it to create a seal with another pipe or fitting.

Hydroswing® Door or single panel cylinder issues performance guide

Hydraulic system problems can arise from many points within the system. The following guide may help you locate and resolve problems quickly. Always refer to the technical manuals for your system before performing repairs or call +1 800 404 HYDRO

CHECK FOR	RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Oil Leaks	Check all components for internal or external leaks. Tighten fittings. Repair or replace damaged seals or components. Check relief valve for proper settings.
Low Oil, No Oil	Check reservoir. Add oil as necessary
Restricted oil line	Clean or replace dirty or damaged oil lines
Worn or dirty pump	Clean, repair, or replace. Check alignment. Check for contaminated oil. Drain and flush system.
Dirty/damaged components or seals	Clean, repair, or replace components. Check for cause of excessive wear.
Bent Ram	Check for side pressure on rod or improper mounting of cylinder.
Blown seals	Check relief valve settings. Make sure you are using correct hydraulic fluid for system.
Slipping or broken pump drive	Repair or replace belts, couplings, etc. Check for proper alignment and tension.
leaking cylinder	Repair/replace seals.
Excessive load	Check door specifications for load limits
Air In ram	Check suction side of system for leaks. Repair. Purge air from system
Air leaks in pump section line	Repair or replace line as necessary
adjustments	Adjust fittings, valves, etc. according to specifications in technical manuals.
Low pump drive speed	Check manual for recommendations
Improper cylinder for application	Check PSI and cylinder travel time. May need cylinder with a larger or smaller bore

NOTE:
IF USING THIS GIUDE WITH OTHER BRANDS OF SINGLE PANEL DOOR SUCH AS SCHWEISS, HIFOLD, POWERLIFT, AND ALL OTHER NON HYDROSWING® DOORS PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ SPECIFIC MAUALS FOR THOSE PRODUCTS, OR CALL +1 800 404 HYDRO TO ESTABLISH PARTS REPLACEMENT FOR YOUR NONE HYDROSWING® DOOR.

Questions and Answers to the most commonly asked questions about hydraulics on the Hydroswing® door system:

• Q: What is the difference between a single-acting cylinder and a double-acting cylinder?
• A: In a single-acting cylinder, pressure is applied to one side of the piston. Therefore, work occurs in one direction only. The cylinder returns to its original position under the weight of the load (or by means of a manual lever). In a double-acting cylinder, pressure can be applied to either side of the piston. This allows work to occur in either direction.

• Q: What is the difference between a tie-rod cylinder and a welded cylinder?
• A: Tie-rod cylinders are held together by four rods. They cost less than welded cylinders and are easy to repair. On a welded cylinder, the fixed end is welded in place, adding strength and durability for high-pressure applications such as log splitters.

• Q: What is the difference between an open and closed system?
• A: The terms “open system” and “closed system” refer to two methods of reducing the pressure on the pump, which minimizes wear and tear. Open systems are common on log splitters and most tractors prior to 1960. When an open system is in neutral, an open center valve connects all lines directly back to the reservoir, bypassing the pump. The pump is always pumping, allowing a constant flow of oil without building pressure. Closed systems are common on construction machinery and modern farm equipment, including most John Deere models. When a closed system is in neutral, the closed center valve blocks the flow of oil from the pump. The oil travels instead to an accumulator, which stores the oil under pressure.

• Q: What is the difference between NPTF and JIC fittings?
• A: NPTF and JIC fittings both prevent leakage on the ports of hydraulic components. However, NPTF or “dry seal” taper pipe threads do this by using the resistance of the male to female thread taper. JIC or “straight” threads use an O-ring. Note: Do not use JIC and NPTF fittings interchangeably. Significant damage to the seal and the parts could result. However, you can purchase special adapters to convert from one type of fitting to another. Consult Tractor Supply’s product catalog for a complete listing of fittings and adapters.

• Q: What is the difference between the various I.S.O. tips and OEM old-style tips and couplers?
• A: There are three types of I.S.O. tips. All three are interchangeable with each other and universal, except as noted below. The I.S.O. tip with ball was the first standard, universal tip in the marketplace. It seals with a metal-to-metal seat. This seal tends to “weep” when disconnected, but it is still the most widely used tip in the industry. The I.S.O. tip with poppet has the same basic design. However, this tip seals with an O-ring that presses together with the poppet to form a tight, 360-degree seal. This “soft seal” reduces fluid loss. In the future, this will be the choice of OEM manufacturers. The I.S.O. tip with pressure relief poppet has a secondary poppet in the tip. When pressure builds up in the hose, this secondary poppet allows pressure to be displaced to the coupler. The tip can then connect without pressure. Certain OEM designs that predate the introduction of I.S.O. tips require the use of OEM old-style tips. These tips and couplers are unique to each manufacturer, and cannot be interchanged. Specific conversion adapters are required for these machines to accept I.S.O. tips. See the in-store conversion adapter chart for more information.

• Q: Can I use galvanized or brass fittings if I need to replace door fittings?
• A: No. Galvanized and brass fittings do not meet the psi ratings of hydraulic systems. The metal tends to flake. This flaking can contaminate the oil and damage the hydraulic pump.

• Q: Can Teflon tape be used on hydraulic fittings?
• A: No. Teflon tape may flake. This flaking can contaminate the oil and damage the pump. Warranties are typically voided by using Teflon tape. Use a hydraulic-rated liquid Teflon sealant instead.

• Q: What is the difference between hydraulic oil and hydraulic fluid?
• A: Hydraulic oil is petroleum oil refined for use in hydraulic systems. This oil typically has additives to prevent rust and minimize foaming. Hydraulic fluid is any liquid in a hydraulic system that is not petroleum-based (such as water-based and synthetic mixtures.) These fluids are used in applications where there is a risk of fire (such as wet brakes, clutches, and transmissions). Note: The term “hydraulic fluid” is often used interchangeably to mean oil or any other fluid within a hydraulic system. Refer to your owner’s manual for the requirements of your system. Using the incorrect fluid can harm seals and cause your system to break down.
• components. Change the oil and filter regularly to prolong the life of your system. Refer to your owner’s manual for part numbers and recommended frequency.

• Q: How big should the reservoir be?
• A: Generally, the size of the reservoir should be 3 times system capacity, or 1.5 times the pump GPM rating. The reservoir must also have adequate surface area to allow heat to disperse.

• Q: What size hose do I need?
• A: The size of the pipe, tubing, or hose in a hydraulic system is very important. If the hose is too small, the oil flows at a high rate of speed. This generates heat, which means that the fluid is losing power. If the hose is too large, the time and cost of installation may be too high. A 2-wire hose is recommended for applications above 1800 psi. However, specifications vary by manufacturer, so read product packaging for specific application suggestions and psi ratings.